Have you had a tingling, uncomfortable sensation in your leg that came on suddenly?
Sciatica is a common disorder which is known to cause extreme discomfort, or in some cases, it may feel like the lower back is numb, or there may even be a sensation of tingling in the buttocks and both of the legs, which typically is due to a compressed or trapped nerve in the lower back.
It usually causes shooting pains down the left leg, which can also be very painful. And while pain medication can help to alleviate it, it is not always successful in reducing its incidence or severity. This is where osteopathy comes in.
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that can be used to help alleviate symptoms of sciatica. By manipulating the soft tissues, osteopathy can release trapped nerves gently and will also help to build up muscles around any protruding discs.
If you are fed up with sciatica, come and see our team at our osteopath clinic London W1. We can assess the severity of your sciatica and will aim to treat it promptly and effectively, helping you to find relief.
So, here are 5 frequently asked questions about how our osteopath clinic London W1 can help you to manage sciatica.
How does osteopathy help with sciatica?
Our osteopaths use a variety of techniques to help relieve the symptoms of sciatica. These may include massage, stretching, and manipulation of the spine and other affected areas of the body. By addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, osteopaths can help to reduce inflammation and nerve compression, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
So, if you are fed up with having a dead leg, or a dragging leg, contact our osteopath clinic London W1.
What are some common causes of sciatica?
Sciatica is usually caused by different factors, which does include genetic susceptibility. However, it also includes herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and piriformis syndrome. Osteopaths will typically work with patients to identify the underlying cause of their sciatica in order to develop an effective treatment plan.
What are some symptoms of sciatica?
The most common symptoms of sciatica include discomfort that feels like a shooting sensation, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, buttocks, and both legs.
In more extreme cases, patients may also experience muscular issues or difficulty moving the affected leg, causing them to lift it up in a 'flamingo' pose. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the sciatica.
How long will it take to see results from osteopathic treatment for sciatica?
This will vary greatly depending on the severity of the sciatica and the individual patient's response to treatment. Some patients may experience immediate relief of their symptoms, while for those who have a more serious presentation, it may require several sessions before significant improvement is seen. We will typically work with patients to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals.
What are some self-care strategies that can help manage sciatica?
In addition to osteopathic treatment, there are several self-care strategies that can help manage the symptoms of sciatica. These may include gentle stretching, regular exercise, hot or cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain medications. Osteopaths can work with patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates these self-care strategies along with hands-on manual therapy.
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