What is Sciatica?

​Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your hips to your feet, is irritated. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.

Symptoms

• Backs of your legs, butt, feet and toes will be painful, the pain may be stabbing, burning or shooting, tingling – like pins and needles or numb

Your symptoms may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing.

How you can ease the Pain.

To help relieve your pain and speed up your recovery:

Do:

• Carry on with your normal activities as much as possible

• Regular back stretches

• Gentle exercise as soon as you can.

• Heat packs to the painful areas

• Ask your pharmacist about painkillers that can help – paracetamol on its own is unlikely to relieve your pain

Don't:

• Do not sit or lie down for long periods – even if moving hurts, it's not harmful and can help you get better faster

Causes

Sciatica is due to something pressing or rubbing on the sciatic nerve.

• Slipped Disc (the most common cause) – when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out

• Spinal Stenosis - narrowing of the part of your spine where nerves pass through

• Spondylosis – when one of the bones in your spine slips out of position

• Back injury

Treatments from a GP

• Exercise and stretches

• Prescribe painkillers that help with nerve pain like sciatica

• Physiotherapy – including exercise advice and techniques like massage

Physiotherapy from the NHS may not be available everywhere and waiting times can be long. Try Pilates 

Pilates involves building strength from the inside out, with strong abdominal and back muscles leading to overall physical strength. That's why it can be so effective for a condition like sciatica. Pilates for sciatica helps build up the deep muscles that can help provide support to the sciatic nerve

Contact sandy@dbchealthretreat.com