What is sciatica – explained by your Everton Park physiotherapists - Physiotherapist Brisbane City, Physio Therapy

What is sciatica? Sciatica is irritation of the largest nerve in your body but to really paint the picture, it’s a sudden, sharp pain that usually radiates from your lower back and shoots down to your toes.

For some, the agony can be debilitating and can greatly affect day-to-day life.

Want to know more? What are the other symptoms associated with sciatica nerve pain and what triggers it?

In this article, gain valuable knowledge on sciatica pain and treatment from experienced physiotherapists at North West Physio Everton Park.

Whether you’re new to this condition or have been battling sciatic pain for years, having the right information is essential to quickly get back on your feet.

Sciatic nerve pain

Sciatica is a medical condition that refers to pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg.

Sciatica typically affects one side of the body and can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Pain:

The most common symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the back of the thigh, calf, and sometimes even into the foot. The pain can be intense and may worsen with prolonged movements like walking or sitting.

Numbness and tingling:

Some individuals with sciatica may experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected leg or foot. This can be due to the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Muscle Weakness:

In more severe cases, sciatica can lead to muscle weakness in the leg or foot, making it difficult to move or control the affected limb. This weakness can interfere with normal daily activities.

Sciatic pain cause: what triggers sciatica

Sciatica is typically caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The most common underlying conditions and factors that can lead to sciatica include:

Herniated disc:

A herniated or slipped disc in the spine occurs when the soft, gel-like centre of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the disc’s outer layer, pressing on the adjacent nerves, including the sciatic nerve.

Spinal stenosis:

This is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve as it passes through the lower back.

Piriformis syndrome:

The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes irritate, or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to similar symptoms.

Spondylolisthesis:

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially compressing the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve.

Physio for sciatica

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have sciatica, as they can accurately diagnose the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific situation.

Early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications. Top of FormBottom of Form

For more information, contact North West Physio at Everton Park.