Sciatica

Sciatica is the term given to pain, numbness or altered sensation in the hips, buttocks, legs or feet caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

 

This nerve runs from the lower back down to the feet. Sciatica can be extremely painful and debilitating. Causes are varied but may include compression of the nerve in the sacral area, inflammed joints in the lower back or disc problems. 

 

It can be worsened by tension in the muscles and ligaments of the buttocks and legs which may be compensating for the spinal issues, and osteopathy would work to reduce tension points through massage, joint articulation, as well as assessing and correcting overall mechanical movement and posture.