Westernport osteopathy
Lower back pain and Sciatica
Osteopathy for back pain and sciatica
Back pain can be a serious dampener when it comes to work, rest and play. Your spine is more than just a bone column, and works with a wide range of muscles, tendons, nerves and fascia to keep you upright and moving. So when something goes wrong, it is often astounding how far reaching the impact can be, and can affect all ages and lifestyles. Whether it’s a chronic twinge, an old injury or simply an area you’d like to improve your range and flexibility with, see how osteopathy can help you move more freely.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when an important nerve called the sciatic nerve is disrupted in some way, causing pain, tingling or numbness from the buttock all the way down the leg. Because this nerve roots at the lumbar of the spine, it can be impacted by pressure from above, such as a herniated disc issue. For some, sciatica is an unpleasant sensation, while others may deal with intense pain and a sort of electrical shock sensation.
Sciatica can occur due to a range of reasons such as:
- A herniated disc, bone spur or rarely, a tumor
- Prolonged sitting in one position, such as a desk job or driving.
- Repetitive motions that require twisting or carrying heavy objects.
- Diabetes and obesity can also increase your risk.
Osteopathy for sciatica on the Mornington Peninsula
With such a long nerve pathway, it can sometimes be difficult for individuals to identify their issue as sciatica, or know where to begin when it comes to alleviating it. As osteopathy considers the whole body as well as your medical history, this can assist in relieving symptoms by identifying what may be causing the inflammation of the nerve and providing a range of manual therapies to help reduce this. Your osteopath can also provide you with ongoing exercises to help prevent sciatica in the future by building up muscle strength and improving posture.
Learn more or book your appointment with Westernport Osteopathy here, or by calling (03) 5977 7342.
