Common Conditions

Sciatica

Symptoms, Common Causes and Treatments

Understanding Sciatica and Its Causes

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back or buttocks down through the back of the legs. This condition can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and may include symptoms such as numbness or weakness that impact daily activities. Sciatica is not a standalone diagnosis but rather a symptom resulting from various underlying conditions. Common causes include:

Herniated Lumbar Discs: A condition where the discs in the lower spine bulge or rupture, potentially compressing the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal, which can exert pressure on the nerve roots.
Deep Gluteal Syndrome: Tightness or injury in the deep gluteal muscles that can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve.
Trauma: Injury to the lower limbs affecting the sciatic nerve.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The presentation of sciatica symptoms typically follows a dermatomal pattern, reflecting the specific nerve root affected. Symptoms may include:

Pain radiating from the lower back to the back of the leg, potentially reaching the knee or foot.
Accompanying low back pain.
Numbness or tingling in the affected areas.

To assist in diagnosis, the slump test may be conducted: while seated in a relaxed slumped posture, the patient looks down, flexes the head, and extends the symptomatic leg with toes pulled up. The test is considered positive if these actions reproduce the familiar symptoms.

Management Strategies for Sciatica

Effective management of sciatica involves addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms. At Mobilize, we employ a comprehensive approach including:

Manual Therapy

Techniques such as joint mobilizations for the hip and lumbar spine, along with soft tissue therapy, to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain.

Exercise Therapy

Prescribing nerve gliding exercises to improve nerve mobility, and performing mobility exercises to enhance the function of surrounding muscles and promote overall comfort.

Electrical Modalities

Utilizing therapies such as shockwave therapy, interferential therapy, and high-energy inductive therapy for acute pain relief.

Dry Needling

Applying acupuncture techniques to relax tight deep gluteal muscles, which may be contributing to nerve compression.

Patient Education

Providing detailed explanations of the causes of sciatica, advice on modifying daily activities for pain management, and recommendations on posture to prevent future episodes.

Conclusion

Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of sciatica, such as a herniated disc or deep gluteal muscle tightness, is crucial for effective treatment. With appropriate intervention and lifestyle modifications, most cases of sciatica can be managed successfully through conservative measures.

Referral Guidance

In cases where sciatica is attributed to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, and symptoms rapidly deteriorate to involve both legs along with bowel or bladder dysfunction, immediate medical attention is necessary. These symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition requiring urgent intervention.

Testimonials & Reviews

Excellent service. The physiotherapists are very professional, easy to communicate with and also give clear instructions on some home exercises that can help ease my pain.

As a stay at home mom, I need a lot of strength on my daily routine and whenever I have any pain and problems I go to Avery for therapies and he is always helpful and caring Highly recommended!

Samantha Lee

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I had never been a believer in physio therapy in the past or that my experience with multiple chain medical physiotherapy center had brought me nothing but temporary improvements. Until I had came across mobilize physiotherapy where they take the extra mile to examine your situation and tailor a physiotherapy session. The physiotherapists at Mobilize not only identifies the root cause and provide massages for pain relievers but also to provide take home exercises for improvements. I was never rush out the door for the next session and they ensure that I had receive the right treatment before the session ends.
I would highly recommend this physiotherapy center.

Edmond Chan

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Will was very professional. He was very thorough with the assessment and suggested different exercises for me to improve my condition. Recommended 👍🏾

Keith So

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passionate, precise and comprehensive physiotherapy service, highly recommended for sudden onset or prolonged pain with unknown reason.

Sam Sam

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I can't recommend my physio partner enough! They are always patient and provide valuable guidance to help me relieve chronic pain and improve my performance in jiu-jitsu. Their expertise has been invaluable to me. Highly recommended!

Felix Kung

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Nice and patient physiotherapy place, went the extra mile and even taught me a few exercises to work on it myself!

Hogan Lam

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