Sciatica

Sciatica is quite literally a pain in the butt. Anyone who has been unlucky enough to suffer from it will tell you that. Its caused by nerve irritation or compression of the nerve root in your lower back and can run from your buttocks down to the sole of your foot. Pain can be felt as burning, shooting, stabbing and can also have associated pins and needles/numbness/tingling in these areas too. So more importantly what can you do about this?? Well in most cases the symptoms will settle on their own in 4-6 weeks, the best thing to do is keep active (within your pain limits), ice/heat may help and take regular pain relief to get you through the worst of your symptoms in the beginning. If your pain isn't settling over the next week or two speak to your GP. They can prescribe different medication which can help specifically with nerve type pain. Physiotherapy can help too, postural advice, acupuncture for pain relief, exercise prescription among other things can speed your recovery along and keep you doing the right things to help rather than hinder your recovery. The internet is great source of information but are you looking up the right things to do?? I see loads of YouTube tutorials claiming to give you exercises and stretches that will help sciatica and sometimes wonder what qualifications they have to be advising these exercises. They are more likely to make you worse than better. So stick to reputable sites like NHS Inform to keep you on the right path. Back to Basics Physio can see you quickly, in the comfort of your own home to get you started on your rehab journey. Just give us a call!! 😊