Your Comprehensive Guide To Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain

1. Your Comprehensive Guide To Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain Most people experience back pain at some point in their life. The causes and types of back pain may vary, but one major condition stands out as a leading cause of discomfort - Sciatica. A non-invasive approach that may give you relief from sciatica is osteopathy. So, consult your osteopath at Tim Wood Healthcare if your sciatica pain interferes with your daily life. People often use sciatica and sciatic nerve pain interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same thing. We will discuss the basics of the sciatic nerve, Sciatica and nerve pain, and its causes in this blog, so keep on reading! What is the sciatic nerve? The sciatic nerve is by far the biggest nerve in the human body. It begins in the lower back and runs posteriorly through the lower limb until it reaches the heel of the foot. It is also the thickest nerve of all, and can be up to 2 cm wide!. The sciatic nerve innervates much of the leg, thigh, foot skin and muscles. What is Sciatica? Sciatica is generally caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can happen in two ways: directly compressing the nerve; or a chemical irritation from the surrounding tissues.

2. It is a common misconception that sciatica and other trapped nerve conditions physically squash the nerves. In reality, inflammation of nearby structures can cause irritation in the surrounding areas, leading to the irritation of the nerves as they pass through Sciatica and nerve pain can weaken your body, but help isn’t far away. With clinics in Rainham and Maidstone, it’s time to book an appointment with your osteopath at Tim Wood Healthcare. They may ease your pain through hands-on manipulation and help you regain movement and functionality. Understanding the anatomy of the sciatic nerve The sciatic nerve is formed of five nerve roots that emerge from the lower lumbar and higher sacral vertebrae: L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3. These five nerves connect deep in the buttock to form a single, thick sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve performs two functions: ● ● Motor function: Aids in the movement of your legs and foot muscles. Sensory function: Helps to allow sensation in the legs (so you can feel!) Even though the sciatic nerve runs through your gluteal muscles (buttocks), it does not supply nerve branches to these muscles. What are the causes of sciatica? Sciatica occurs when something irritates the sciatic nerve. For example:

3. ● Herniated Disc: Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this injury occurs when the soft cushion-like tissue (disc) between the vertebrae of the spine bulges or ruptures. This can irritate the sciatica nerve, leading to numbness, pain, or weakness in the back, buttocks, or legs. Herniated discs often result from ageing, degenerative disc disease, or trauma. ● Spinal Stenosis: This translates to the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, particularly in the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit the spine. This condition can be congenital or develop over time due to age-related changes or conditions like arthritis. Spinal stenosis may compress the sciatic nerve, causing numbness, pain, and weakness in the back, buttocks, and legs. ● Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when a vertebra in the spine slips forward or backwards out of its normal position. This displacement can happen due to a congenital disability, degenerative changes, or fractures in the vertebrae. Depending on the severity, spondylolisthesis can cause pain, muscle stiffness, reduced flexibility, and sciatic nerve compression. ● Fractures: Fractures in the back can result from high-impact accidents, falls, or osteoporosis (a condition that weakens the bones). Fractures may involve the vertebrae or other bones in the back, leading to severe pain, difficulty in movement, deformity, and sciatic nerve damage if the spinal cord is affected. There are many other conditions that may result in sciatic nerve pain. The best way to deal with sciatica pain is to find the root cause of the issue (and that’s what we do here at Tim Wood Healthcare!). An experienced osteopath in Maidstone and Rainham can help you find the root cause of your pain and manage your sciatica, by: ● ● ● Thoroughly examining your unique situation and symptoms Developing an appropriate action plan Treating your body using quality hands-on techniques as well as other osteopathic techniques to relax the areas of concern and allow for better movement Key Takeaways Usually, sciatica and nerve pain may get better in 4 to 6 weeks, but if your symptoms persists longer, contact your osteopath in Maidstone and Rainham today, here at Tim Wood Healthcare. However, it’s important to not put up with discomfort or pain without professional help and guidance. You should immediately arrange an appointment with your osteopath if your pain: ● ● ● Is unmanageable Affects your sleep Worsens over time Contact the experienced team at Tim Wood Healthcare today to book your appointment and start your journey to better health: www.timwoodhealthcare.co.uk

4. Source: https://www.tims.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1.9-TIMS-Sciatica.pdf https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions/sciati ca Contact Us Company Name: Tim Wood Healthcare Address:1 ) 94 Woodside, Wigmore, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 0PN,UK 2 ) 21 Warden Cl, Maidstone ME16 0JL, United Kingdom Phone(s) : 01634 420046 | 01622 260101 Email id: info@timwoodhealthcare.co.uk Website: https://www.timwoodhealthcare.co.uk/