sciatica treatment in Cheltenham
Sciatica is a painful condition that can manifest anywhere along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. The source of the pain often arises from irritation or compression of the nerve, commonly due to a herniated disc in the spine. Sciatica can significantly disrupt your daily activities, whether that is running with sciatica, or active individual experiencing consistent lower back pain it can have a big impact on your life.
However, it's important to avoid resting for too long, as prolonged inactivity can exacerbate pain and result in muscle deconditioning. Maintaining regular movement is crucial for promoting the flow of healing nutrients to the affected areas, which is why a guided physiotherapy program for sciatica can be important to your recovery, you can even do sciatica exercises in bed.
Patients often come to us with unbearable sciatica pain, others complain of discomfort whilst driving with sciatica. Depending on your individual circumstances we will use techniques to relax your muscles, and relieve pain, whilst giving you exercises for your core and lower back muscles. If needed we will work with you on your posture, as poor posture causes a misaligned spine which increases pressure on the sciatic nerve.
where is the sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve, is the body's largest and it is not a single nerve but rather a collection of nerves. It originates from the lower spine, extends through the buttocks, and travels down the back of the leg to the knee, where it divides into smaller nerves that go to various parts of the lower leg and foot.
When the sciatic nerve is compressed, irritated, or entrapped, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, coldness, or heat. Sciatica itself is a symptom of an underlying medical issue, which may stem from nerve compression, inflammation, an abnormal immune response, or a combination of these elements. It is often worsened by a bulging disc or by a joint or muscle that pinches the nerve.
How Long Does Sciatica Last
The length of time that sciatica lasts can vary greatly from person to person, and in most cases it will go away within 4-6 weeks, but in some cases, especially as you age, it could last months.
Ultimately, the sooner you go and get treatment for your sciatica, the more likely you are to find long-term relief.
Sciatica rarely needs surgery, however in the rare circumstance where the nerve is severely compromised then surgery may need to be considered.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica often presents with severe pain, akin to an electric shock, along with sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness in areas like the lower back, thighs, knees, lower legs, ankles, or toes. This discomfort can feel like stabbing or shooting pains, intensifying with actions such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting. In some instances, it may hinder your ability to bend your knee or lift your foot..
Understanding the underlying cause is crucial, as it allows us to pinpoint what is irritating the nerve. If necessary, we may suggest a scan to get a further insight. Only by understanding the root cause can we effectively tailor treatments to help you find relief from sciatic nerve pain.
WARNING - If you experience pain in both legs that's severe or getting worse, numbness around genitals or bottom, or have toileting issues then you could have a serious back problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible, so go to A&E or call 999.
How is Sciatica diagnosed
Sciatica is diagnosed by by physical examination, scans if necessary, and previous medical history history. We will be looking to determine the origin of your sciatic pain, such as muscle strength tests, nerve mobility tests, and testing your range of motion in the lumbar region.
These tests will usually involve checking:
- Walking, as sciatica often causes visible changes in how you walk.
- Straight leg raise test, where on the examination table we slowly raise your legs one at a time as ask when you start to feel the pain.
- Flexibility and strength checks to determine if other factors are causing or contributing to your sciatica.
physiotherapy and sciatica
Many people wonder if physiotherapy can assist with sciatica, and the answer is a resounding yes. Physiotherapy is an incredibly effective treatment option that not only alleviates pain and inflammation but also enhances physical function and mobility. With the incorporation of maintenance exercises, it can significantly reduce the chances of sciatica returning.
The main aim of physiotherapy is to gently ease the tension in painful soft tissues by promoting relaxation. This approach includes manual therapy, targeted exercises, sciatic nerve massage, and additional methods like dry needling, which is a specialized form of acupuncture for sciatica, all designed to deliver effective pain relief.
Physiotherapy and targeted physical exercises aim to enhance strength, flexibility, and mobility in the lower back, pelvis, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. The choice of specific exercises for each person is tailored to their unique sciatica causes, pain levels, and overall fitness. Consistent commitment and regular practice are crucial for achieving positive results in treating sciatica through physiotherapy and exercise.
- Strengthening exercises help to achieve strong core muscles which relieve pain by supporting the spine and improve spine movement that lessens the chance of injury.
- Sciatic Nerve Stretches are useful because tight hamstrings can often be a source of pain causing a posterior tilt in the pelvis.
- Manual Therapy
that involves the patient performing gentle muscle contractions as the physio moves painful joints through a specific range of motion.
- Conditioning
targets your whole body, it is used to build strength, speed, agility, and movement.
- Dry needling for sciatica
elicits a pain response from the tissues and relaxes the surrounding muscles. This decreases the strain on the sciatic nerve and increases blood flow to the area reducing pain and speeding up recovery of the injury that caused the sciatica.
- Shockwave therapy for sciatica
is a new, promising treatment option. While there is still much unknown about how exactly it works, there is evidence that it can be an effective treatment for the pain and inflammation associated with sciatica.
- Sports massage for sciatica helps because massaging the sciatic nerve provides a way to ease sciatica pain through a combination of: relaxing tight muscles, improving blood circulation, and reducing stress.
Top Benefits of Physiotherapy for Alleviating Sciatica Pain
Opting for physiotherapy offers numerous advantages for those suffering from sciatica. Here are some key benefits:
- Pain relief: We use a variety of techniques, such as acupuncture, massage, together with stretching, and strengthening exercises, to help alleviate pain and discomfort in the affected area.
- Lasting results: Physiotherapy addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes of the pain. This means that we can help you achieve long-term relief.
- Avoiding surgery: By using non-invasive techniques to target the pain, we can help you avoid more invasive treatments. This can save you time, money and discomfort.
- Improved flexibility: By using targeted stretches and exercises, we can help you improve your range of motion and flexibility in the affected knee, reducing the risk of future issues.
- Improved mobility: We can help you regain range of motion in the affected area by using targeted exercises and stretches - increasing joint freedom.
- Safe and non-invasive: We offer a safe and non-invasive form of treatment for sciatica. Unlike surgery or medication, physiotherapy does not carry the risk of side effects or complications.
- Reduced risk of further injury: Using targeted exercises and stretches, we can help strengthen the muscles around the affected area, which improves stability and reduces the risk of future issues.
Book now
If you're an active individual who is dealing with sciatica pain while driving, running or trying to work out at the gym, it's reassuring to know that physiotherapy typically doesn't involve scans or invasive procedures like cortisone injections or surgery.
It's crucial to remember that healing from sciatica can take time, but private physiotherapy treatment for sciatica can provide long-lasting relief for most people.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.