Sciatica

You may be experiencing pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, burning sensation, shooting pain, in the bottom, back of the leg (hamstring region), foot and toes. Symptoms may be worse when moving, sneezing, coughing, prolonged sitting, bending forward.
The most common causes of sciatica include a slipped disc (a sort of cushion between two vertebrae in your spine) or a muscle tightness.
During their osteopathic training, usually lasting 4 years, osteopaths learn about anatomy, physiology, pathology and orthopaedics. Therefore, osteopaths have the ability to diagnose sciatica and  identify the cause of the sciatic pain. To do so osteopaths will ask you questions concerning your symptoms, test your reflexes, muscle power and skin sensation. Osteopaths may also perform tests to stretch or compress the sciatic nerve to confirm the diagnosis.
How can osteopathy help?

• Mobilisation techniques to the lower back’s range of motion
• Massage & soft-tissue techniques help to relax the muscles, promotes circulation to relieve
  pressure from the sciatic nerve
• Exercise and stretches prescription to strengthen and stretch muscle to promote
  relaxation and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve
• Lifestyle advice on how to manage and avoid the pain