What does sciatica mean?
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. Pain can travel from the buttock down a leg, sometimes with pins and needles, numbness or weakness. Not every painful leg is sciatica. Hip problems, muscle injuries and other medical conditions can produce overlapping symptoms.
What an assessment may involve
Your osteopath will ask where symptoms travel, when they started, whether they change with sitting or walking, and whether strength or sensation has changed. Nerve-related symptoms may require checks of strength, sensation and reflexes, or referral for medical assessment. Tell the clinician immediately about new bladder or bowel symptoms.
Care and rehabilitation
Once serious causes have been considered, management may involve education, activity changes and exercises matched to your response. Manual therapy may be discussed as part of a broader plan where appropriate. Avoid assuming that a particular stretch or treatment can put a disc back in place. Progress is assessed through function as well as pain.
Planning day-to-day activity
Bring examples of what you need to do: a commute, a work shift, a walk or caring for children. Agree on a manageable starting level and what to do if leg symptoms increase. New weakness or worsening neurological symptoms should prompt reassessment rather than simply continuing the same program.
When to seek medical help
Attend an emergency department for numbness around the genitals or anus, new difficulty starting urination, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs. Call 000 if emergency assistance is needed.
Related information
Further reading
General information from Muscle Joint Bone Epping. Your clinician will discuss how it applies to you.