Sciatica Treatment in Dublin
We Treat Sciatica In Dublin, Ireland
Are you suffering from sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, that runs from your lower back, into the lower extremities and all the way down to the tippy toes.
It can be caused by a number of things, but typically it’s due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it difficult to walk or sit down.
Our team at Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy combines chiropractic and physiotherapy care for sciatica.
We understand how limiting and aggravating sciatica can be, you can’t sleep because finding a comfortable position is very difficult, and sitting and standing for too long is also uncomfortable. Therefore, getting relieve and settling down your symptoms is the first step in the rehab journey.
To talk to us about your options, contact us at (01) 575 2623 or email us at [email protected].
What Is Sciatica And What Is The Sciatic Nerve?
What does sciatic even mean? Well, the sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body (can be up to 2 cm in diameter [1]). It starts at the lower back (that is why sciatica is defined as low back and leg pain), at the base of the spine, divides into two branches, one for each leg, then runs through the buttock, down both legs to just below your knee, where it branches off into the tibial nerve and peroneal nerve .
Sciatica refers to pain or discomfort felt along the pathway of the sciatic nerve (at the lower back, in the buttocks, down the leg, and/or in the feet,) usually due to a compressed or irritated sciatic nerve root where it leaves the spinal column.
This irritated sciatic nerve has huge negative impact and burden on the health of those how experience it, both emotionally and physically. This puts great need with the medically industry to find safe, effective, and timely treatment options for sciatica.
The onset of sciatica may be sudden following an injury or gradual with no apparent cause. For many sufferers, sciatica will only last a few weeks then resolve itself without treatment; however, for others, it can persist and hugely impact their daily life.
The most significant indicator of sciatica is a pain radiating starting in your lower back that goes down the back of one or thighs. Some other signs include tingling, numbness, and weakness in a person’s legs or feet. Nerve pain is something to be conscious of.
Seek urgent medical care (GP, A&E, or call 112/999) if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or buttocks, progressive leg or arm weakness, or pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or breathlessness.
For more information about our Sciatica Treatments & Relief or to book your consultation, call us at (01) 575 2623 or visit our contact page.
What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Research has found that herniated discs [1] are the most common cause of sciatica. A herniated disc is where the soft jelly-like disc squeezes out and puts pressure on the surroundings ligaments and nerves. A herniated disc is also sometimes referred to as a protruding disc, and or an extruded disc. This squeezed-out disc can cause extreme pain, with tingling and numbness in your buttocks, thighs, feet, neck, arms, or back.
Other causes of sciatic nerve pain include:
- Piriformis Syndrome [2]: When the piriformis muscle is inflammed due to overuse or trauma is can cause compression of the sciatic nerve which lies very close to the piriformis muscle. This compression is characterised by a sharp shooting pain or a nagging dull ache in the gluteal region, numbness and tingling down the leg, pain first thing in the morning, an inability to sit for long periods of time, and pain that increases with movements of the hip joint.
- Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis [3]: Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the vertebral canal that causes back pain and sciatica.
- Bone spurs or Osteophytes [4]: Bone spurs can limit the space for the nerves exiting the vertebral column, and often put pressure on the nerves causing sciatica-like symptoms.
- Obesity [5]: Increased weight is associated with many, many cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions, sciatica and low back pain. A study published by PubMed Central found a significant connection between waist and hip circumference, and high BMI, and increased risk of sciatica.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy is often coupled with new aches and pains as the body dramatically changes, including sometimes…sciatica. Under no circumstances should these symptoms be trivialised as ‘normal’ and ‘just part of pregnancy’.
How We Help With Sciatica In Dublin, Ireland
We combine chiropractic care and physiotherapy care to plan treatment around you.
Spinal Adjustments For Sciatica
Chiropractic adjustments may be used as part of a non-invasive approach to managing sciatica pain.
Chiropractors deliver a gentle therapy, known as a chiropractic adjustment. They aim to ease stiffness in the spine and other joints.
They aim to reduce pain and improve movement.
Spinal Decompression For Sciatica
Spinal decompression uses a gentle, controlled pull on the lower back. The research on traction for back pain and sciatica is limited, and clinical guidelines don’t recommend it as a routine treatment. We only use it as an optional addition to an exercise-based plan, review it at the sixth visit, and stop if it isn’t helping.
Decompression is generally well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as temporary soreness. It isn’t suitable for everyone — see who shouldn’t have it.
If you would like to read more on Herniated Discs and how they may be the cause of sciatica check out our page here.
Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is sometimes used alongside exercise for low back pain and sciatica. The evidence for it is limited, and results vary.
Our laser therapy is performed by our physiotherapist. Feel free to ask any questions you may have during the session.
Physical Therapy Care
Sciatica can have a huge impact on your physical, social and emotional health. Our physiotherapists look at the whole person when designing client-specific treatment plans. Our physical therapy-designed treatment plans include a range of different treatment options, such as:
Exercise therapy to work on muscle weakness and general fitness.
Massage therapy to reduce secondary issues caused by sciatica such as mid or low-back pain, hip, calve or foot pain and to relax the surrounding muscles.
Joint mobilisations and stretches to reduce joint stiffness or pain caused by sciatica.
The Mayo Clinic – Prevention Advice
Exercise Regularly
One of the most important things you can do is to exercise regularly. This will help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. Additionally, be sure to maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking, as both of these factors can increase your risk of developing sciatica [8].
Maintain Proper Posture When You Sit
Good posture can help your spine feel supported when sitting [8].
Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your hips above your knees. Another important tip is to avoid prolonged sitting or standing. If you must stand for long periods of time, take breaks often and try to move around as much as possible. And if you have a sedentary job, make sure to get up and move around at least once every 30 minutes [8].
Use Good Body Mechanics
Finally, body awareness, be mindful, not cautious. Be mindful of how you sit, stand, and sleep – these static postures, hugely impact how we move and function.
It is not always possible to prevent sciatica, but these tips may help reduce your risk [8].
Visit Us in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside of the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Book Online Today
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.
References
[4] https://www.spine-health.com/video/lumbar-osteophytes-bone-spurs-video
[8]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435