Sciatica (Leg Pain)

The sciatic nerve runs from the low back through the pelvis to the buttock, into the back of the thigh all the way to the heel and sole of the foot. It can be irritated, compressed or inflamed by a number of problems as the nerve roots exit the spine – disc bulge, thickening of the facet joint capsule, strain of the stabilising ligaments, and some bony problems that can be more serious. It can become compressed in the pelvis, especially when sacro-iliac joints are strained, and the piriformis muscle contracts, causing entrapment. Symptoms can range from lower back pain, posterior leg pain/numbness/tingling/weakness. It’s vital that the diagnosis of the cause of this debilitating condition is established, and our osteopaths are extremely well-trained in this, and can offer treatment, advice and referral when necessary.