Feeling the
Pressure?
Are you caught in the clutches of sciatica, feeling the agony that radiates from your lower back to your legs? The discomfort and perpetual ache that turns even the most straightforward act of sitting into an unbearable ordeal are telltale signs of sciatica. This condition transcends demographics and affects people of all ages and lifestyles, from the most casual walkers to professional athletes.
While sciatica may be uncomfortable, it may be helpful to know you’re not alone. Whether you’re a manual labourer or a more sedentary office professional tethered to your desk, you likely know somebody who has been in your position. The throbbing pain, burning sensations, and muscle weakness that often accompany sciatica create a shared experience— albeit one nobody wants to share! However, if sciatica is affecting you, there are ways you may be able to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
What is
Sciatica?
Sciatica, often associated with persistent lower back pain and discomfort shooting down the legs, is a type of nerve pain. This condition often brings sharp, jabbing sensations, burning, numbness, and tingling. Everyday actions like bending, lifting, or even a simple sneeze can exacerbate this nerve pain, making sciatica a common challenge that affects up to 40% of people at some time during their lives.
Sciatica’s core lies in the pressure on the sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve. This pressure may stem from various sources, including tight buttock muscles, spinal misalignments, herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and poor posture. This intricate mix tends to compress the sciatic nerve, leading to a chain reaction of pain, discomfort, and muscle weakness.
Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatica has a spectrum of symptoms that may disrupt daily life. While some people may experience mild symptoms, others may feel more persistent discomfort.
While sciatica pain ranges in intensity, it’s a pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates down one or both legs. Whether you feel a persistent ache or electric shock-like sensations, understanding the diverse symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and personalised care.
Common sciatica symptoms include:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Shooting pain down one or both legs
- Sharp sensations resembling electric shocks
- Burning
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain that worsens during activities involving bending or lifting
- Discomfort when sitting for long periods
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Pain radiating into the buttocks
- Difficulty with bowel or bladder function
- Pain that doesn’t ease by taking over the counter pain medications
Sciatica Treatments
The treatment for sciatica varies depending on the cause and severity of each person’s symptoms. Generally speaking, physiotherapy is a widely recommended treatment option for sciatica due to its intention to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause of the pain.
Sciatica treatment options we provide at Powerhouse Canberra include:
- Joint manipulation
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue work
- Stretching
- Education and lifestyle advice
- Exercise prescription
Your Sciatica
Questions Answered
Sciatica is typically caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve that compresses or irritates it. Some factors that may contribute to this include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Spinal misalignment
- Osteoarthritis
- Poor posture
- Prolonged sitting
- Heavy lifting
- Local injury
Anybody may develop sciatica, but some people are at more increased risk than others. Risk factors for developing sciatica include:
- Ageing, as the spine undergoes natural wear and tear
- Working in a role that requires prolonged periods of sitting or heavy lifting
- Obesity, as excess body weight increases pressure on the spine
- Having a condition such as diabetes
- Having a history of spinal injuries or conditions
- Pregnancy
Booking an appointment with Powerhouse Canberra is hassle-free, with no requirement for referrals. Although we gladly accept GP referrals, we also cater to patients who prefer using their private health insurance or are comfortable paying out of pocket. Booking online is a seamless process, ensuring a convenient experience for all.
How Powerhouse Canberra Can Help
At Powerhouse Canberra, our aim is to make comfort your constant. We pride ourselves on bringing world class locally, assisting you in your journey towards breaking free from sciatica’s shackles.
Our first step is to talk with you and assess the affected area to discover your specific symptoms, their intensity, and what aggravates your pain. By uncovering how sciatica affects you personally, we then tailor your physiotherapy treatment accordingly. For some people this may look like spinal mobilisation, while for others it’s stretching and mobility exercises. Our dedicated physiotherapy team uses evidence-based rehabilitation tailored to you, aiming to give you the best chance of a smooth recovery.
Why Choose Powerhouse Canberra?
Bringing World Class Locally
Why go the extra mile in search of outstanding physiotherapy care? Powerhouse Canberra takes pride in serving our local communities right here in Canberra, ensuring that essential support is readily accessible to all.
Personalised Care
You deserve personalised care crafted exclusively for you. At Powerhouse Canberra, our physiotherapy approach recognises the uniqueness of every sciatica case. This means your physiotherapist will create a customised treatment plan, addressing your specific needs and aligning with your individual goals.
Dedicated Team
We’re dedicated to assisting people work towards happier, healthier lives. Whether you're an athlete or an office worker, the Powerhouse Canberra team is committed to providing recovery support and guidance to empower you to embrace a more active and fulfilling future.