Crippling shooting pain or intense aching in the leg, sciatica is – something we see on a weekly basis, and help patients with – at BACK at EASE Osteopathy in Towcester.
There are different causes including spinal disc or joint issue problems, even deep gluteal muscle spasms can irritate the nerve. Each is treated differently, so the key to successful pain relief is getting an accurate diagnosis. At BACK at EASE we find most episodes pass in 6-8 weeks, especially when you know what to do about it.
Here are some great tips to try yourself:
- Keep moving. For 20 minutes of every hour be active. Walking is fine and can be split into 5 minute sessions if needed. This helps to stop muscle weakness.
- Lying down frequently throughout the day can really help (try side-lying with a pillow between your knees or on your stomach with 3 pillows under your tummy).
- Sit right: Backside to the back of the chair. Slouching can aggravate things so minimise prolonged sitting and put a pillow behind your lower back.
This is generalised advice. Please call 07880 750 258 for further advice and remember any persistent pain needs assessing. Any saddle numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent medical review.
Susie Burgess, Osteopath at BACK at EASE, Towcester.