Sciatica is a common diagnosis for patients presenting with back and leg pain. But what is this?
Sciatica is the colloquial term for radicular pain, which is cause by inflammation and/or compression of the nerve as it exits the spine. This causes a gain in nerve function or an increase in excitability- with that we see pain and altered sensation along the distribution of the nerve into the leg.
Radicular pain needs to be differentiated from radiculopathy (which refers to reduced nerve function- this often includes loss of sensation and weakness) and referred pain (ie pain referred from the hip or sacroiliac joint).
More serious pathology is rare, but important to rule out by screening for red flags.
Treatment for radicular pain and referred pain varies, so an accurate assessment is vital.
If you are suffering from low back and/ or sciatica physio can help. Embrace is a specialist Physiotherapy clinic based in Hillesden, just outside Buckingham. We have over 12 years of experience in the assessment and management of radicular pain. Our goal is to get you back to the movements you love. Call or book online today.
Embrace Physio is ideally situated for Buckingham, Winslow, Steeple Claydon, Brackley, Bicester, Gawcott and Padbury.