Sciatica treatment in Summerland

What is sciatica?

Sciatica describes pain associated with irritation of the nerves supplying the leg.

It often travels through the buttock and down one leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness. The word names a pattern of symptoms, so an assessment helps explore what may be contributing and which care is appropriate. Sciatica often eases within a few weeks. For some people it takes a few months, or longer.

What can be behind it

• A disc problem. A disc in the lower back can irritate a nearby nerve root. This may contribute to pain or altered sensation farther down the leg.
• Spinal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the space around the nerves in the spine. It's more common after 50.
• Buttock and hip conditions. Some can produce similar symptoms. It's important to consider these rather than assume every leg pain has the same cause.

Common signs

Leg symptoms vary a lot from person to person. Tell me which of these sound familiar.

• Pain travelling down the leg. Shooting or burning pain may travel from the buttock into the thigh, calf or foot.
• Numbness or tingling. Tell me about pins and needles or reduced sensation in your leg, foot or toes.
• Discomfort when sitting. The positions that make symptoms better or worse help guide the assessment.
• Weakness in the leg or foot. Difficulty lifting your toes, pushing off or climbing stairs needs attention. If it's new or getting worse, see your doctor first.
• Pain affecting sleep. Leg pain can make it hard to get comfortable in bed. If it wakes you even when you're lying still, or doesn't ease with rest or a change of position, see your doctor before you book with me.
• Symptoms that return. We'll discuss the pattern, previous care and what you need to manage day to day.

When to get help

How I assess sciatica

1. 1
   We talk first. You tell me where the pain travels, when it started, which positions make it better or worse and what it's stopping you from doing.
2. 2
   I check your back, hips and nerves. I watch how you bend, walk and sit. I check movement, strength, sensation and reflexes in your legs to guide the next steps.
3. 3
   I check for anything that needs a doctor first. Sciatica has different possible causes, and some need medical care or further tests. If yours might, I tell you and suggest you see your doctor first.
4. 4
   We agree on a plan. I explain what I found and whether another health professional should be involved. If treatment is suitable and you're happy to start, it can begin at the same visit.

A first visit for sciatica takes about 40 minutes, and a follow-up about 20. Tell me if a test or position is too much. You can pause or decline any technique.

Treatment options

Which options suit you depends on your symptoms and what the assessment shows.

What you can do at home

Staying active usually helps sciatica more than resting. Before your visit and between visits:

• Keep up your normal activities as much as you can. Even if moving hurts, it isn't usually harmful.
• Try not to sit or lie down for long spells. If sitting makes your leg worse, stand or walk for a few minutes every so often.
• Start gentle walking early, and build up as you're able.
• Try heat on the sore areas, such as a heat pack wrapped in a towel.
• Stay at work if you can, and ask about lighter duties for a while if you need them.
• Ask a pharmacist or your doctor before relying on a painkiller. Some everyday ones do little for sciatica.
• Do the exercises I give you. I email them after your visit, with what to do if one makes your leg feel worse.
• Tell me if your leg is getting worse, such as numbness that spreads or new weakness. A text reaches me, but not always quickly. Anything on the warning lists above needs medical help first.

Common questions