What is it? Low Back Pain & Sciatica is a pain that begins in the low back and spreads throughout the hip and buttock and radiates down the leg and usually only affects one side of the body.
Common Cause: A spinal disc compressing on the sciatic nerve root in the lower back.
Common Symptoms: Pain in the lower back, hip, buttock and down the leg.
How can Physiotherapy help? By improving the flexibility of the spine and improving its alignment, the strain on damaged tissues can be reduced which also helps reduce muscle spasm. It can calm symptoms by allowing the lower back to move more freely without impinging on the sciatic nerve root.
What to expect during treatment: Treatment will often include the use of Power Assisted Micro-manipulation (click here for more information) Stretching exercises for the lower back and leg, core stability exercises to stabilise the lower back muscles, and general exercise advice.
What can you do to help yourself? Rest for temporary pain relief, but try to remain as active as possible. Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary depending on severity.
