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What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain that stems from the sciatic nerve derived from the spinal cord. Sciatica or sciatic pain stems from the pressure on the nerve that travels down through the buttock to the back of the thigh and leg. Sensations and functions of the leg and foot are controlled by the sciatic nerve which can therefore cause referred pain. Sciatica has many known causes including disc injury.

Sciatica Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the sciatic nerve can become irritated due to the altered posture associated with the pressure of a growing baby and belly. Water retention and swelling can cause discomfort and sciatic pain.

Pregnant women experience increasing hormone and progesterone levels which creates relaxation of the muscles around the pelvis and spine in preparation for birth. This laxity can allow increasing movement through the spine and pelvis which, whilst normal, can also contribute to symptoms of sciatic pain during pregnancy.

Sciatica Symptoms

Symptoms of Sciatica include one or a combination of the following:

  • Pins and needle sensations in the effected leg.
  • Shooting pain up and down the back of your thigh and leg to your foot.
  • Lower back pain and aching in the buttock
  • Pain when you sneeze, cough, sit or visit the toilet.
  • Weakness in muscles in the leg and foot
  • Severe cases can result in a loss of bladder and bowel control

Sciatica Treatment in Brunswick

Manual musculoskeletal therapies such as Osteopathy may help relieve Sciatica symptoms. An osteopath will treat sciatic pain by working with the muscles, joints and ligaments around the sciatic nerve using hands on techniques. Treatment may also include specific exercises, or stretches and we encourage this approach, along with patient education, helping you to be more empowered.

Make an osteopathy booking at Inner North Osteopathy in Brunswick today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers which means that no referral is necessary. If your treatment is being covered by WorkSafe, TAC or DVA, you will require a referral to ensure that your costs are covered.

We are able to treat WorkSafe, TAC, EPC and DVA patients, however you will require a referral from your GP. For TAC and WorkSafe patients we will also require your claim number and date of injury.

We are covered by private health funds via extras cover. Exact details will vary depending on the individual fund and level of cover. We do have a Hicaps machine which enables you to claim health fund payments on the spot.

For medicare rebates you must qualify for an EPC plan. You will need to discuss this with your GP, and a referral is necessary.

Yes, please bring in any X-ray, CT or MRI scan results you may have. If you have a report for these scans, make sure you bring this along as well.

During your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should tell your osteopath.

Your osteopath may ask about any recent X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.

As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

Your initial consultation may last up to one hour. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and treat you. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take 30-40 minutes.

Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

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