Sciatic Pain: A real Pain in the butt!

Sciatica or sciatic pain is classed as pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can occur at the low back, tailbone region or deep in the backside. The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in the human body, starting from the low back and running to just below the knee before branching off into smaller nerves. Some causes of sciatica include herniated/bulged disc, piriformis syndrome, degenerative disc disease and foraminal stenosis. Sciatic pain can be a real pain in the butt (lame – I know), however, most people probably don’t know the pain they are experiencing in that region isn’t actually sciatica at all! There are similar symptoms to sciatica that occur within the surrounding region that we unknowingly call ‘sciatica’. Yes, sciatica is a pain that is felt in and around the backside (can also occur down the leg), but there are many other causes that can present in a similar fashion. The backside/pelvis is a large, complex region with multiple functions, therefore many muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments that can be affected. People often make the mistake of thinking that any type of pain in that area must be sciatic pain, when in fact the cause is something else.

5 common causes of symptoms replicating sciatica include:

• Piriformis muscle pain

• Gluteus Medius strain/tightness

• Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) pain

• Hip bursitis

• Upper Hamstring Tendonitis

So, what can we do to decrease these symptoms? Generally, there are some stretches that can really help loosen up the area, exercises and strengthening that target specific muscles in and around the hip to decrease the load on others, and manual therapy to help balance and release the area. As an Osteopath, we perform a full assessment of the hips, pelvis, spine and any other related area/structure to find the cause behind your sciatic pain. Providing treatment is the right course of action, we then go about releasing and balancing the structures in question through a variety of techniques including massage, manipulation, articulation and PNF/MET. Usually some form of strengthening exercise is prescribed to aid in the management of sciatic pain. Obviously, not all conditions are suited to manual therapy and exercise and there are occasions where we need to refer out for further action (ie. surgery, injection, medication).

If you suffer from true sciatic pain, or pain in and around the gluteal (the butt), hip or low back areas and want some answers, book a consult with one of our Osteopaths for a full comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment on 03 5229 3220 or online at https://www.baycityhealth.com.au/osteopathy/

What can Osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths treat a wide and varied range of musculoskeletal conditions. Due to the extensive repertoire of techniques that Osteopaths possess, most people that walk through the door can be treated. However, as with any health modality, there will be patients that Osteopaths can’t treat, in which case they will refer out to the right health professional. Osteopaths will only treat once a thorough patient history and assessment has been completed, and most important of all, verbal or written consent from the patient has been obtained (once the treatment plan has been communicated). Below is a small sample of conditions that Osteopath’s can treat:

• Low Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Sports Injuries

• Joint stiffness

• Shoulder Pain & Injuries

• Hip & Pelvic Pain

• Acute Pain

• Chronic Pain

• Muscle Tightness

• Movement Limitations

• Certain Types of Headaches

• Pregnancy related joint & muscle pain

To make a booking with a qualified Osteopath for any of the conditions listed and more, head on over to the Bay City Health Group ‘bookings’ page to book online or for the clinic phone number.

Is Pilates safe?

Pilates is very safe. With any form of exercise there are certain risks, but due to the variety of apparatus and exercises available, Pilates can cater for almost anyone. For people with injuries or medical conditions – they will be better suited seeing a professional health practitioner (such as a Physio, EP or Osteo) for their Pilates, however non-clinical people will find that most Pilates instructors have been through good quality training and can safely meet your needs. There are some more complex and possibly dangerous exercises and manoeuvres that can be performed on the Pilates machines/equipment (which can look quite amazing), however they are usually reserved for clients with an extensive background in Pilates and are deemed capable by their instructor.