Sciatica in Fisio Camacho. La Manga and Cartagena

Eliminate sciatica pain in Fisio Camacho. La Manga and Cartagena

The sciaticaalso known as sciatic neuritis o sciaticais not a disease in itself, but rather a set of symptoms caused by irritation, compression or pinching of the sciatic nerve or one of its nerve roots in the lower back. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body, extending from the lower back, through the buttocks and down each leg to the feet.

Symptoms of sciatica:

The main symptom is the painwhich can vary widely from person to person. It is often described as:

• Radiating pain: It begins in the lower back or buttock and extends down the back of the thigh and calf and may extend to the foot and toes.
• Type of pain: It can be sharp, stabbing, burning, dull or like an electric shock.
• Intensity: It varies from mild to very severe and can be disabling.
• Worsening factors: It may be made worse by sitting, prolonged standing, coughing, sneezing, bending or twisting the spine. Sometimes gets better with walking or applying heat.
• Other associated symptoms:
  • Numbness or tingling: Pins and needles" sensation in the leg or foot.
  • Muscle weakness: Difficulty in moving the leg or foot, feeling of heaviness.
  • Loss of reflexes: Decreased or absent knee or ankle reflexes.
  • In severe cases, there may be loss of sphincter control (urinary or faecal incontinence), which requires immediate medical attention.

Common causes of sciatica:

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots become pinched or irritated. The most common causes include:

• Herniated lumbar disc: This is the most common cause. The soft material inside an intervertebral disc slips out and presses on the nerve root.
• Lumbar spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another, which can pinch a nerve.
• Piriformis muscle syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttock, can tighten and irritate the sciatic nerve.
• Traumatic injuries: Accidents, falls or sports injuries can damage nerve roots.
• Tumours: Rarely, a tumour in the spine may press on the sciatic nerve.
• Degenerative diseases: Such as arthritis, which can cause changes in the spine.

Sciatica treatment at Fisio Camacho:

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and other symptoms, and to address the underlying cause if possible.

• Conservative measures:
  • Rest: Light activity is recommended according to tolerance, avoiding prolonged bed rest.
  • Ice and heat: Applying cold and/or hot compresses to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Physiotherapy: At Fisio Camacho we use manual techniques such as Inhibition of the affected musculature so that the sciatic nerve stops suffering, we also advise an exercise programme that can help strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen (core), improve flexibility, correct posture and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. It includes stretching and strengthening exercises.
  • Epidural corticosteroid injections: They can reduce inflammation around nerve roots and provide short-term pain relief.

If you suffer from Sciatica, do not hesitate to contact Physio Camacho. Our team of osteopaths and physiotherapists is ready to help you improve your quality of life.