Back Pain and Sciatica
Back pain and sciatica are two of the most common reasons for patients to visit us here at Your Health Hub. Whether the problem is acute (has come on suddenly) or is a chronic (long-term) problem, our Osteopathy and Physiotherapy team can assess the cause of the problem and provide correct treatment from the start – which is key to making a full and speedy recovery.
Our holistic approach to caring for patients with back pain and sciatica may include additional, complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture and clinical Pilates. To find out more about the treatment options and alternatives that we can offer for back pain and sciatica, call Your Health Hub today on 03 6122 0150 to book and take the first step to getting out of pain and back to normal again.
Back Pain and Low Back Pain Symptoms
Back pain is very common and affects one in four Australians. The most common cause is a biomechanical problem that can affect vertebrae, discs, nerves, muscles and ligaments.
Back pain can arise from a variety of causes, including overdoing a job in the garden, home or workplace or emotional stress and tension. Pregnancy is also a time when back and pelvic pain can strike due to the strains placed on the body by the growing baby.
It is vital to get a correct diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can begin right away as, while your symptoms may be similar to someone you know, the cause of your pain may be very different and require different treatment.
How We Can Help
At Your Health Hub, Osteopath Matt Blackburn can assess the mechanics of the whole body. The gentle techniques that he uses, including myofascial release and osteopathic cranial techniques, are particularly helpful in relieving pain and discomfort and helping to restore the normal movements of the spine.
Our Physiotherapy team will use a variety of treatment techniques based on the diagnosis and assessment of each patient’s back pain problems. Individual treatment plans tailored to relieve pain alsoteach patients how to look after their backs in order to minimise the risk of future episodes.
Sciatica Symptoms
The sciatic nerve passes through the muscles of the buttock and down the leg. Irritation or compression of the nerve causes Sciatica. Pain can vary in severity from a ‘dull ache’ to ‘completely debilitating’. Symptoms can include pain in the buttock and/or down the leg, muscle weakness, numbness, a tingling ‘pins and needles’ sensation and difficulty with movement and control of the affected leg.
Underlying conditions such as a herniated or bulging disc, arthritis affecting the lower back or hip, bony arthritic growths on the spinal vertebrae, a locked facet joint in the lower spine, tightness or spasms in the muscles of the buttock, and pelvic changes during pregnancy can all be responsible for the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It can even happen after sudden trauma during bending, lifting, or even sneezing!
At Your Health Hub, an initial consultation with an Osteopath or Physiotherapist will help us to find the true cause of the problem. It is important to understand the extent of the compression of the sciatic nerve so we will take a medical history and test for muscle weaknesses, loss of sensation and any changes to the reflexes in your leg or foot.
We will then treat the related structures (joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons), to release the pressure and irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Your Health Hub Can Help
Until a patient has suffered from the pain of a back problem or sciatica, it is hard to comprehend how severely this can affect every aspect of daily life and make even the most simple of tasks a misery. Call us today on 03 6122 0150 so that we can begin helping you get back to normal with the right management and care.