Sciatica Treatment in Hazel Grove & Stockport
Sciatica describes symptoms that can occur when the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots are irritated or affected. Symptoms can include pain travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg. At Yearsley Chiropractic, we assess your individual symptoms and medical history to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe pain or other symptoms that travel along the path of the sciatic nerve. This can involve the lower back, buttock, back of the thigh and sometimes the lower leg or foot.
Sciatica can develop for a number of different reasons, and symptoms can vary considerably between individuals. Some people experience pain alone, while others may also experience tingling, numbness or weakness.
At Yearsley Chiropractic in Hazel Grove, Stockport, we take the time to understand your symptoms and carry out an appropriate assessment before discussing whether chiropractic care is suitable.
What Can Contribute to Sciatica?
Sciatica can occur for different reasons, and sometimes the exact cause isn't immediately clear. Factors that may be relevant include:
Changes in Activity Sudden increases in lifting, exercise or other physical activity can place additional demands on the lower back and surrounding tissues.
Disc-Related Problems Changes affecting the discs in the lower back can sometimes contribute to irritation or compression of a nerve root.
Previous Injuries Previous injuries involving the lower back or pelvis may sometimes influence movement and how the body responds to physical demands.
Muscles and Joints Changes in movement or irritation involving the lower back, pelvis and surrounding muscles may contribute to symptoms experienced around the lower back or leg.
Lifestyle and Recovery Sleep, stress, physical activity and general recovery can influence how we experience pain and how the body responds to physical demands.
How We Assess Sciatica
Your first appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms. We'll ask where your symptoms are located, when they started, how they have changed and what makes them better or worse.
We'll also discuss any relevant medical history, previous injuries, changes in activity and how your symptoms are affecting your everyday life.
This is followed by an appropriate physical assessment. Depending on your presentation, this may include examining your lower-back and lower-limb movement and carrying out relevant orthopaedic and neurological tests, including assessment of strength, sensation and reflexes where indicated.
We'll explain our findings and discuss the most appropriate next steps with you.
If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation, imaging or referral is appropriate, we'll explain this and recommend that you seek the appropriate care.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Where appropriate, chiropractic care may form part of the management of some people experiencing sciatica.
At Yearsley Chiropractic, treatment is tailored to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Where clinically appropriate, care may include gentle McTimoney chiropractic techniques alongside advice around movement, exercise and self-management.
Our aim is to help you understand your symptoms, support your recovery and help you work towards returning to the activities that are important to you.