Sciatica & leg pain
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg is commonly described as sciatica. Symptoms can vary and may include aching, sharp pain, pins and needles, numbness or altered sensation in one or both legs. These symptoms are often influenced by posture, movement and how the lower back and pelvis are coping with load.
Sciatica-type symptoms may be associated with irritation or compression of nerves in the lower back. This can occur for a number of reasons and does not always have a single identifiable cause. In some cases, similar leg pain patterns may be influenced by muscle tension in the buttock region, particularly involving the piriformis muscle. Changes related to pregnancy can also contribute to leg pain for some people due to altered posture, load and tissue sensitivity.
Leg pain does not always originate from the lower back. Other possible contributors include local muscle or joint strain, previous injury, changes in walking pattern or how forces are transferred through the legs and feet. Circulatory or medical causes of leg pain are less common but should be considered where symptoms do not follow a typical musculoskeletal pattern.
Because leg pain can have different underlying contributors, careful assessment is important to help distinguish between musculoskeletal causes and symptoms that may require medical review.
Osteopathic assessment and care
Osteopathic assessment for sciatica and leg pain looks at how the lower back, pelvis, hips and legs are moving and working together. Posture, gait, muscle tone and relevant lifestyle factors are also considered.
Treatment may involve hands-on techniques to ease muscle tension, support joint mobility and improve movement patterns. Advice is often given on activity modification, pacing, posture and appropriate exercises to support recovery and reduce strain.
Care is tailored to the individual and based on findings from assessment.
For evidence-based guidance on assessment and management, you may find the NICE guideline helpful:
Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
You may also find this article helpful:
Sciatica in pregnancy.
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