Back pain and sciatica
Here are some prevalent conditions frequently addressed at The Osteo Practice.
Both back pain and sciatica can stem from diverse sources. Regardless of the underlying cause, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is committed to providing thorough diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive management advice.
Lumbar spine facet strain
Lumbar spine facet strain, a common musculoskeletal issue, occurs when the facet joints in the lower back experience strain or injury. Patients may notice localised and intense pain in the lumbar region. This is often aggravated by lumbar spine extension and rotations. This condition often arises from poor posture, repetitive movements, or sudden twisting motions, placing stress on the facet joints.
Symptoms may manifest as a dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back, restricting mobility. Causes can range from improper lifting techniques to degenerative changes in the spine over time. Osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors play crucial roles in managing lumbar spine facet strain. Through hands-on therapies, they aim to alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall spinal function.
Our practitioners employ manual techniques such as massage and joint manipulation to address imbalances and provide tailored exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility. Collaborative care from our osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists may involve a combination of these approaches, providing patients with comprehensive and effective solutions for lumbar spine facet strain.
Disc injury
Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the soft inner material of a disc in the spine pushes through the tough outer layer, causing discomfort and potentially impacting nearby nerves. Patients often experience lower back pain, numbness, or tingling that may radiate down the leg. Causes can range from age-related degeneration to sudden injuries.
Osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors play important roles in managing lumbar disc herniation. Through tailored exercises and manual therapies, they aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the supporting muscles.
Collaborative care, including input from healthcare professionals allows for a comprehensive approach to addressing lumbar disc herniation. By combining various therapeutic modalities, patients can find relief and regain functionality, promoting a smoother journey towards recovery.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a common and often painful condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body. This nerve originates in the lower back and extends down through the buttocks and into the legs. Sciatica typically occurs when there is pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve, leading to a range of distressing symptoms.
The hallmark symptom of sciatica is sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down one leg. This pain can be intense and debilitating, often exacerbated by movements like standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods. In addition to pain, patients may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. These sensations can vary in intensity and may extend from the buttocks to the toes.
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc in the lumbar spine. This occurs when the soft, gel-like centre of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, putting pressure on the nearby nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve. Other causes of sciatica may include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), a bone spur on the spine, or injury to the nerve itself. It’s important for patients to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan, as the underlying cause of their sciatica can vary. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgical intervention. If you suspect you may be suffering from sciatica, it’s essential to seek medical advice to effectively manage and alleviate your symptoms.
Pre and post-natal back pain
Pre and post-natal back pain can be a common concern for expecting and new mothers. Symptoms may manifest as aching or sharp discomfort in the lower back, often attributed to the changes in posture, weight distribution and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. Causes include the strain on muscles and ligaments as the body accommodates a growing baby, as well as the postural adjustments following childbirth.
Osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors can play pivotal roles in alleviating pre and post-natal back pain. Through tailored interventions, these practitioners focus on restoring balance, improving flexibility, and strengthening core muscles. Osteopaths, with their holistic approach, address musculoskeletal imbalances, while physiotherapists offer targeted exercises to enhance stability. Chiropractors focus on spinal adjustments to optimise nerve function and alleviate discomfort.
Collaborative care involving these practitioners can provide comprehensive support, tailoring treatments to the unique needs of each patient. Additionally, advice on posture, ergonomic considerations, and gentle exercises can empower individuals to manage and prevent back pain throughout their pre and post-natal journey.
Sacroiliac joint pain
Sacroiliac pain, often referred to as SI pain, is a condition that affects the sacroiliac joint, which is located at the base of the spine. This joint connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the lower back) to the ilium (the large, fan-shaped bone of the pelvis). The sacroiliac joint plays a crucial role in bearing the weight of the upper body and transferring it to the lower body, enabling us to walk, stand, and engage in various physical activities.
Patients with sacroiliac pain often experience a range of symptoms that can be quite debilitating. The most common symptom is pain in the lower back and buttocks, which can sometimes radiate down into the legs. This pain is typically described as a deep, aching sensation that may worsen with certain movements or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. In some cases, patients may also experience stiffness in the lower back and hips, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
The causes of sacroiliac pain can vary, but the condition is often associated with the dysfunction or inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Some common causes include injury or trauma to the joint, such as from a fall or accident, degenerative changes in the joint due to ageing, pregnancy-related changes in the pelvis or conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.
Lumbar myalgia
Lumbar Muscle Pain, also known as lower back muscle pain or lumbar myalgia, is a prevalent condition that affects a significant portion of the population. This discomfort originates in the muscles of the lower back, specifically in the lumbar region of the spine. Understanding the symptoms and causes of lumbar muscle pain is essential for patients to manage their condition effectively.
Symptoms of lumbar muscle pain typically include diffuse discomfort, tension, and tenderness in the lower back. Patients often describe aching or soreness, which can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the buttocks or down the legs, but it is primarily concentrated in the lumbar area. Individuals with lumbar muscle pain may experience reduced mobility and difficulty in performing routine activities such as bending, lifting or even sitting for extended periods.
Several factors can contribute to the development of lumbar muscle pain. Common causes include muscle strain or overuse, which can occur due to poor posture, lifting heavy objects improperly or sudden twisting movements. Sedentary lifestyles and lack of regular exercise can weaken the muscles making them more susceptible to pain. Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis or spinal abnormalities may also lead to lumbar muscle pain. It’s often neccessary for patients to consult a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause of their discomfort and receive appropriate treatment and guidance for pain management and prevention.
Lumbar spine arthritis
Lumbar spine arthritis, also known as lumbar osteoarthritis or lumbar spondylosis, is a common degenerative condition that affects the lower back; specifically the lumbar region of the spine. This condition is characterised by the breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebrae in the lumbar spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it is most often associated with the natural ageing process, it can also result from injuries or genetic factors.
Patients with lumbar spine arthritis often experience a range of symptoms. The most common symptom is lower back pain, which may be mild to severe and can be intermittent or constant. This pain can radiate to the buttocks, hips, or legs and it is typically aggravated by activities that involve bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting. Stiffness in the lower back, particularly in the morning, is another common symptom. Some individuals may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs if there is any associated pressure on the spinal nerves.
Conservative management is often the first approach to alleviating lumbar spine arthritis pain. Osteopaths, chiropractors and physics can provide exercises that focus on strengthening the core muscles and improving flexibility can help reduce pain and enhance overall function.
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. For severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options such as spinal fusion or laminectomy may be considered. However, these interventions are typically reserved for a small percentage of patients who do not find relief through non-surgical methods. Overall, lumbar spine arthritis can often be managed successfully with conservative approaches, allowing patients to maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle.
