Anne has asked the Guru for advice about Sciatica
- Related Injuries: Back
July 7, 2014
My doctor has diagnosed Sciatica – which has gradually come on over the past few months until the point where it is affecting the whole of my leg. The pain/discomfort goes from my lower back, through my right buttock (where it is at its worst) down my leg to my ankle.
The pain is debilitating and occasionally literally stops me in my tracks with sudden excrutiating pain shooting down from my buttock/lower back. I have been prescribed ultra-strong anti-inflammatory/ painkillers but not really given much more advice.
I have heard that this could take months to improve. Will exercise help, or make it worse? Would physio help?
Many thanks
Anne
Anne
July 7, 2014
Hi Anne
Odd advice from your GP – unless he’s not had good, previous experience from us (them!) lot.
This is stuff that we excel at, and certainly all guidelines point towards physical intervention whether it’s hands on treatment or rehab based therapy.
Exercise will help as long as you do the right exercise. It’s not what you’re doing, but it’s how you’re doing it.
You need to find out why you’ve (most likely) slipped a disc, giving you sciatic type leg pain. If you don’t know why you’ve got an issue (which is really common) all you do is end up making the symptoms feeling better, but not really dealing with the cause. If you don’t do this – the pain will return at later date.
Find a good Physio – there are a few out there, so ask around and get started on a decent program that’ll get you better, rather than just feeling better.
Good Luck
The Guru
Six Physio
