Back Pain and Sciatica: An Osteopaths Insight

Back pain is something many people deal with regularly, but did you know that osteopaths can provide effective treatments to help you find relief? In this article, we'll discuss how common back pain is and how visiting an osteopath can make a real difference in your life.

Fast facts 🏃‍♂️

💥 Back pain is ranked in the top 5 disease causing burden to Australian in 2022 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2023).

💥 Back pain affects about 16% of Australians and is a significant cause of disability and diminished productivity.

💥 Back pain can affect and cause dysfunctions at any level of the spine, referring pain into the neck, (cervical) the upper back (thoracic) and the lower back (lumber) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2023).

💥 Common causes of back pain include disc disorders, sciatica and curvature of the spine (scoliosis)

Anatomy of the Vertebral Column:

Between each vertebra of the spine is an intervertebral disc. The discs are made up of a thick fibrous outer layer (anulus fibrosus) and a gel like inner layer (nucleus pulposus). Together these two components act like cushions to prevent the vertebra from damage (Harrison, D 2023).

Disc Injuries:

Disc prolapse can be classed into 4 different categories due to the degree of prolapse.

• Disc bulge

• Disc herniation

• Disc extrusion

• Disc sequestration

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a lumber radiculopathy that occurs due to compression of the sciatic nerve. The nerve extends from the back of the pelvis and down the back of your thigh. Pain can radiate from the back to the hip and along the leg.

Sciatica can be caused by a disc prolapse that compresses the sciatic nerve. Other factors such as obesity, tumour, abscess, blood clots, poor posture and nerve disorders can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve and create pain (John Hopkins Medicine 2023).

Symptoms of sciatica can include:

• Lower back pain

• Pain that extends from your buttock down to your foot

• Numbness

• Weakness

Back pain relief! 😮‍💨

Back pain can significantly disable and negatively impact someone’s quality of life.

Osteopathic treatment can be helpful in reducing these symptoms by employing a combination of hands-on techniques, gentle manipulation, and personalized exercise programs, we aim to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain and discomfort.

The Complete Care Osteo Way! 💪

Our practitioners are dedicated to treating back pain, and we are deeply passionate about helping our patients experience a positive transformation in their well-being. Our holistic approach not only addresses the immediate discomfort that sciatic causes but also strives to prevent future recurrences. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for each individual we assist.

References:

Australian institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Australian Burden of Disease Study 2022.https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2022/contents/about

Dave Harrison, M. (2023, May 13). Intervertebral discs: Structure, function, and disorders. Spine Info. https://www.spineinfo.com/anatomy/intervertebral-discs-structure-function-and-disorders/

John Hopkins Medicine (2023). Sciatica, Health conditions and diseases. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/sciatica