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Experiencing sharp leg pain that seems to have no obvious cause can be confusing and distressing. Often, this type of pain may be related to a frequently misunderstood condition known as sciatica. At Spectrum, serving North Ryde and Macquarie Park, our team of experienced physiotherapists and chiropractors is ready to help you understand and manage this condition.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to a set of symptoms instead of a specific condition. It is associated with pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the back of the leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve, the largest in the body, begins in the lower back and travels through the buttocks and down each leg to the feet, formed from nerve roots in the lumbar and sacral spine.

The common causes leading to sciatic symptoms include nerve root compression or inflammation. These can occur at various points along its path, and understanding where this compression occurs can help in targeted treatment.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body and presents a range of distinctive symptoms:

• Pain
  A burning or sharp pain originating from the lower back or buttock and travelling down the back of the thigh, calf, or into the foot.
• Numbness or Tingling
  Often described as ‘pins and needles’ in the buttocks or down the leg.
• Weakness
  Impaired strength in the leg or foot can impact mobility.
• Movement-Dependent Pain
  Symptoms may worsen with sitting, standing, coughing, or sneezing, primarily if originating from lumbar spine issues.

Common Causes of Sciatica

• Lumbar Disc Herniation
  The most prevalent cause involves a herniated disc in the lower spine pressing on nerve roots.
• Spinal Stenosis
  This is the narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing nerve roots, often seen in older adults.
• Piriformis Syndrome
  When the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis
  One vertebra slipping forward over another can create nerve compression.

Diagnostic Approach

Imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRIS may be recommended based on the suspected underlying cause. These can reveal the condition of the spine and discs and guide the development of a precise treatment plan. Our Spectrum professionals will evaluate whether imaging is necessary for your specific case.

Treatment Options at Spectrum

Our practice offers a range of conservative treatments customised for your needs.

• Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapies
  Techniques like massage and dry needling ease muscle tightness and nerve irritation.
• Joint Mobilisation
  Improves spinal and hip mobility, reducing unnecessary stress.
• Rehabilitation Programs
  Tailored to strengthen and restore function, focusing on spine control and muscle reinforcement.

An innovative treatment we provide is mechanical spinal tracing. Our specialists can gently stretch the spine using advanced spinal decompression tables to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This method is particularly effective for conditions like disc herniation.