Sciatica Treatment in Eastbourne: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Updated: 3 days ago
Sciatica describes pain and other symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. Symptoms commonly travel from the lower back or buttock into the leg and may include pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. At my Eastbourne clinic, I assess people with symptoms consistent with sciatica to help determine what may be contributing to them and whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or one of the nerve roots that forms it becomes irritated or compressed. It commonly causes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg. Depending on the nerve involved, symptoms can also include tingling, numbness or weakness. Causes can include a disc problem or narrowing around a spinal nerve, although symptoms and their causes vary between individuals.
Can Osteopathy Help with Sciatica?
Osteopathic management of sciatica begins with an assessment of your symptoms, medical history and movement. I consider whether your symptoms are consistent with sciatica and look for signs that may indicate a need for further medical assessment. Where osteopathic treatment is appropriate, treatment may include manual techniques together with advice about movement, activity and suitable exercises.
Assessment: I will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine relevant movement, strength and neurological function where appropriate. This helps determine whether your symptoms appear consistent with sciatica and whether further medical assessment may be needed.
Manual Treatment: Where appropriate, osteopathic treatment may include gentle joint mobilisation and soft-tissue techniques. The techniques used will depend on your examination findings, symptoms and individual circumstances.
Movement and Exercise: Advice about staying active and suitable exercises may form part of management. These can be adapted according to your symptoms and progress.
Individual Management: Sciatica can have different causes and presentations, so treatment is tailored to the individual rather than following a fixed programme. I will explain my findings and discuss appropriate management options with you.
Sciatica Treatment at Eastbourne Osteopathy
I am Andy Duckmanton, a GOsC registered osteopath qualified since 2007. At my Eastbourne clinic, I assess people with sciatica and other forms of lower back and leg pain. My approach is based on your individual assessment rather than a standard treatment programme.
Where osteopathic treatment is appropriate, I will explain the findings from your assessment, discuss the available treatment options and provide advice about movement, activity and exercises where relevant.
When Should Sciatica Be Assessed Urgently?
Most sciatica is not a medical emergency, but some symptoms require urgent medical assessment. Seek urgent medical help if you develop numbness around the genitals or anus, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, significant or worsening weakness in both legs, or sciatica following a serious accident.
If you have persistent lower back or leg pain and are looking for sciatica treatment in Eastbourne, you can book an assessment with me at Eastbourne Osteopathy. Book online or call 01323 335052.