Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

"Sciatica" is not a single disease name, but rather a description of a "symptom."

When structures in the lumbar spine (such as intervertebral discs, the spinal canal, or muscles) have issues that cause compression of the nerve roots, pain signals travel along the nerve pathway. This causes characteristic pain radiating from the lower back down to the legs.

Common Symptoms

The presentation of sciatica varies from person to person, and pain levels can range from mild discomfort to severe, stabbing pain. Common presentations include:

Radiating Pain: This is the most typical symptom. Pain usually starts in the lower back or buttocks and extends downward like an electric current to the back of the thigh, calf, or even the sole of the foot.
Numbness and Tingling: You may feel numbness in the lower limbs, a pins-and-needles sensation or a burning sensation.
Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness may occur in the affected leg or foot, leading to difficulty walking.
Specific Postures Aggravate Pain: Prolonged sitting, coughing, sneezing, or straining during bowel movements can increase intra-abdominal pressure, potentially worsening the symptoms.

Who is at Risk?

Sciatica is usually associated with spinal degeneration or lifestyle habits. High-risk groups include:

Sedentary Individuals: Maintaining a sitting posture for long periods, especially with poor posture, increases pressure on the lumbar discs.
Heavy Manual Laborers: People who frequently need to bend over to move heavy objects.
The Elderly: Due to age-related spinal degeneration.
Obese Individuals / Pregnant Women: Excess weight or pregnancy increase the burden on the spine.

Physiotherapy Treatment

After a detailed assessment, our physiotherapists will determine the most suitable treatment plan for you, which may include:

Modalities: Such as lumbar traction to reduce nerve compression, electrotherapy, and ultrasound to relieve pain and promote recovery.
Manual Therapy / Acupuncture: Using joint mobilization, neural flossing techniques, or dry needling to improve spine and nerve mobility and restore normal muscle function.
Core Stability Training: Training deep core muscles to protect the spine.
Posture Correction: Assessing and adjusting your work environment and daily posture.

Home Care & Prevention

Maintain Correct Sitting Posture: When sitting, your back should be supported, and feet should be flat on the ground. Avoid crossing your legs or slouching.
Avoid Prolonged Inactivity: It is recommended to get up, move around, and stretch every 30-45 minutes.
Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting heavy objects, squat down, keep your back straight, hold the object close to your body.
Moderate Heat Application: Apply heat during the chronic phase to promote blood circulation and muscle relaxation.
Strengthen Core and Back Muscles: Regularly perform back strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Persistent lower back and leg pain that does not improve after rest.
The pain is severe and affects daily life.

Enquiry or Appointment

If you would like to book an assessment, please contact us via phone or WhatsApp.

Phone: 6706 1944
Address: Shop UG13, Upper Ground Floor, Ka Wai Plaza, 24 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon