Sciatica - a pain in the derrière!

What is it?

Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your hips to your feet, is irritated. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.

If you have sciatica your bottom, backs of your legs and maybe even your feet and toes may feel painful, it might be a burning, shooting or stabbing type of pain. You might feel tingling, numbness or weakness along the same pathway. typically sciatica only affects one side of the body.

You may find that your symptoms are worse when moving, sneezing or coughing.

You may also have back pain, but this is not usually as bad as the pain in your bottom, legs or feet.

How can I help myself

• carry on with your normal activities as much as possible

• regular stretches, try lifting your right leg and place your right ankle on top of the left knee. Now lift your chest up and over your knees. Hold the position for a moment. This helps stretch the tiny piriformis muscle, which sometimes becomes inflamed and presses against the sciatic nerve, causing pain. Do the same exercise with the other leg. Start gentle exercise as soon as you can – anything that gets you moving can help

• apply a heat pack to the painful areas (from the pharmacy)

• do not sit or lie down for long periods – even if moving hurts, it's not harmful and can help you get better faster

• Book an appointment with us if you symptoms do not resolve in a few days.