Sciatica

There are many causes of sciatica. The term sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve and this may occur any where along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates at the sacral plexus in the lower back. The sciatic nerve may be trapped by a lumbar disc prolapse that is causing compression at the nerve root, or it may be compressed more peripherally by the piriformis, a muscle that lies deep in the buttock. It may occur after prolonged squatting, immobility, or fractures, or dislocation of the hip joint.

Osteopathic treatment involves identifying the cause and trying to release the pressure on the nerve by improving range of motion, relaxing soft tissues and taking the strain off the structures involved.