Referred (Sciatic) Pain – What is it?

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve (see diagram). This is not a diagnosis and it is important to remember that sciatica is simply a description of the symptoms associated with this irritation. Irritation can be from a variety of causes, such as a lumbar disc bulge or long term bony compression of the nerve.

Referred (Sciatic) Pain – How do I know if I have it?

Symptoms usually include low back pain that is isolated to one side and commonly radiates into the buttock and down the leg to the foot or toes. Other associated symptoms include, pins and needles, numbness and weakness.

Referred (Sciatic) Pain – How can Physiotherapy help me?

Physiotherapists are university trained in the assessment and treatment of spinal problems. Physiotherapists treat sciatic pain using a variety of techniques, including joint mobilisation (a gentle, safe form of manipulation), traction, deep tissue releases and exercises. We can also advise on ways to relieve your pain by correcting its cause, for example the correction of poor postural habits.

Referred (Sciatic) Pain – How long until I am better?

Depending on the severity and length of time you have had the sciatic symptoms, you can expect recovery times anywhere from 4 – 6 weeks. Some patients improve much faster, and some patients with chronic conditions may require more physiotherapy.

Lower Back Pain

What is Flexion Related Lower Back Pain?

Flexion Related Lower Back Pain is a broad term used to describe any lower back pain that is aggravated by flexion movements e.g. bending and sitting. Pain can be localised to the middle of your back or is also commonly felt in the buttocks and thigh. Occasionally pain can shoot down the leg. This electric shooting type of pain is called radicular pain or is also often known as sciatica. It is important that you keep moving and return to work (even if you can only do light duties).  Excessive “bed rest” is not effective in managing lower back pain and is even considered detrimental to your rehabilitation.

How Flexion Related Lower Back Pain Happens

Flexion related lower back pain usually occurs with a bending, lifting or twisting movement, or can be a result of prolonged sitting or bending postures.  Flexion related lower back pain can be caused by irritation of multiple structures such as an intervertebral disc, facet joint, ligaments or surrounding muscles.  As the spine is a complex structure, we perform a comprehensive assessment so that you get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Turramurra Sports & Spinal can do to Treat Flexion Related Lower Back Pain

• Soft tissue massage to decrease muscle spasm and pain
• Joint mobilisation: Specific to the affected joint in your back to relieve pain and increase range of movement.
• Specific Exercises: Home exercises to increase your range of movement and decrease pain.  Core muscle retraining using Real Time Ultrasound to increase the strength of the supporting muscles of the back and decrease your risk of re-injuring your back
• Ergonomic advice: workstation set up, avoiding loading positions such as prolonged sitting and bending
• Taping can be beneficial in reducing pain in the acute stages of management

Products useful for Flexion Related Lower Back Pain

• Lumbar roll
• Lumbar Corset/Brace