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Can an osteopath help with sciatica pain?

Can osteopathy help relieve sciatica?

In one word: yes. Osteopathy treatment for Sciatica can help to ease this debilitating nerve pain and prevent any future attacks by addressing the root cause/s of the problem.

In fact, according the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, the use of manual therapy (like Osteopathic spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage) and exercise are two of the ‘most effective’ non-invasive and non-pharmacological interventions for managing Sciatica. 

But before I dive deeper into how and why Osteopathy can help offer some much-needed relief from Sciatica, let’s explain what this nerve pain is, the symptoms you might experience and the causes of this common condition, which is believed to affect approximately 40% of people at some time in their lives. 

What is Sciatica?

If you’ve ever suffered the ill fate of Sciatica, you’ll know how excruciating this nerve pain can be.

Put simply, Sciatica is a disturbance or compression of the sciatic nerve — which is the longest nerve in the human body. 

Beginning at the lower spinal region, your sciatic nerve travels through the buttocks and down both legs to the feet. At its thickest point, it reaches 2cm in diameter.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. 

This compression is most commonly due to a bulging spinal disc in the lower spine which can happen over time when their hard, fibrous outer structure can develop tiny tears, usually as a result of overload or poor posture. This often results in a spinal disc’s inner soft core to protrude, which can impinge on the surrounding tissues, including the sciatic nerve. 

Degenerative spinal arthritis can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve and the same goes for lumbar spinal stenosis, which is when the tunnels in the spinal canal narrow. 

Additionally, pelvic or lumbar muscular spasms may impinge a lumbar or sacral nerve root causing sciatic symptoms. 

The common symptoms of Sciatica

There are a few common symptoms of Sciatica to watch out for. This includes:

  • Shooting, burning or stabbing pains along the sciatic nerve, especially in the buttock(s), hips and lower back.
    This pain can also radiate in your groin, feet and/or toes, back of the thighs and down the legs
  • Pins and needles in the legs and/or feet
  • Numbness and weakness in the affected areas 

All of the above can be exacerbated by lumbar spine flexion, twisting, coughing, prolonged sitting, walking or heavy lifting. 

How do you make Sciatica go away?

The good news is that most cases of Sciatica resolve in less than four to six weeks with no long-term complications. 

However this will depend on the patient’s age, lifestyle, medical history and whether or not you stick to any medical advice given. 

Some often find relief from Sciatica by:

  • Using ice hydrotherapy to decrease inflammation and help with comfort levels 
  • Engaging in exercises to increase core strength and/or regular low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming 
  • Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing
  • Maintaining good posture 
  • Gently stretch the lumbar spine and hamstrings
  • Using proper lifting techniques

Some Sciatica sufferers also turn to the use of pain killers. 

However, as an Osteopath and qualified Naturopath, instead of masking the problem I prefer to help patients get to the root cause and find relief from Sciatica with a range of non-invasive and evidence-backed Osteopathic treatments. Doing so helps to minimise the chances of your symptoms recurring.

Evidence-backed Osteopath treatment for Sciatica

As I touched on earlier, when it comes to managing Sciatica, NICE recommends the use of manual therapy and exercise as a way of improving symptoms. 

This comes after various studies, including this 2023 review, found that there is “high-level scientific evidence” to support the use of Osteopathy for Sciatica. 

Therefore, as a trained Osteopath with 30 years of experience, there are a number of safe, gentle and effective (Osteopathic) treatments I can draw upon. This includes:

  • Spinal manipulation
  • Stretching 
  • Massage
  • Articulation
  • Western Medical Acupuncture
  • Low Level Laser Therapy

All of the above can help increase the mobility of joints, relieve sciatic nerve compression, reduce pain, enhance the blood supply to tissues and help the body to heal.

I can also provide you with tailored stretches and exercises that can help ‘release’ the trapped nerve and help restore your range of motion.

If you have used my Osteopath services before, you’ll know that I also frequently combine Osteopathy with one or more other therapies, such as Western acupuncture, when seeking the best treatment outcome for a patient. 

And when it comes to getting rid of Sciatica pain, acupuncture is another allied therapy I can use at my disposal as research has found that this form of alternative medicine “may be effective in treating the pain associated with Sciatica”.

Get relief from Sciatica

If you’re suffering with Sciatica pain, don’t suffer in silence. As is the case with most things, the longer you leave it, the worse it can get. 

To prevent this from happening, give the North London Osteopathy clinic a call on 020 8815 0979 or book a treatment here. 

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Osteopathy treatment for back pain

How Osteopathy Works for Back Pain Relief

Back pain is what often brings people to my North London Osteopathy clinic — and it comes as no surprise. 

According to the NHS*, 8 out of 10 people will experience an episode of back pain at some point in their life. And worldwide, the World Health Organisation states** lower back pain is estimated to reach 843 million cases by 2050. 

Ageing is one of the main reasons cited for back pain. But as an Osteopath who treats the person not just the problem they present with, I know all too well that there can be various factors at play. 

Therefore, when it comes to Osteopathy treatment for back pain, no one size fits all.

The many causes of back pain

Made up of 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx, I like to think of our spines as scaffolding for our entire body. It holds us up, enables flexible movement and protects our nervous system. 

But along with literally being the backbone of our anatomy, our spines are also one of the body’s most complex structures. And pain in your back can be felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck to your lower back and beyond. 

Poor posture, too much time spent sitting and medical conditions like sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis** can cause back pain. The same goes for muscle strain and osteoarthritis. 

But back pain can also be influenced by lifestyle factors such as stress, excess weight and core weakness. And it’s these underlying problems that can make diagnosis more challenging. 

Thus, when referring to an Osteopath’s treatment for back pain, I prefer to take an integrated approach. 

 

Back pain relief with osteopathy

In conjunction with 30 years of experience, a sizable part of my Osteopathic training is to detect any underlying factors a patient could present with to get to the root cause of the issue. This can help to prevent recurrences and work towards improving a patient’s overall health. 

Every Osteopath works differently and has a different vision. But personally speaking, I believe the mind-body is one. Therefore, as an Osteopath and qualified Naturopath, I have a range of non-invasive evidence-backed Osteopathic treatments to use at my disposal. This includes the likes of: 

  • Soft tissue techniques – to reduce tension in your back and relieve your pain.
  • Articulation – where I will move your joints through their natural range of motion. 
  • Stretching – to help relieve stiffness.
  • Manipulation –  to increase the mobility of the joints and relieve tension.

Osteopathy Proven to Improve Chronic Back Pain and Function

According to a 2021 meta-analysis, which was published in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine, researchers found that osteopathic interventions (like the above) can be “effective in pain levels and functional status improvements in non-specific chronic low back pain patients”.

Combining Osteopathy with Allied Therapies for Better Results

Over the decades, I have learnt first-hand that the more areas I studied, qualified in, and ultimately practised on a personal level, the better I could treat my patients. Therefore, to offer a Osteopathy treatment as bespoke as the patients who come through my clinic doors, I also have a range of allied therapies to draw upon. This includes: 

  • Level laser therapy (LLLT) – LLLT uses low power or ‘soft’ laser light to alter cellular function, improve outcomes and speed up your body’s natural healing process safely and effectively. It’s been proven to be effective in the use of acute and chronic back pain. 
  • Western Acupuncture – this can help with pain relief including musculoskeletal pain, like back pain. 
  • Naturopathy – this complementary treatment is based on the age-old philosophy that the human body has the innate ability to heal itself through nature. As a Naturopath, my role is to rid your body of the toxins and underlying issues that may harm its capacity to perform this function. According to a published trial, Naturopathic care can provide ‘significantly greater improvement’ than physiotherapy advice for patients with chronic low back pain.
  • Autogenic training – this is a potent relaxation therapy which has powerful applications in restoring, healing and developing the body and mind. As published in the National Institutes of Health, relaxation techniques such as autogenic training are often recommended to help relieve low back pain and improve flexibility. 

Preventing Back Pain: What You Can Do?

Not all back pain is avoidable. However, in some cases of non-specific back pain, there are some basic tips you can do to look after the health of your spine. For example, you might try out some tips for improving your posture, like getting your work set up right, investing in a good mattress and considering active and dynamic sitting. 

Exercising regularly can also help keep back pain at bay. The same goes for using the correct lifting techniques, stretching and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Relaxation techniques can also help, as chronic back pain can be both physically and emotionally straining. 

 

If you are suffering with back pain then Osteopathy may be the answer.
To find out more, book an appointment, or get in touch.

 

*https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/self-care/back/

*https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain

**https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/

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What would an Osteopath treat?

Common Conditions Treated by Osteopaths

Osteopaths are widely known for treating back pain. However Osteopaths can treat well beyond the spine. 

From frozen shoulder and Fibromyalgia to headaches and muscle spasms—as an Osteopath, I use a variety of manual techniques, manipulation and allied therapies (like lower level laser therapy and Western Acupuncture) to improve circulation, reduce pain, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. 

That said, Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare and Osteopaths treat the person as well as the presenting symptoms. Therefore, I wouldn’t just look at the physical symptoms a patient is presenting with. A big part of my Osteopathic training is to identify any underlying factors to get to the root cause of the problem, which can sometimes be multifactorial—physical, emotional and nutritional. Doing so may help prevent recurrences and work towards improving a patient’s overall health. 

 

Health conditions an Osteopath can help with

 

As confirmed by the Advertising Standards Authority, Osteopaths can help with a range of health disorders like:

  • Arthritic pain
  • Back pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • Cramp
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences)
  • Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
  • Joint pains
  • Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
  • General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neuralgia – referred acute pain caused by irritation of a nerve
  • Tension and inability to relax
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Sciatica – presents usually with pain down one or both legs
  • Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash).

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

Beyond Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

1. Migraine prevention

Believed to affect 6 million people in the UK*, Migraines can be a headache in every sense of the word. The complex neurological condition might begin with a painful headache preceded or accompanied by disturbed vision or aura—but migraines can affect the whole body. 

Someone suffering with a migraine might see flashing lights and/or zig zag patterns. While others may also experience pins and needles, numb limbs and difficulty in speaking. Sufferers can also encounter dizziness, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and smells. 

Medication is one method some turn to, to help control the pain, severity and frequency of attacks. However, as a Naturopath, I try to help my patients achieve emotional and physical wellbeing through natural methods and treatments, allowing their bodies to fight and prevent disease, minimising the need for surgery or drugs.

For example, Osteopathic techniques can help relieve migraine symptoms, whilst understanding and addressing the underlying, sometimes multifactorial, factors involved. While a 2020 systematic review, confirms that complementary therapies, such as Western medical acupuncture (which is also known as dry needling), “is an effective and safe method for migraines”.

 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Differing to Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes stiffness and pain because of inflammation in the joints.

According to the NHS, GPs usually treat RA with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However there is a growing body of evidence that suggests natural approaches, like exercise, nutrition and Osteopathy—though the use of soft tissue massage—can be useful for pain management. 

And, as researchers confirmed in the 2022 edition of the Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine journal, acupuncture can be a ‘beneficial’ non-pharmacological option, too. “Available evidence suggests that acupuncture is beneficial for relieving pain and ameliorating quality of life and health index in patients with RA,” researchers stated. “Thereby, it should be available as an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment in rehabilitation programmes.”

Osteopathy for More Than Just Back Pain

While osteopathy is often associated with back pain, its scope extends far beyond musculoskeletal issues. Osteopaths can support patients with a variety of conditions including joint pain, headaches, digestive discomfort, and even stress-related tension. By taking a whole-body approach, Robin Kiashek considers not just physical symptoms but also lifestyle, posture, and emotional wellbeing. This allows for a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Get in touch

If you are suffering with any aches or pains don’t suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation either online, via phone or by sending an email. Osteopath and Naturopath Robin Kiashek holds clinics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

**https://gutscharity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DigestingTheFactsReport.pdf

***https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/resources/gastrointestinal-conditions/

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Heat therapy or cold therapy: What’s best for pain management?

Pain Management

When in pain, most people tend to apply heat to the problem area rather than cold/ice compressions. Which is understandable – it feels more soothing.  And who wants to add being cold and uncomfortable to an already painful situation?

“In my 25 years of practicing osteopathy, I’ve only ever encountered one patient treating their pain by applying ice,” Osteopath Robin Kiashek tells us.

But actually, a hit of cold/ice therapy might be a better solution.

What is cold/ice therapy?

Cold water therapy is the practice of using water that’s around 15 degrees to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits.  While ice therapy is the practice of using ice to do the exact same.

Despite the current buzz around this type of therapy – with the rise of the cold shower trend – this type of treatment has actually been used for thousands of years.

How does cold/ice therapy work?

Cold therapy, or in this case – ice therapy, is sometimes referred to as cold hydrotherapy or cryotherapy.  And it has the power to reduce inflammation in our body.

So, when we are hurt or are in pain, whether it’s through stubbing our toe, spraining our ankle or something more serious – ice therapy slows blood flow to the area by causing vasodilation of blood capillaries.  This expels blood from the surrounding area temporarily. Once the ice (wrapped in a wet tea towel) is removed after five minutes, fresh blood enters the injured area.

This in turn reduces inflammation and swelling that causes pain in the joint or tendon.

It is particularly effective for acute injuries and also if it is put into practice quickly after the injury occurs.

How does cold therapy compare to heat therapy?

Conversely, heat therapy causes blood vessels to dilate by arterial vasodilation which rushes blood flow to the area.  It can feel very soothing.

And heat therapy can definitely help with flexibility issues, tight muscles and damaged tissues. But it’s not a good idea where there is swelling.

The power of cold therapy

Robin saw the power of cold therapy first-hand when his son underwent surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). As part of the recovery process, he was given a Game Ready machine that pumps iced water every 30 minutes, for 30 minutes, around the injured knee.

Robin says: “Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) have long been used to treat acute injury and to help the recovery and rehabilitation process after surgery. It’s something I tell my patients when they come to me in pain.”

But cold/ice therapy can be used for other holistic and physical outcomes.

What are the benefits of cold/ice therapy?

We’ve spoken before about the benefits of cold/ice therapy. But according to the science, cold/ice therapy can:

  • Give your immune system a boost.  A range of studies have proven that doses of cold therapy could bolster your immune system over a period of weeks or months.
  • Ease symptoms of depression.  Research has shown that cold open water swimming could help those suffering with anxiety and depression.
  • Help with muscle soreness.  In a 2011 study, cyclists who were immersed in cold water for 10 minutes had decreased soreness. And a later 2016 study reported the same results.

However, before you plunge yourself in an outdoor lake or ice bath, it’s important to discuss any sudden cold-water immersions with your doctor.  Just to make sure it’s safe for to do so.

Plus, you must never apply ice directly to the skin as it will burn and it should only be used under medical guidance.

If you’re in pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Robin.
Robin Kiashek treats patients suffering from all types of conditions.  Including sporting injuries, musculoskeletal issues and headaches.

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Let’s give sciatica the sack

Sciatica can strike anyone

What do football manager Thierry Henry, actress and singer Olivia Newton-John and Jean-Claude Juncker, the former President of the European Commission, all have in common? Not much on the face of it, but the fact is that all three have, at one time or other, been battling sciatica.

The former Arsenal striker went from strength to strength following a bout in 2006. Grease star Newton-John was forced to cancel several concerts two years ago while the painful condition was blamed – amidst much speculation – for the 64-year-old Juncker’s stumbles during a recent Nato summit.

What is sciatica?

The older generation will be more familiar with it as Lumbago, but Sciatica (as it’s now called) is an unpleasant and disruptive condition that can potentially afflict anyone – of all ages and levels of fitness!  It’s often confused with other types of back pain and occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or injured. This nerve is the largest and longest in the human body. It runs all the way from the lumbar region in the lower back, through the buttocks and down both legs to the feet. Symptoms can make themselves felt anywhere along the nerve, from the lower back, through the genital region and all the way to the feet.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

  • Stabbing, burning or shooting pains along the sciatic nerve in the:
    • lower back, hip and/or buttock(s)
    • backs of the thighs and down the legs
    • feet and/or toes
    • genital area
  • Burning or tingling (pins and needles) in the legs and/or feet
  • Numbness and weakness in affected areas
  • All of the above made worse by prolonged sitting, standing or walking, heavy lifting and any activity with an impact on the spine (eg running)

Causes of sciatica

The vast majority of sciatica cases are caused by:

A herniated or protruding disc: Positioned between the vertebrae (bones in the spinal column) discs act as shock absorbers or cushions with the lower spinal discs taking on most of the upper body weight. Over time their hard, fibrous outer structure may develop tiny tears, usually as a result of overload or poor posture. This allows their jelly-like inner core to herniate or protrude, irritating the sciatic nerve. and often referred to as a ‘trapped nerve’.

Poor posture: Sitting incorrectly with more weight on one hip than the other can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve.

Degenerative Spinal Arthritis. Osteoarthritis in the spine can damage the cartilage (connective tissue) on the joints and discs in the neck and lower back, producing spurs of bone that press against the sciatic nerve.

Impingement of the sciatic nerve along its course:  the sciatic nerve can be affected by the pelvic joints (sacroiliac joints) or if the nerve passes through the Piriformis muscle (deep in the buttock region), where tightening of the muscle can give sciatic-type symptoms. 

Treating sciatica with Robin Kiashek

The condition may improve on its own after four to six weeks, although this largely depends on the patient’s age, medical history, lifestyle and, importantly, whether he or she heeds my advice! Try not to let it interfere with your daily activities. You can help yourself in battling sciatica via:

  • Avoiding prolonged sitting
  • Keeping moving but only if this doesn’t cause you pain
  • Using cold hydrotherapy (sitting in a cool bath or gentle swimming) to relieve pain on the lower spine
  • Avoiding high impact activities
  • Not sleeping on your front and either putting a pillow under your knees if sleeping on your back, or putting a pillow between your knees if side-lying

Does sciatica go away on its own?

If your symptoms show no sign of improving after a few days, please make an appointment at one of the Robin Kiashek Clinics. I will take a full case history and perform a clinical examination to determine the exact cause of your pain. We will then agree on a treatment plan which may also include advice on exercise, posture, pain management and how to prevent any future attacks.

To get in touch please call 020 8815 0979 or click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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