Lower Limbs/Spine

Osteopaths are trained in orthopaedic/neurological testing as required. We honour the “nuts and bolts’ of the issue then we tend to think outside the square. Areas of trauma or repetitive strain often feel less vital and heavy in the tissue as there is often inertia and/or restrictions in the tissue. The fluid needs to be restored to these areas so change can occur.

Often the body can be moved around and treated but until this trauma is addressed the change rarely lasts.

Spinal pain – Lumbar (lower back)

Sciatica – Sciatica occurs in the lower back/legs and feet. Sciatica is a very general and vague term that refers to a nerve is very large. The sciatic nerve is a long, thick nerve that travels from the lower back to the foot. It branches into different areas of the hip and leg and can give symptoms ranging from shooting pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness.

It is an Osteopath’s job to work out where along the nerve that the body has become imbalanced as well as knowing when to refer for urgent situations.

Nerve root pain – Can occur anywhere in the spine.

Nerve roots can be in various stages of pathology from a mild irritation to a neurological compression (Radiculopathy). Symptoms range from sharp shooting pain, to numbness, tingling and weakness.

There are many reasons a nerve root can be symptomatic, from a disc herniation, degeneration to a stenosis (narrowing) in certain spinal structures.

Some nerve root pain responds very well to treatment. Others need orthopaedic referral. All nerve root symptoms require a thorough examination according to the area of the spine that is symptomatic.

Sacroiliac Joint – The sacroiliac joint is a unique structure that can give symptoms such as lower back pain, pain in the buttocks and back of either or both legs.

This can commonly occur rolling over in bed, standing with most of the weight on one leg, walking stairs or taking long strides.

The sacrum is a complex structure and is commonly affected during pregnancy or falls onto the buttocks.

The sacrum itself has its own vitality and heavy trauma often leaves it feeling heavy and hard compared to other more vital bony areas. It is important to restore flow to the tissue. Even bone is a type of connective tissue.

Trigger points in Muscles – these can and often mimic symptoms of other lower back issues. Trigger points are where a muscle has become imbalanced and over/under worked. It often becomes an area of weakness and tension and referred pain.

It is important to address the trigger points. It is more important to address the reason why these trigger points have been set up by the body.

This list of lower back pain issues is by no means exhaustive. Please call me to discuss your condition.