One important nerve that you must know about is the sciatic nerve. It is known to be the largest and widest nerve in the body, given that is it comprised of 5 nerve roots. The sciatic nerve innervates the lower back and the lower extremities, travelling from the lower spine down to each leg.

The main purpose of the sciatic nerve is to supply impulses to the muscles of the lower legs. It can also relay information to the sole, ankle, and back of the thigh. All these functions are possible since they contain sensory neurons and motor neurons, enabling all involved muscles to feel and move all together.

The Development of Sciatica Pain

The formation of sciatica is often associated with the pinching of the nerve by the herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine. Sciatica can also be experienced once the relevant nerve is compressed by a tumour. Other notable causes of sciatica include diabetes, increased stress levels, a sedentary lifestyle, and movements that involve carrying loads or driving a vehicle for a long time.

Sciatica Symptoms and Cure

Given the coverage of the sciatic nerve, obtaining damages to this specific nerve can be painful. Sciatica can manifest different symptoms, including lower back pain and discomfort, muscle weakness, and reflex issues or abnormalities. Once you have acquired sciatica, it would be really difficult for you to bend, rotate, and generally move your feet since your lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs are all in pain.

The pain experienced by people who have sciatica, however, varies. Some may only feel mild aches, while others can experience a burning sensation or excruciating pain, especially when they cough or sneeze. Other symptoms of sciatica include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness of the affected part.

Sciatica can be treated in many ways. One way to treat it is to take medications like anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and others. As long as they are prescribed by the doctor, then one can take them accordingly. Another way to treat sciatica is through physical therapy. A rehabilitation program can be designed to resolve sciatica pain and ultimately prevent injuries in the future. This program typically involves the correction of posture, strengthening of the muscles, and flexibility improvements.

Bowen Therapy as the Solution

Another possible treatment for sciatic is Bowen therapy. Bowen therapy is a unique holistic system of bodywork that can help in treating common orthopaedic concerns and postural adaptations. What is great about this bodywork is that it does not involve any spine manipulation, ensuring that the body will be safe from the dangers of other types of bodyworks.

Bowen therapy can be used to treat sciatica as it focuses on the parts where the painful sensations occur. The therapist will maximise a series of smooth hand movements across involved muscle fibre at particular acupoints, enabling the body to release tension and nerve pressure. Proper circulation and energy flow are also assured with this type of bodywork.

Using the movements as in Total Motion Release have also been helpful.

To find out more about Bowen therapy, feel free to contact Louise at Freedom to Move Bowen Therapy Havelock North.  0223157879