Causing sharp, shooting pain that can severely impact daily life and leave patients feeling frustrated and limited in their activities. Understanding the underlying causes and pathology is crucial for effective treatment and long-term recovery.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve – the largest nerve in the body running from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg – becomes compressed or irritated. Common causes include:
- Herniated or slipped discs - bulging disc material pressing on nerve roots
- Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal compressing nerve structures
- Piriformis syndrome - tight piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve
- Spondylolisthesis - vertebral slippage causing nerve compression
- Degenerative disc disease - age-related disc changes affecting nerve space
- Pregnancy - hormonal changes and increased weight affecting spinal alignment
Cervical Nerve Pain Causes
Cervical nerve pain originates from compressed or irritated nerves in the neck region causing pain, loss of sensation and pins and needles into the arm and hands, commonly resulting from:
- Cervical disc herniation - disc material pressing on nerve roots
- Cervical spondylosis - arthritis and bone spurs narrowing nerve pathways
- Whiplash injuries - trauma causing inflammation and nerve irritation
- Poor posture - prolonged computer work creating muscle imbalances
- Cervical radiculopathy - nerve root compression at the spine
- Thoracic outlet syndrome - nerve compression between neck and shoulder
Symptoms and Pathology
Both conditions share similar symptom patterns due to nerve compression and inflammation:
Sciatica Symptoms
- Sharp, shooting pain from lower back to foot
- Burning or electric shock sensations
- Numbness and tingling in leg or foot
- Muscle weakness affecting walking or standing
- Pain worsening with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Cervical Nerve Pain Symptoms
- Sharp pain radiating from neck to arm and fingers
- Pins and needles in arm or hand
- Muscle weakness affecting grip strength
- Headaches and neck stiffness
- Pain worsening with neck movements
The underlying pathology involves inflammation around the affected nerves, creating a cycle of pain and dysfunction. Inflammatory mediators irritate nerve tissue, causing swelling that further compresses the nerve within its confined space, perpetuating pain signals and creating the characteristic burning, electric-like sensations.
Gentle Physiotherapy and Osteopathic Treatment
At Core Body Clinic, our experienced team understands that aggressive treatment can often worsen nerve pain. Our approach focuses on gentle, evidence-based techniques designed to reduce inflammation and restore normal nerve function:
Gentle Physiotherapy Techniques
- Careful mobilisation exercises to improve spinal movement
- Neural mobilisation techniques to reduce nerve tension
- Targeted strengthening of supporting muscles
- Postural correction and ergonomic advice
- Specific stretching to address muscle imbalances
Osteopathic Manipulation Benefits
- Gentle spinal manipulation to restore joint mobility
- Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension
- Craniosacral therapy to optimise nervous system function
- Myofascial release to address tissue restrictions
- Visceral manipulation when appropriate
Our hands-on approach works by improving blood flow to affected areas, reducing inflammation around compressed nerves, and restoring optimal biomechanics to prevent recurrence. The gentle nature of our treatments means we can address the root causes without aggravating sensitive nerve tissue.
Using our comprehensive assessment and treatment approach, we help patients achieve lasting relief from sciatica and cervical nerve pain – because living with constant nerve pain shouldn’t be something you have to endure when effective, gentle treatment options are available.