Osteopathic Treatment of Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful condition related to the sciatic nerve, which is the largest and longest nerve in your body. It extends from your spinal cord and goes from your lower back into your pelvis and buttocks, then down each leg. Osteopathic treatment of sciatica is conservative.

Massage

Soft tissue massage is sometimes used to relieve the pressure from sciatica, according to HomeopathicTreatment4U.

Manipulation

Manipulation of joints, muscles, ligaments and fascia is used to relax muscles, improve blood flow and restore your normal nerve function, according to The Benefits of Osteopathy, by Claude Brodeur, Ph.D.

Posture

Brodeur indicates that posture is important to overall health. Poor posture can lead to backache, headache, weak muscles and poor circulation.

Exercise

According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, exercise is helpful in treating both chronic and acute sciatica by strengthening your muscles. This is usually done with the supervision of a physical therapist.

Considerations

In some cases, osteopathic treatment is not appropriate, such as fractures, bone disease, infections, deformities and cancer, according to Brodeur. These conditions require traditional medical care.

References

• Osteopathy and Sciatica
• The Benefits of Osteopathy
• Making Sense of Sciatica