Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions I hear from patients.
Please note, all content within this page is provided for general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice of your own doctor or healthcare professional. Please make an appointment for a full personalised assessment and health screen.
Backs
FAQ's
Do I have sciatica? The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back all the way to your feet. When it becomes irritated you may feel pain in your buttock, back of your leg, calf, feet and/or toes. “Sciatica” or "sciatic pain" is when the sciatic nerve, is irritated. It can vary in intensity and feel like a burning or shooting pain. This can be caused by a number of different things, such as an inflammation around the structures of your spine, changes to the joints, a tight muscle in your buttock, or changes to the discs in your back. Hannah is highly trained in identifying the cause of your ‘sciatica’ and will explain this to you clearly so you feel in control and have your mind put at ease. She will also recommend the most appropriate exercises so you feel able to manage your pain better as you recover.
Why does my back hurt at night? Sometimes, the position we sleep in can aggravate certain types of back pain by bringing our joints closer together. Also, when we sleep our body isn’t moving as much as it does throughout the day. This means there is less drainage of our tissues and inflammation can build up. If you find your night pain isn't relieved by changing position, or your pain is regularly waking you up, it is important to get this assessed to rule out any other causes of your back pain.
Why do I feel so stiff? Often stiffness is due to our daily patterns such as working at a desk, sitting in the car or even gardening and DIY. Often, when one part of the body is moving a lot, the other parts aren't moving enough, causing the local muscles to tighten making the joints feel stiff. We also have fluid around some of our joints which enjoys being moved. When we don't move very much, the fluid becomes more viscous, contributing to the feeling of 'stiffness'. There are many causes of stiffness, some that can be due to medical or inflammatory conditions so it is always a good idea to visit an osteopath - we know a lot about the body!