How Long Does Sciatica Last?
This is a common question we get in the clinic; it is frustrating as everyone responds differently. It can depend on your age, whether you have had it before and what is causing it.
Sciatica can be caused by disc prolapse most commonly, stenosis, arthritis, as well as muscle tightness.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is at the base of the spine, it is one of the biggest nerves in the body and it runs at the base of the spinal cord all the way down the back of the leg into the foot.
When it gets compressed either by a disc, muscle, or bone then it can cause serious problems. The most common symptom is shooting pain in the leg, mainly in the buttock and thigh, but in more severe cases it can go all the way down the leg to the foot.
The most severe cases can cause issues with the bowel and bladder, and this is an absolute red flag and needs to be referred to A+E to prevent further consequences.
The most common cause we see is pressure from a disc on the nerve. This can be from an injury or sitting too long causing too many postural issues.
Does Sciatica Go Away On it’s Own?
The symptoms often do go away on their own if this is one of the first occurrences of the issue. However, it will come back if the root cause of the problem isn’t resolved, for example if you have a disc bulge and it becomes inflamed from lifting something or long travelling, it can cause sciatic symptoms.
As the inflammation goes down you will then start to feel better, but over time it reoccurs as soon as the disc becomes inflamed. The disc then gets weaker and will leave it susceptible to a full prolapse. This can then take anywhere from 6-12 months to heal and can cause long term issues.
The advice would be to deal with the first occurrence, get a root cause diagnosis and understand why it has happened so you can adapt to what you are doing.
What Is The Number One Exercise For Sciatica?
You should make sure that you understand what is causing the sciatica first and then the exercise can be tailored to you. Let me show you what we use for our clients with sciatica:
- Pigeon stretch-this a movement to stretch the posterior capsule of the hip and the piriformis muscle. If it is a disc pressing on the nerve this won’t cause any long-term resolution but may give some short-term relief. Hold it for 30 seconds and repeat both sides 3 times. Watch here
- Back roll out-lie on your back and hug your knees towards your chest, take care pulling them up and gently rock from side to side to ease the back out. Watch here
If you do know someone who wants more advice, please send them our details. You can send them this blog and they can request a free copy of our book which has posture related exercises in it as well. Click here for FREE book.
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