It is a common misconception that nerves get trapped – they don’t! This is a term that is often used as it is something that people can understand and relate to. In reality what is happening is this - local tissue injury or strain causes local inflammation and swelling that in turn irritates and puts pressure on nerves. These nerves then start to send the altered signals that result in the shooting pains, pins & needles, numbness or altered sensations that we all associate with ‘trapped nerves’. Common areas where this type of problem may occur are the neck and low back (where it is often called ‘Sciatica’).
Sciatica means inflammation of the sciatic nerve – literally. However it is often used to describe any pain in the low back, buttocks or legs. ‘True sciatica’ is caused when local tissue and/or joint injury causes local inflammation – this then inflames and compresses the sciatic nerve. Symptoms from this can be felt in the low back, the leg, calf and foot. It is often a very painful and worrying condition. Common problems that cause this pain include disc injuries, osteoarthritis, local trauma, muscle & joint strain as well as postural changes. Most sciatic pain can be dealt with by an Osteopath.
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