Sciatic Nerve Pain is Just a Symptom

Ask Your Local Practitioner

Question: I have had several bouts of hip and leg pain my physiotherapists says is sciatic nerve pain. It does go away with treatments but then can come back. Is there anything else I need to look at?

Answer: Like all nerves, the sciatic nerve does not like to be compressed. From its origins, the sacral foramen or the openings in the tailbone, it travels around or through many of the large muscles in your hip, buttocks and back of leg. If any of these muscles, or the fascia connecting these muscles impinges on the sciatic nerve, you will experience pain. Remember though, that the muscle's inherent tightness is partially determined by the bones they are attached to. And what will move these bones out of alignment? Remember as well that bones have no ability to move on their own; they are inert material. What moves them is other soft tissue, organs, muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments. The pelvis is composed of two ilia or hip bones and the tailbone. As you walk, there is a rhythmical motion between these bones. If this motion is out of balance, the sciatic nerve can become irritated. From the Osteopathic model, several things need to be assessed: the functioning of your organs in the pelvis, i.e. colon, prostrate/uterus, bladder and the structural integrity- your posture and gait. Do you stand erect or are you collapsing forward? Do you sit a lot?

Lastly the sciatic nerve is the largest in the body. Near its origin, the tailbone or sacrum, it can be as thick as your small finger. As a result, if someone is toxic or overly acidic, the fluid that bathes the nerve can become irritating to the nerve and result in chronic flare-ups of pain. How is your diet? Do you eat a lot of meat and sugar? How is your water intake vs levels of coffee? Are you dealing with constipation? Is diabetes present?

Your sciatic nerve pain is just a symptom. To try and treat it as the main problem misses so much. Hopefully this helps you look at other possible solutions.

Cameron Moffatt D.O.(MP)

Osteopathic Practitioner

Question: In light of New Year's resolutions, how can I start anew with regards to my body and mind?

Answer: Deep within the model and philosophy, if you will, of structural integration and yoga is the truth that we can start anew at any time. We don't really need New Year's resolutions to begin anew. However this time of the year is symbolic for many of us to re-evaluate, re-align and resolve our own selves into the fullness and openness of our human potential. Within the model of structural integration there is encouragement for the individual to foster a new sense of innocence and an invitation to become more childlike. What this means is: see the world and your relationship to it differently; change your perception. In structural integration and yoga, we have an opportunity to embody this learning and to peak beyond the limits of a conditioned self. Children are not afraid to ask questions and nudge themselves into new spaces. Can we? Be brave, go deep! Change your body about your mind! Now that's a shift in perception folks!

Stephanie Needham B.A., B.Ed

Structural Integration Practitioner, Hatha Yoga Instructor

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