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Sciatica

Trapped Nerve in the leg

Sciatica

Sciatica means pain that goes down the leg. One common reason for this is some pressure on the nerves that run down the leg as they pass out of the spine. The pressure can be caused by a damaged disc in the back.

It was once thought that the discs "slipped" but in fact they behave more like a car tyre with a bulge in the wall. The bulge can press on the nerve giving sharp pain in the leg.


There is a myth that osteopaths can correct "slipped discs" using manipulation. Unfortunately this is not true. The management of disc injuries relies greatly on appropriate advice and progressive exercise. Osteopathic treatment may be useful in helping with the associated mechanical (muscle and joint) back problems that accompany the disc injury.


Another cause of sciatic pain is called referred pain. In this case there need not be any pressure on the nerve root. The pain felt in the leg is really coming from somewhere else. If the origin of the pain is found (for example a ligament in the back) and treated then the leg pain will go away.

This is the most common type of sciatica that we see and it responds well to our non surgical osteopathic treatment.


Special tests. In some cases it my be necessary to see an MRI scan of your back to show whether or not there is a specific disc injury pressing on a nerve. Your osteopath or practitioner will discuss this with you and can refer you for a private MRI or on to your GP who can refer you via the NHS.


X-Rays are no help in this condition because they only show the bones not the softer tissues that cause this sort of trouble.

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All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and must adhere to strict practice standards issued by the GOsC.

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Body Balance Osteopaths Patient Charter

Your Osteopath will tell you

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  • Why you are in pain

  • How long your recovery should take 

  • How many treatments you should need. 

  • Explain the treatment options and ask you to agree before treatment begins.

  • What do you treat?
    We can help with all joint and movement problems. Half our patients have back pain a quarter have neck pain and the remainder have any sort of joint and movement problem you can think of. Full detains are on the home page here.
  • What are your opening hours ?
    We are open... Monday - Friday 8.30am to 6.30 pm and Saturday 8.30am to 12.30pm Our friendly reception team will answer your questions and make bookings. Call 01708 702200 for Hornchurch / Romford or 020 8532 2922 for South Woodford
  • What are your charges ?
    We keep our charges as reasonable as possible. At Hornchurch New patients £65 . Including treatment on the first visit if possible. takes longer as we need the full medical history and full examination Returning patients £50 At South Woodford New patients £75 . Including treatment on the first visit if possible. takes longer as we need the full medical history and full examination Returning patients £55
  • What is Body Balance Patient Charter ?
    Body Balance Osteopaths Patient Charter Your Osteopath will tell you Why you are in pain How long your recovery should take How many treatments you should need. Explain the treatment options and ask you to agree before treatment begins.
  • What should I wear ?
    Osteopathy relies on the accurate observation and assessment of the whole human frame. As such, depending on the location of the problem, patients are usually asked to come in their gym gear or some shorts or undress to their underwear to permit this observation particularly during the initial assessment visit. We will take care to only ask you to disrobe as far as necessary to permit the treatment to proceed. There is more information about your first visit here.
  • Do I need to bring anything with me ?
    What to Bring to your treatment. If you have any X Rays, scans (MRI, CT, ultrasound) either the pictures, the reports or even better both together then please bring these with you. Please have a note of your doctors name and address and the same for any specialists that you have see recently. Any medical letters are useful. If you are claiming on you health insurance you should have your policy or member number, case or preautherisation number and the name of the insurer. A list of you medication. Some shorts or gym gear if you feel more comfortable in these, or some modest underwear. Anything else that you think may be useful. If you want any more help with this please call 01708 702200 and ask one of our friendly and knowledgable reception team.
  • Do you have a procedure for dealing with concerns?
    We want every patient to be 100% satisfied with our service. If you are worried or concerned about any aspect of your treatment or symptoms, or would like to discuss the service you have received please call us and we will be very pleased to assist you. You can find full details of how we will deal with any concerns here.
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