A deep, nagging ache in the buttock that sometimes travels down the back of the leg is a common complaint. Many people are told the cause is piriformis syndrome. But is the piriformis muscle really the problem, and does this condition actually exist as a clear medical diagnosis?
Category Archives: Backs / Spine
Recovery From Sciatica
Recovery from sciatica often involves gradual movement and rehabilitation exercises. This article outlines recovery expectations, types of exercises commonly used, and practical advice on pacing activity during recovery.
Can Osteopathy Help Sciatica?
Sciatica can affect movement, posture, and daily activity. Osteopathic care aims to improve movement and reduce strain on irritated tissues. If you are unsure whether your symptoms might be sciatica, you may find it helpful to read What Is Sciatica?, which explains common causes and symptoms.
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms and Causes
Sciatica causes pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. This article explains the symptoms, common causes, and when medical assessment may be needed.
Persistent pain and your feelings
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of living with ongoing pain is that it’s often not taken seriously. It’s a common misconception that pain is all in your head. Too often, people in pain are told, “it’s all in your head,” “you look fine“, or, “you’re laughing, so it can’t be that bad.”
Chronic pain and trauma
Trauma and chronic pain often coexist because sometimes, people with persistent pain also have an untreated or complex trauma history. Pain is our body’s danger detection system, making the body and mind more sensitive, and trauma changes the brain.
Persistent Pain is a genuine condition
Pain is the primary reason people go to the doctor, but 1 in 3 general practitioners (GPs) reports feeling “unprepared” to treat pain. While this may frustrate you, it’s not their fault because, like most healthcare professionals (HCPs), we receive little or no training around the pain that doesn’t go away as expected during our …
Pain management, ways forwards
The previous post, “pain what’s really going on?” looked at pain from a medical and scientific point of view to understand how pain can be categorised, the variety of words to describe pain, and the regular healing times, which may help people avoid slipping into persistent or chronic states. This post will look at current best …
Pain, what’s really going on?
Pain is tricky; it can be a valuable and potentially life-saving protection mechanism. You only have to touch something unexpectedly hot to appreciate that the resulting OUCH was helpful because it made you pull your hand away and prevent possible further injury. But what exactly is pain?
Back Pain: Debunking Misconceptions and Myths
Back pain is common; 80% of people worldwide will experience at least one episode. It’s an often invisible condition that can affect anyone from *children to the elderly, but worldwide, only around 1% of cases are because of something sinister such as a tumour.