Sciatica is a term used for a pain that shoots down one or at times both sides of the legs. This is a cause from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a common issue with people suffering from sciatica hence why many have heard of this term before. In this blog we will be talking about the common causes of sciatica and how we can manage this condition!
Common Causes Of Sciatica
- Disc protrusion in the lower back causing inflammation and compression of the sciatic nerve
- Bone or disc degeneration in the lower back region
- Spondylolisthesis
- Tight Piriformis Muscle causing compression of the sciatic nerve – most common cause due to over-sitting
3 Ways To Manage Sciatica
- Avoid prolonged sitting and get moving more!
- Stretching and exercising the lower back and glute muscles to reduce tension within the area!
- Seeing a chiropractor! Chiropractors are able to alleviate symptoms of sciatica by decompressing the spine and reducing tension within the piriformis muscle if its causing symptoms.
*Our Chiropractors are upskilled in many areas of rehabilitation. If you are someone who is suffering from sciatica or sciatic like pains book an appointment today or give our team a call today on 9376 2002 at The Melbourne Chiropractor to find out how we can help you out today!
*You Can Visit Us At Any Of Our 3 Locations – Broadmeadows – Westmeadows – Fawkner
Shin splints are a common complaint affecting athletes, particularly runners! Shin Splints are a generalised term used to describe pains felt along the tibia [Shin bone]. They are an injury associated with overuse, overtraining and in some cases poor foot & leg mechanics. This ultimately leads to strain and pain in the muscles of the leg
Shin splints can be categorised into anterior and posterior shin splints. They usually arise due to dysfunction or strain through the Tibialis anterior and posterior muscles. These strains can occur due to changes in training load or running surfaces and insufficient rest. This strain pattern can also occur due to bio-mechanical causes, such as weakness and inflexibility in the muscles of the lower limb. Poor footwear can also contribute
Shin splints are generally diagnosed through a case history and physical examination by your physician. Further scanning can be utilised to rule out other sinister diagnoses’ such as fractures
Initial treatment involves pain and inflammation reduction through decreases in training load, increased rest and use of Ice. Once achieved, the aim is to regain full ROM of the leg and to regain normal foot biomechanics. Once that is completed, muscle strength of the lower limb must be restored, as return to sport and activity will commence
If left untreated, shin splits can can progress into tibial stress fractures which will require further intervention. In rarer cases, muscle compartment syndrome can develop, where surgical intervention may be required
Here are some exercises that may help decrease your pain associated with shin splints
Loaded Kettle Bell Plantar Flexion or Dorsi Flexion
Balance Reach Activity
Tibialis Posterior Calf Raise
Remember to consult a health care professional before commencing these exercises 
