The pain often follows a fairly clear pattern: from the lower back or buttock, down the back or side of the thigh, and in some cases all the way into the calf and foot. Many describe it as burning, sharp or electric – unlike the duller ache of back pain alone.
The pain often gets worse when sitting, coughing, sneezing or bending forward. Some also feel numbness, tingling or a sense that the leg is weaker than normal. Symptoms are often most marked on one side.
Radiating pain down the leg can have several causes. One aim of the examination is to clarify which is most likely in your case:
Many cases of sciatica improve gradually over weeks to months. How long it takes varies a great deal from person to person, and depends both on the cause and on how long the symptoms have lasted.
With radiating pain, extra emphasis is placed on the neurological examination. 30 minutes are set aside for ordinary treatment appointments.
We map where the pain starts, how far down it radiates, whether you feel numbness or weakness, and what makes it worse or better.
Mobility of the lower back and hip, specific nerve tension tests, and checks of strength, sensation and reflexes in the leg.
You get an explanation of what the findings suggest and what is realistic going forward. If needed, MRI, CT or X-ray can be requested, or you can be referred to a specialist.
Treatment adapted to the findings, combined with advice on activity, offloading and exercises you can do yourself between appointments.
With radiating pain it is generally sensible to get an assessment earlier than with back pain alone, especially if:
New problems passing urine or controlling your bowels, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly increasing weakness in the leg or foot. This is rare, but should be assessed quickly.
The clinic is at Vingveien 2 in Sola, with parking right outside. No referral needed.
Online booking requires Norwegian BankID. No BankID? Call +47 99 79 37 38.