| Sciatica is a pain that starts in the back | | | | patient bending away from the side of pain. |
| and radiates down one of the legs. It is | | | | |
| quite a common complaint and is sciatica is | | | | There may be muscle spasm in the lower back. |
| caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve which | | | | |
| runs down into the leg. The medical term is | | | | Tenderness in the lower back when pressing |
| acute nerve root compression. The cause of | | | | in. |
| pressure can be varied from a Slipped | | | | |
| (Prolapsed) disk to muscle tension | | | | Pain on the straight leg raise test which is |
| (Piriformis syndrome) or something less | | | | not apparent when just stretching the |
| common such as a tumors, bony growths and | | | | hamstring only. |
| infections. | | | | |
| | | | Sciatica treatment |
| A prolapsed disc or slipped disc as it is | | | | |
| sometimes known is not simply a disc that has | | | | A Short Rest in bed if necessary in a |
| 'slipped' out of place. Intervertibral discs | | | | position that is comfortable. |
| separate the bones of the spine (or | | | | |
| vertebrae) and their function is to act as | | | | A doctor may prescribe NSAID's (non steroidal |
| shock absorbers or cushioning for the spine | | | | anti inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen. |
| and allow movement. | | | | Should always be taken under the direction of |
| | | | a doctor and do not if the patient has |
| They quite happily allow flexion and | | | | asthma. |
| extension (bending forwards and backwards), | | | | |
| lateral flexion (sideways movement) and | | | | Apply heat or a hot bath may help to relieve |
| twisting. | | | | muscle spasm. |
| | | | |
| However a combination of the two can put | | | | Use a heat retainer or back brace can provide |
| excess stress on the spine and damage the | | | | support in the early stages. |
| discs. This is particularly common in people | | | | |
| who may lift heavy objects and twist with | | | | See a sports injury specialist or doctor. |
| them for example unloading heavy boxes off | | | | |
| the back of a lorry. | | | | Begin extension exercises as soon as pain |
| | | | allows. |
| The intervertebral discs are filled with a | | | | |
| soft liquid in the middle called nucleus | | | | What can a Physical Therapist or GP do? |
| pullouts and when a disc prolapses this | | | | |
| liquid squeezes out and puts pressure on the | | | | Determine the cause of the sciatic pain. |
| spinal cord compressing the nerve routes and | | | | |
| causing pain. | | | | Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. |
| | | | ibuprofen or muscle relaxants. |
| Depending on where the sciatic nerve is | | | | |
| pinched will determine where you feel the | | | | Use sports massage techniques to relax tight |
| pain which can radiate to the front of the | | | | muscles. |
| knee or right down the back of the leg to the | | | | |
| foot. The L5-S1 disc is the disc most | | | | Gently apply mobilization techniques to the |
| commonly damaged and the L4-L5 disc the next | | | | spine. |
| most commonly damaged. | | | | |
| | | | Use traction or advise on the use of and |
| Sciatica Symptoms | | | | Inversion Table. |
| | | | |
| Acute low back pain. | | | | Apply electrical stimulation in the form of a |
| | | | Tens machine or Interferential. |
| Pain radiating down the leg. This pain may be | | | | |
| sharp and accompanied by pins and needles and | | | | Apply ultrasound treatment. |
| / or numbness. | | | | |
| | | | Operate on a slipped disk if neurological |
| Pain is often triggered by a minor movement | | | | signs (nerve related symptoms) continue or |
| such bending over to pick something up. | | | | worsen. |
| | | | |
| Pain may be worse by sitting, lifting, | | | | After the acute painful phase |
| coughing or sneezing. | | | | |
| | | | Restore pain free movement to the back |
| Pain is usually relieved by lying down, often | | | | through mobilization and stretching |
| on one side. | | | | techniques. |
| | | | |
| Pain is often better in the morning after a | | | | Ensure posture and correct lifting techniques |
| nights rest. | | | | are learned and maintained. |
| | | | |
| Scoliosis or an S shaped or bent spine as | | | | Strengthen the core stabilizing muscles of |
| seen from behind is often present with the | | | | the spine. |