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