What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is nerve pain down the back of one or both legs caused by pressure on the
sciatic nerve in the back. The pressure is usually caused by a prolapsed ('slipped')
disc in the back. However, it can also be produced by pressure on the nerve as it
passes through the buttocks and can be caused by sitting with keys, coins, etc in
your back pocket, or on a hard surface. The spine is made up of a vertical column
of bones called vertebrae that are separated by a disc consisting of a soft gelatinous
centre surrounded by a tough outer ring of fibrous tissue. These discs act as a
shock absorber between the vertebrae, protecting the bone from impact that would
otherwise occur during any physical movement.
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve, formed from nerve roots that originate from
the spinal cord. These nerve roots pass out between the disc spaces and join up
to form the sciatic nerve. It passes from the spine into the buttock, then into
the back of the thigh and leg. The sciatic nerve controls sensation and the nerve
impulses for power to part of the legs and feet. In sciatica, prolapsed or 'slipped'
discs tend to bulge and press on the intervertebral nerve(s). This pressure irritates
the nerve, causing referred pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
- Hot pain in the buttock
- Aching in the buttock, back of the thigh (hamstring) and calf
- Pain in the ankle and foot
- Pins and needles relating to one or more branch of the sciatic nerve
- Loss of feeling in the leg and/or foot
- Increased pain when lifting, straining or coughing
- Loss of power to the muscles of the leg and foot
Most cases of sciatica resolve, on their own, within two to three months. Sciatica
can also be caused by osteoarthritis where a narrowing of the nerve tunnel between
can result. Therefore, anyone who suffers from disk degeneration, as a consequence
of ageing, tend to be troubled the most by sciatica.
Recent studies suggest that there is no long-term benefit in the treatment of sciatica
through bed rest and lying on a firm/hard surface, as it does not speed recovery
when compared with the sufferer remaining as active (within reason) as they can.
In fact there is evidence that too much rest may delay the recovery.
Allopathic
Treatment Options
- Medication including painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Epidural injections where medication injected directly into the spine
- Traction
- Surgery
- Rest
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Ice packs
- Proper posture
- Resting the back by not bending, flexing or lifting heavy weights
- Warm baths
- Sleeping on a mattress that is neither too soft, nor too hard
- Gentle exercises to strengthen and support the lower back
Complementary
Treatment Options
Shiatsu therapy has a high success
rate in the treatment of sciatica, producing a quicker increase in mobility and
reduction of pain.
Sciatica that doesn't resolve itself after a few days needs prompt professional
attention.
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage, Stress Mangement courses, and Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in Chi Kung,
Tai Chi, Neijia,
and self defence.