Sciatica

Overwiew

Sciatica refers to pain radiating from the low back to the back of the thigh and in the leg. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Over recent decades, Sciatica has become more prevelant in industrialised countries particularly in people exposed to manual handling and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

The majority of sciatic symptoms are related to problems in the lower two inter-verterbal discs that are designed to absorb impressive forces. General wear and tear and traumatic injuries to these discs can lead to impingment of the nerves that provide sensation and power to the back of the thigh and leg.

Less common causes of sciatica include entrapment of the nerve in the piriformis muscle, increased weight-bearing during pregnancy and hip fracture complications.

Management

The treatment of sciatica is very much dependent on the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms. There is not a 'standard' treatment. For example, if there is a minor disc bulge, attempts can be made to alleviate compression on the disc through traction and manipulation followed by a series of corrective exercises. If, however, the disc has prolapsed and the sciatica is severe, analgesics, anti-inflammatories and potentially surgery is worthy of consideration.