What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom not a diagnosis. It is a non-specific term commonly used to describe symptoms of pain radiating downward from the buttock over the posterior or lateral side of the lower limb. It is usually assumed to be caused by compression of a nerve but this is not necessarily so.

It is often assumed that there is sciatic nerve root entrapment, resulting in the compression of the nerve. Pain and symptoms being transmitted or referred from the low back to one of the buttocks and down the back of the leg along the pathway of the sciatic nerve; hence the term sciatica.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms can vary from extreme pain in the low back radiating into one buttock and down the leg. Pain often increases on exertion or bending forward. Alternatively, there may only be a mild sensation in the leg or buttock. There may be numbness in the area, weakness in the leg and diminution of the reflexes. Pain may be triggered by coughing or straining and can be so severe that the lower back becomes locked in sideways bending position (scoliosis) caused by a strong contraction.

Cause of Sciatica

A common neurolgical cause of this pain is entrapment of the sciatic and/or posterior femoral cutaneous nerves. But the pain may be caused by trigger points in the soft tissue. This latter case is easily overlooked and requires manual palpation of the musculature associated with the hip if the pain is not to be misdiagnosed.

The exact cause of sciatica is not fully understood but is commonly thought to involve a slipped or herniated disk. This means one of the disks, which lie between each of the vertebra in the lower back (lumbar area), has cracked and allowed some of the inner disk material to protrude out, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve root, which in this case is the sciatic nerve.

Prevention / Treatment of Sciatica¹

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. Seeking professional advice before beginning rehabilitation is recommended. 

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy and Bodywork can help Sciatica, Sciatic Nerve Pain, and conditions which mimic sciatica. The therapists at Advanced Alternatives Massage Therapy Massage Therapy are skilled in techniques to help relax muscles, release trigger points and abnormal tissue adhesions, and improve posture to relieve the pressure on nerve roots and other sensitive structures.

Depending on your individual condition, massage therapy and bodywork may provide significant long-lasting relief.

Other Treatments

Other Manual treatments (including physical therapy, osteopathic, or chiropractic treatments) can help relieve the pressure. Chiropractic and Osteopathic techniques are often used in conjunction with treatment by a Massage Therapist.

Sources:

1. http://www.massagebyben.com/med/sciatica.htm