What is sciatica?

Sciatica (medically referred to as acute nerve root compression or radiculopathy) is a symptom of numerous conditions, causing pain that starts in the lower back and refers down the leg, sometime leading into the ankle. It is caused by general compression and/ or irritation of the sciatic nerve roots found in the spinal column. The pain generated from sciatica can reduce your range of movement in the lower back, hip, leg and ankle.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatic pain is commonly caused by a herniated disc (also known as a prolapsed disc or slipped disc) and piriformis syndrome (A form of muscle tension), which will result in disc degeneration. Also there are less common conditions like a tumour, bony growths (stenosis) and infections.

The pain refers to different parts of your leg depending on where the sciatic nerve root is pinched. It can radiate as far down as into your ankle / heel making it increasingly hard to stay active. Referring to the image below you can see how the pain can be transferred down the leg depending on which disc places pressure on the nerve (L stands for Lumbar and S stands for Sacrum).

*REFER TO ARTICLE PICTURE

 The L5 – S1 disc is the most commonly damaged, with the L4 – L5 disc following with a close second. However in severe cases all discs can be damaged, resulting in severe pain and dramatic lack of movement upon flexion and extension of the spine.

Sciatica symptoms:

·         Acute lower back pain (This is not always present, but there will be a tightness in and around the hip prevent or reducing movement)

·         Pain that radiates down the leg and can refer to the ankle. This depends on which disc is pinching the sciatic nerve as discussed before.

·         The pain travelling down the leg can vary from being sharp and specific to the nerve, to a dull rising ache. Furthermore you can sometimes experience numbness and pins and needles.

·         Sciatic pain can be triggered by minor movement like bending over or reaching for something.

·         Pain may worsen if you are seated, laying down, coughing or lifting. Any movement that results in increased or sudden pressure being placed on the nerve.

·         Pain is sometimes relieved my laying down on your side / back, with your legs resting something like a cushion, or by exercising on something of low impact like a cycle bike or cross trainer (This will differ between cases depending on how and where the sciatic nerve route is being pinched)

·         You may experience muscle spasms in your lower back or legs.

·         If the pain is reaching your ankle, reduced range of movement and locking of the joint may be experienced.

·         Pain will appear upon lifting a straight leg when lying on the floor, keeping you foot flat.

What can I do to treat sciatica?

·         Contrary to what you hear....STAY ACTIVE! Too many people are told by healthcare professional to rest up in bed, but from personal experience and research we at Fit2Talk have found that staying active (Exercise involving reduced impact) can reduce pain and in some cases resolve the condition.

·         Depending on the severity of your condition, you can try Mckenzie back exercises, designed to enable you to treat your own back. We recommend seeing a Therapist or chiropractor for the correct techniques.

·         Applying heat rub or using a heat pack may help relieve tension and muscle spasm in the early stages.

·         The MFR (Myofascial release) technique can be used to relieve pain, relax and realign muscles and bones (Relieving tightness). You can do this by using a foam roller, medicine ball and, or tennis ball.

·         See a sports massage therapist, physiotherapist. These may refer you to your local GP if symptoms are severe.

·         See a Doctor, who may refer you to a hospital for an X – Rays and, or MRI scan to determine the route of pain. This may lead to physiotherapy or surgery.