© Copyright Harleston Grapevine 2009
Sciatica
You may have heard of the condition sciatica but often wondered what it actually means and whether you have it. Here is an article explaining exactly what it is, what its main presenting symptoms are and the best ways to treat it.
Sciatica is the pain caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, travelling from your back, through
the buttocks, down the back of the legs and ending at the feet. Sciatica is a condition
which typically occurs in individuals aged between 30-
Some of the most common symptoms to look out for include:
¨ Pain in the leg and/or buttock which worsens with long periods of sitting,
¨ A shooting pain down the back of the leg which makes it difficult to stand,
¨ Numbness, weakness or difficulty moving the leg or foot,
¨ Symptoms are usually only felt on one side of the body.
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated spinal disc; when this happens the
cushion between your vertebra ruptures, causing the disc to push into the nerve,
compressing the nerve and causing weakness, numbness and pain. However, in some cases
the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle located deep within the buttock
area. When the muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma or over-
One of the most common ways to relieve sciatic pain is through physical therapy techniques including massage, exercise and stretches. A sports massage is an ideal way to help, it works though the hands, releasing the tight muscles in and around the back, buttocks and leg; this in turn releases the sciatic nerve from where it is trapped. A released nerve then means no compression and therefore no pain. Regular treatment can maintain a free nerve, leaving you free from pain and with the ability to move around without reaching for the painkillers.
In addition to this it is important to exercise and stretch this area to prevent the nerve from becoming trapped again. An exercise programme including abductor strengthening is a good place to start, the best way to exercise this is in standing position and moving the leg out to the side not in the seated position as often suggested, as this actually builds up the piriformis muscle trapping the nerve further. It is also key to stretch out the area regularly.
Sciatica is a common lower back and leg complaint and the majority of cases are treatable
with non-