Sciatica

 

Sciatica is the term used to describe an injury ti the largest nerve of the leg, the sciatic nerve. It is usually associated with radiating pain down the distribution of the sciatic nerve. It is a common cause and/or complication of low back pain.

The most common area for the sciatic nerve to be injured is at the Sacro-iliac joint and/or Periformis muscle. This is important to remember because sciatica has nothing to do with a disc injury and surgery does not usually improve sciatica.

Treatment for sciatica should be multifocal. Ultrasonic heat and massage bring blood to the injured nerve. Blood brings oxygen, white blood cells and the nutrients needed to repair the nerve. Then you develop a stretching and strengthening program to prevent the Periformis or Sacroiliac joint from being re-injured.