Sciatica

Sciatica pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. It may be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting also can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one lower extremity is affected.

Sciatica is a non-specific term that describes pain ,numbness or tingling sensations that travel from the buttocks down the back or side  of the leg. Sciatica symptoms can have various causes. Typically, this type of pain is generally associated with the compression of the sciatic nerve by a damaged or prolapsed spinal disc. This situation is very serious and produces a pain that is nearly constant and unbearable. Surgery is the only viable option in this situation.

Radiating pain or numbness  with your activities and body position, suggests that a muscular source is the cause, and not a disc herniation. Trigger points in the buttock and hip regions can easily produce sciatica symptoms. Typically, trigger point in the gluteus minimus and piriforrmis produced sciatica symptoms occur secondarily to a previous (or concurrent) low back or hip pain disorder.

How Can Sciatica Be Treated?

Sciatica treatment decreases tightness and spasm in the tissues surrounding the low back and bones of the spine to decrease compression of nerves and restore optimal postural alignment to eliminate symptoms. The treatment of Sciatica should be directed at both the Sciatica as well as the underlying cause. Some possible options for treatment of  include:

• Body Therapy 
• Mind-Body Medicine 
• Acupressure Therapy 
• Exercise Therapy 
• Posture Therapy 
• Nutritional Therapy 

Sciatica treatment addresses acute and chronic pain. Complementary Therapy recommends that prevention should be consider to reduce or eliminate the recurrence of Sciatica.