Sciatica: A Pain in the Rear!

     What is sciatica? Sciatica gets its name from where the pain is located, in the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve. Many patients come to the office complaining about pain in their “butt muscle” or their hamstring feels tight. This pain can limit day to day activities.. Pain typically continues when left untreated, including a deep dull ache that never subsides. Tingling and burning can also occur nearby the location where the nerve is stuck. Click on the picture to watch a video and learn more.

Sciatica Symptoms

    Case study: Our approach to solve the problem.  Recently a patient came into the office complaining about pain traveling between her upper leg and knee. The pain had been progressively getting worse over the last month. Simple daily tasks such walking and climbing stairs were a painful challenge for her. The patient had tried physical therapy, however the exercise routine made the problem more noticeable. 

 Within our evaluation, we test the ability to bring the straight leg towards the hip. This patient was severely limited at 56 degrees: 90 degrees is normal. Not only was her range limited, but it provoked the complaint.

After ruling out other potential causes of the pain we were able to confirm adhesion along the nerve located at the back of the hip. At that point, we accurately diagnosed the problem as sciatica, caused by adhesion making the muscle stick to the nerve. The method of treatment to resolve this problem is Manual Adhesion Release (TM) twice weekly until the leg has a range of motion of 90 degrees. When the full range of motion goal is achieved, daily activities (and more) will no longer cause pain.

       Results. After a series of four treatments the patient was able to reach 90 degrees with the straight leg raise test and felt 80% better. The following week, the test maintained the results from the prior week and the patient shared she has returned to pain-free living and had increased activity without any setbacks. She was released from care and was excited to continue hiking and her studies.

       
Getting the diagnosis correct is important. You can have pain in your back and down your leg from others regions, including breaking down of discs in your back and your spinal cord narrowing.

    Conclusion: If you or someone you know is experiencing sciatica, which often feels like constantly tight hamstrings or the lack of ability to bend forward and touch the floor, you or they should be evaluated for sciatica. Book your appointment today or share this post with a friend who may be suffering.