Sciatica – A term that’s often used, but what does it mean?

A brief history of sciatica

A long time ago sciatica was a term used for leg pain produced by structures in the back.  This was assumed to be due to the disc squashing the sciatic nerve that travels down the leg.  This was thought because discs squashing nerves had been seen by doctors.  So sciatica used to mean leg pain caused by the disc bulging out and squashing the nerve.

The real cause of sciatica

Unfortunately this was not a great assumption.  Although the disc can certainly squash the nerve we now understand more and more about the spine.  As you can see from the picture the nerve travels through quite a small hole and so could get squashed from any side.  Also w now know that nerves communicate by using special chemicals this means if there are a lot of chemicals in this area the nerve can be irritated.  The chemicals which are involved in healing are one of these chemicals.

These chemicals can be caused by the disc but could equally be produced by the joint, a muscle, a ligament, a range of other structures or more likely a combination of these factors.

This means that the best use of the word sciatica is leg pain caused by an irritation or entrapment of the sciatic nerve.

How do I get rid of sciatica?

The first step in recovering from sciatica is determining what the cause is.  A careful assessment is key to this and we are experts in this at Pure Physio Albany.  From this a plan can be developed and discussed with you to take you from pain and disability to fully functioning and pain free.

Pain killers can help but are not a cure to the problem.  Equally although in rare occasions a scan can be useful the spine is a mobile structure and you will need to have your movement assessed.  A physio assessment should always be your first port of call, I have seen so many people who have waited for a scan which doesn’t show anything relevant and, obviously doesn’t reduce pain.

Get in touch, Get your sciatica fixed