Sciatica and its Treatment

Sciatica is a common condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the base of the spine and serves the buttocks, rear of the legs and the feet.

Symptoms of sciatica are variable.  The sciatic nerve pain can be constant or intermittent, sudden or progressive.  Sciatica pain is usually felt radiating down the back of the thigh, and may be in one or both legs.  The pain may be felt as stabbing, sharp, burning or "electrical" in nature.  The sharp, stabbing type of sciatic nerve pain tends to start suddenly, peaks and then gradually fades.  The burning sensation may be felt in the lower back, buttock, legs and/or feet.  The electrical pain often focuses at the specific point where the sciatic nerve has been pinched, sometimes then continuing along the sciatic nerve's path.  This electrical pain may commence suddenly and recur in cycles.

Tingling and numbness are further signs of sciatic nerve irritation.

Because lower back muscles may be overworked in sciatica, there is often muscular aching associated with the condition. Sciatica pain may be worsened by coughing, sneezing or bending forward.

What Causes Sciatica
There are a number of causes of sciatica, and finding relief from sciatic pain and maintaining spine health often depends on isolating the exact cause of your condition.  The most common causes are:

• An inflamed piriformis muscle
  The piriformis muscle is in the buttocks just above the sciatic nerve.  This muscle rotates the hip outward when standing and inward when sitting.  If the muscle is overworked or inflamed, sciatica is likely to occur.  People who are seated at work, such as office workers or drivers are at risk.  Rotating movements such as shoveling or playing golf may worsen the condition.  Injury by falling on the buttocks may also lead to piriformis syndrome.  Sciatic nerve pain is aggravated by sitting and particularly after first rising in the morning.  Austral-Balm is suitable for this condition.
   
• Lumbar Herniated Disc
  For a variety of reasons such as repetitive lifting or poor posture, the discs between the spinal vertebrae can become weakened.  If a disc becomes herniated (or bulging), then sciatic pain is likely to occur.  A symptom of herniated lumbar disc is sudden "electrical" sharp pain down the buttocks and rear of the thighs.  Stiffness of the lower back and other symptoms such as weakened reflexes, tingling and hot/cold sensations are common.  When a person with a herniated disc has his or her leg raised and straightened, sciatic nerve pain will be felt in the leg, not in the back.  Austral-Balm may be of value in treating the inflammation associated with lumber herniated disc.
   
• Lumbosacral Muscle Strain
  When the supporting muscles of the lower back are unduly strained or inflamed, sciatic nerve pain can result.  A lumbosacral strain mostly occurs after lifting an object improperly.  A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are also risk factors.  Symptoms include onset of pain after the lifting activity, a dull ache and lower back stiffness.  If the straight leg lifting test is performed any pain felt will be in the lower back, not the leg.  Both Austral-Balm and Myopax may be helpful with this condition.
   
• Spinal Stenosis
  Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal caused by bony growth (bone spurs) within the spine.  It is more common in the elderly.  There is a gradual onset of pain the lower back, which may be eased with rest.
   
• Emotional Stress
  Emotional stress may cause or aggrevate sciatica.  Stress can cause the tightening of muscles in the lower spine and irritate the sciatic nerve.   Myopax can be very helpful with treating stress induced muscle tightness and restoring spine health.
   
• Weak Muscles
  The sciatic nerve is particularly susceptible to poor posture.  A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors where weakened abdominal and back muscles may fail to adequately support the spine.  Sciatic nerve pain is often the result.
   

Case Study

Mary is an elderly woman who often suffers from pain which starts in the buttocks and radiates down the back of both legs.  She sometimes also experiences a "burning" type pain down the back of both legs.  The condition is worsened after prolonged sitting, walking or gardening. Doctors found some degeneration of Mary's spine and some inflammation.

Mary was started on anti-inflammatory tablets but had stomach problems with them. Mary started using Austral-Balm, gently massaged into her lower back twice daily.  Mary found relief from her sciatic pain almost immediately and after several months, Mary continues to use Austral-Balm regularly.  Mary has also found benefit in using hydrotherapy and the occasional session of acupuncture.

Using Myopax in Sciatica
Apply Myopax (10-20 drops) to the lower spine two or three times daily as part of your sciatica treatment programme.  Gently massage in.  Use when muscle tightness or spasm is involved with your sciatica.  Myopax may also be added (5 or 6 drops) to a warm bath.

Austral-Balm and Myopax are non prescription medications. 

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[1] J.T. Cottingham, J. Maitland, "A Three-paradigm Treatment Model Using Soft Tissue Mobilization and Guided Movement Awareness Techniques for a Patient with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Study", J. Orthopedic Sports Physical Therapy, 26 (3) (1997): pages 155-167
[2] J.W. Vlaeyen, et al., "Behavioral Rehabilitation of Chronic Low Back Pain", British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 34(1) (Feb  1995): pages 95-118
[3] J.S. Kriegler, and Z.S. Aslenberg, "Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comporehensive Approach", Seminar of Neurology, 7 (4) (Dec 1987): pages 303-312
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