Sciatica

                                                         Notice : Please consult physician before obtaining treatment.

Sciatica is a syndrome involving motor and/or motor sensory defects along the sciatic nerve. ( the Sciatic nerve runs from the buttock region all the way down the back of the leg to the base of the heel)

There are three levels of Sciatica based on where the pain is experienced:

• Level 1- Gluteal area

• Level 2- From the gluteal area to the back of the knee

• Level 3- From the gluteal area and the way to the base of the heel

Sciatica may be caused by:

• Herniated lumbar disk

• Fractured or abnormally-shaped lumbar vertebra

• Sciatic nerve can be compressed by a growing fetus

• Impacted feces on colon

• An injection in the gluteal muscle ( a shot)

• Wearing a wallet in the back pocket

• Improper posture

• Standing for long periods of time

• Bad shoes

• Trauma in lumbar area

Symptoms:

• Numbness and tingling down the back of the leg ( starting in the buttock area)

• Decreased rang of motion

• Tightness down the back of the leg

• Lateral rotation of leg

• May cause muscle spasms down back of the leg

Benefits of massage therapy:

• Reduces muscle spasms in the leg

• Increased rang of motion

• Reduces swelling

• Increased circulation