Sciatica

Definition:
'Sciatica ' ( is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression or irritation of one of five spinal nerve roots that give rise to each sciatic nerve, or by compression or irritation of the left or right or both sciatic nerves. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, or various parts of the leg and foot. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, pins and needles or tingling and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg. Typically, the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body. Pain can be severe in prolonged exposure to cold weather. Although sciatica is a relatively common form of low back pain and leg pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the nerve, causing the pain. This point is important, because treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms often differs, depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms and pain levels. Sciatica is also referred to as Lumbar Radiculopathy, which involves compression of the sciatic nerve roots caused by a herniated (torn) or protruding disc in the lower back. The first known use of the word ''sciatica'' dates to 1451.

Symptoms
  • Radiating pain in one or both lower extremity
  • Numbness in one or both lower extremity
  • Muscular weakness in one or both lower extremity
  • Pins and needles or tingling
  • Difficulty in moving or controlling the leg
Causes
  • Herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Pregnancy
  • Tumor
Treatment
  • ROM and stretching
  • Core stabilization exercises
  • Lower extremity strengthening
  • Posture program
  • Possible surgical intervention
Sciatica Phase I

Purchase Phase

  • Sitting Posture
  • Standing Posture
  • Side Lying Lumbar RR RL
  • Prone Spine Extension
  • TA Supine Alt Knee Raise
  • Supine Dural Flossing
  • Kneeling Hip Flexor

Sciatica Phase II

Purchase Phase

  • Q Ped UE LE Lift
  • Cross Leg Forward Bend
  • Plank Hold
  • Bridge Marching
  • Oblique Series

Sciatica Phase III

Purchase Phase

  • Plank Hold
  • Straight Leg Sit Up
  • Single Leg Bridge
  • Superman Holds
  • Side Plank On Elbow
  • Plank Hold Alternate UE LE
  • Lunge Walk Med Ball Rotation