Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It is typically caused by compression or irritation of the nerve roots, often due to herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Pathophysiology
- Characterized by inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve.
- Common symptoms include sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower extremities.
- Pain is often exacerbated by movements that increase nerve tension or compression.
Management & Intervention
Exercise Therapy: Spinal Extension
Recent clinical guidance challenges the common instinct to stretch tight muscles in the buttocks and legs, noting that such approaches can often backfire by further irritating the nerve.
- Mechanism: Focuses on spinal extension to facilitate nerve de-irritation and reduce inflammation.
- Key Insight: Nerves do not respond well to static stretching when inflamed; directional preference exercises are often more effective.
- Resource: See Sciatica Relief: Spinal Extension Exercise for Nerve De-Irritation for specific protocol details.