Sciatica - What it is
Sciatica is a pain felt in the buttock and down the back of one leg, which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or damaged. It is a common problem with most people experiencing it at least once during their life. The left and right sciatic nerves are the largest nerves in the body and run from the base of the spine, one down the back of each leg where they divide above the knee into branches that supply the lower leg and foot. Usually, sciatica only affects one leg, but in more serious lower back injuries, it may be bilateral.
* A slipped vertebral bone (spondylolisthesis)
* A osteoarthritis (in which bone spurs may develop on vertebrae)
* A growth such as a spinal tumour and abscess
* Blood clot
* An injury (eg fractured pelvis)
* Muscle spasm which increases pressure around the nerve such as when sitting in an awkward position for a prolonged period of time (eg travelling in cramped conditions)
* Postural changes occurring during pregnancy
* A neurological disorder.
Self help measures:
If you suspect you have sciatica, you should always seek medical advice for a full neurological examination of the legs and, if necessary, medical investigations and treatment.
Applying magnetic patches
Magnetic patches can be used to hasten healing and reduce discomfort and can complement any treatment your doctor feels is necessary. Apply magnetic patches on either side of the lower spine – either over an area of pain or tenderness in the back, or in the small of the back. These can be aligned to form two rows of between one and four patches on each side, depending on the severity of the pain. At the back of the leg, apply another patch to the top of the affected thigh in the midline, just below the buttock, and another patch in the centre of the back of the knee.
Magnetic patches can also be applied to acupuncture points over or near the site of pain, as shown on the previous page. Select the points which most closely relate to the site of discomfort.
