Sciatica pain
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 âÄì 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.
