Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain deep in the hip which may radiate into the buttocks and down the legs
• Altered sensation such as numbness or tingling in the hip, buttocks and/or legs
• Pain and/or altered sensation is increased with excessive sitting and/or standing, or following prolonged activity (walking, running)
• Pain is often described as a dull ache or sharp and stabbing sensation
• Muscle spasms and tightness in the hip, buttocks, and/or legs

Injury Description:

• Sciatica is an inflammatory condition of the sciatic nerve. This nerve can become inflamed due to muscle tightness deep in the hip. Structural irregularities of the sacroiliac joint and a protruding intervertebral disc are also common causes of inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

What Can I Do?

• Ice packs can be applied to relief the muscle spasms and the pain. It will also help decrease the inflammation. An ice pack should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes to relief pain and spasms. Ice should always be applied following activity and prior to going to bed at night. Frozen vegetables work well as an ice pack.
• Heat should be applied prior to activity. The heat should be left on for 10 to 20 minutes. This will help increase the blood flow to the area and assist in preparing the muscles for activity.
• Stretching the muscles of the legs and back is important to help decrease the irritation of the sciatic nerve.
• Modifying your daily activity to avoid those activities that require you to bend over will also help decrease the amount of irritation the nerve is subjected to.
• Consult your physician if symptoms persist.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.

For more information about sciatica check out this link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001706/