The spinal canal contains the spinal cord, which extends from the head and neck down to the lower back, serving as the nervous system's pathway. Pairs of spinal nerves branch out from it, facilitating communication between the brain and the external environment. The sciatic nerve, formed from branches of the lower back nerves, extends through the buttocks, down the back of the thigh, branches at the knee, and passes through the foot, supporting the skin of the entire leg, muscles of the back of the thigh, calf, and foot. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, patients may experience pain extending from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of the leg.
Symptoms:
Lower back pain
Tugging sensation and pain in the buttocks and legs, particularly when sitting
Sharp, burning sensations extending down one side of the entire lower limb
Persistent pain in one side of the buttocks
Shooting pain down the back of the leg when trying to stand up quickly
Feeling of numbness in the foot
MSK Treatment Methods:
Identify the cause of sciatic nerve pain (e.g., issues with the piriformis muscle or tightness in the muscles of the lower back)
Perform nerve-gliding exercises to reduce nerve symptoms
Acupuncture to address tight or trigger points causing muscle tension
Lower back rehabilitation exercises to relax the lumbar region
Core muscle group training
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