This picture is far more representative of a typical sciatica case brought on by a sports or work-related injury than the previous representation. Even most impact auto accidents would fall into this category, with the more serious disc degeneration and disintegration scenarios coming from extreme accidents or extreme neglect, i.e. NFL player with bad sciatica shooting pain killers so that he could play.

What you can't see from these types of diagrams is the cause/effect relationship between the vertebrae and the discs because the muscle tissue is missing, which typically dictates the situation. In order of hierarchy, it looks like this in 95% of sciatica cases:

• The muscles connecting to the vertebrae contract/spasm violently. These contractions sometimes release partially, but in many cases never release.
• The muscles then ooze the protein that will form into scar tissue from the resulting tears, which will further bind these spasms in a spiderweb of unwanted tissue.
• The vertebrae shift according to these contractions, spasms, and scar tissue.
• The discs are compressed by these effected vertebrae.

Most people that have come to me for sciatica chant a variety of refrains on how there is something wrong with their disc, i.e. "that's what the MRI says, L-5," as if the disc has decided to spontaneously combust in some kind of kamikaze display. Because this is an accurate description of the final result of the situation, a reduced measurement in millimeters between the vertebrae and/or the measurement of disc protrusion, all faults are somehow projected onto the disc. The remedy then is to somehow provide immediate support for the disc by fusing the vertebrae or some other surgical procedure.

The non-surgical means to correct this situation has 3 phases.

1. Release the spasms in the muscle.
2. Clean out all of the scar tissue adhesions.
3. Re-stretch the area to a normal, if not enhanced, setting.

Each phase requires skill, in particular the cleaning of scar tissue manually. This takes not only skill, but usually quite a bit of hand and overall massage strength. If these 3 phases are executed correctly, 95% of sciatica can be relieved, if not cured.

To exact a full cure, rehab must be undergone until such time that total relief is felt. Basic stretches are a necessity, as well as restructuring exercises that reset what can be seen as a "heel-hip-shoulder" relationship. This phase of rehab is little understood outside of the Tai Chi and Kung Fu disciplines, as it relies on the Eight Extra Meridian system.

Unless the left and right "heel-hip-shoulder" supports for the spine realign correctly, the body will always be at risk for further re-aggravation. The spine can only sit straight again once these support "pillars" are aligned and strong.

To conclude the treatment, both structural strengthening and stretching must be done in conjunction in some kind of rational program.

Please email me when you are ready to schedule a free consultation.