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Sciatica Pain
* Sciatica Attack Sciatica Pain ConditionSciatica is a greatly misunderstood condition. Most patients believe that is it normally caused by something “pinching” their actual sciatic nerve, however, this is virtually never the case. The sciatic nerve is the main conduit of life energy to the lower limbs and contains nerve tissue which transmits motor and sensory signals between the legs and the brain, via the spine. It is also the largest nerve in the entire body. The sciatic nerve does not actually attach to the spinal cord directly. Instead, several spinal nerve roots (5 pairs in all) converge to form the sciatic nerve in the pelvic region.Sciatic Nerve Pain DiagnosisIt is crucial to remember that sciatica is a symptom, not a condition unto itself. It is ALWAYS created by a causative structural or ischemic condition. Muscular and neurological testing can determine which structures are being affected, but can not always accurately diagnose the actual cause of the symptoms. To determine the actual source of nerve involvement, an MRI or CT scan must be performed to visualize the spine.Sciatica Pain ExperienceSciatic nerve pain can be felt on one side of the body (unilateral) or on both sides (bilateral). The symptoms might be limited to pain or may include other neurological expressions such as tingling, actual or perceived weakness or numbness.Sciatica is one of the most frustrating and treatment resistant pain syndromes. It can be caused by a wide range of sources and many of these potential causations are some of the most misdiagnosed of all back pain syndromes. Therefore, sciatic nerve pain often becomes a chronic and sometimes lifelong struggle for the affected individual. My Sciatica Pain JourneyI was first diagnosed at age 16 with degenerative disc disease, scoliosis and muscle imbalances. I was also diagnosed with 2 herniated discs in my early 20’s. My very first back pain was a combination of acute lower back discomfort and sciatic nerve symptoms radiating into both legs. My sciatica was a constant chameleon during the 18 years that I endured horrific back pain. The symptoms would switch locations, severities and even actual perception, ranging from pure blinding pain to tingling to definite muscular weakness and heaviness. Eventually, my sciatica became one of the main chronic concerns which gave me a daily dose of pain. The symptoms were always there by the time I hit 30 and sometimes went acute in a fury of indescribable burning torment. This condition made my life a living hell and almost brought me to the edge of losing complete control over my own health. Luckily, I learned the real facts about sciatica and applied this knowledge the cure my pain.In my extensive experience working with tens of thousands of back pain patients over the years, sciatica is still the condition which causes the most confusion. The mythology surrounding sciatic nerve pain is extensive and the old tired stereotypes about the common causes and nature of the pain syndrome are well established, but mostly untrue… All these factors make sciatica pain one of the most treatment resistant of all dorsopathy conditions and are directly responsible for the literal epidemic of the condition which exists in our healthcare system today. Sciatica Forum The Sciatica Pain Newsletter. 6/29/08 Revised 1/19/10
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