Back pain is frequently accompanied by pain radiating in to the\u00a0 buttock and above the knee. In severe cases it can extend below the\u00a0 knee into the foot. Precise diagnosis, of the cause of leg pain is\u00a0 difficult due to a multiplicity of, causes. First. it can be due to\u00a0 referral from structures of the spine and pelvis, such as facet,\u00a0 sacroiliac joints, spinal ligaments, and muscles. This type of pain is\u00a0 characterized by a diffuse ache. Second, impingement of the nerve roots\u00a0 which join to form the sciatic nerve. by mechanical means is possible\u00a0 (e.g.. disc bulge, muscular tension, bony architecture. etc.) or by\u00a0 swelling secondary to inflammation. If the nerve roots are affected the\u00a0 pattern of pain usually follows specific derma tomes, and may be\u00a0 accompanied by one or more neurologic symptom\u2019s. These two causes may\u00a0 occur concomitantly, creating a confusing clinical picture. While\u00a0 special examinations such as electro diagnostic tests and imaging\u00a0 studies may be helpful in making a diagnosis, they are not always\u00a0 definitive and require close correlation with clinical findings.<\/p>\n
Despite reports of effectiveness for treatments such as bed\u00a0 rest, surgery, exercises, injections, physical therapy modalities and\u00a0 chiropractic manipulation, no standard approach is recognized in the\u00a0 profession. This is not surprising since it has been estimated that 80%\u00a0 of patients with painful sciatic radiation are said to recover in within\u00a0 3 months. (1) Few reports are available documenting cases and long term\u00a0 follow-up with standard outcome measures (e.g., Oswestry disability\u00a0 questionnaire[OLBQ], visual analog scale, or orthopedic tests). (2) This\u00a0 study presents a case of chronic sciatica treated by mechanical force,\u00a0 manually assisted short lever adjusting, high voltage electrotherapy and\u00a0 a video assisted, home stretching program documented with common, easy\u00a0 to use, outcome assessment tools over a period of two years.<\/p>\n
Reference:<\/strong> Paul J. Osterbauer. D.C., Arlan w. Fuhr. D.C.\u00a0 Activator Methods Inc. Phoenix, Arizona; Proceedings of the\u00a0 California Chiropractic Foundation\u2019s 293 7th Annual Conference on\u00a0 Research and Education , Palm Springs , CA , June 19-21, 1992, pp. 293-5.<\/p>\n