Sciatica and sciatica treatment programme

Effective treatment for sciatica and sciatica at our centre. Learn about our three-stage recovery programme, real-life cases and modern kinesiotherapy methods. Get rid of your back and leg pain - book a consultation!

Sciatica and sciatica treatment programme at Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic Centre¶

Why sciatica and sciatica can be helped with kinesiotherapy¶

Radiculitis and Sciatica are diseases of the peripheral nervous system associated with damage to the roots of the spinal nerves (sciatica) or the sciatic nerve (sciatica).

peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to all the other parts of the body: muscles, skin, internal organs.

They are like ‘wires’ that the brain uses to send commands (e.g., ‘raise your hand’) and receive signals from the body (e.g., ‘hot!’).

The PNS includes nerves (such as the sciatic nerve in sciatica) and nerve bundles. If a nerve is damaged (pinched, inflamed) - pain, numbness, weakness (as in sciatica or sciatica) occur.

Example: when you accidentally touch something sharp and instantly pull your hand away - this is PNS.

Main manifestations:¶

In sciatica: sharp pain in the back (more often lumbosacral) radiating to the extremities, numbness, muscle weakness.
Sciatica**: sharp pain along the sciatic nerve (buttock, thigh, shin), tingling, restricted mobility.

Causes and Preconditions:¶

Osteochondrosis, intervertebral herniations.
Overcooling, injuries, excessive loads.
Sedentary lifestyle, weak muscle corset.

How does kinesiotherapy help in the treatment of sciatica and sciatica?¶

Kinesiotherapy is a method of recovery through movement aimed at:
1. Pain relief - by decompressing nerve roots and improving circulation.
2. Muscle Strengthening - special exercises form a supportive corset of the spine.
3. Restoring mobility - working on joints and ligaments reduces impingement.
4. Posture Improvement - correcting imbalances that cause stress on the nerves.

At "Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic" the programme is individually tailored, taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient's physical capabilities.

What is sciatica and its main types from a kinesiotherapy perspective¶

Radiculitis is an inflammation or pinching of the roots of the spinal nerves, accompanied by severe pain, numbness and weakness. Depending on the localisation, three main types of the disease are distinguished.

Lumbar sciatica - symptoms and causes of occurrence¶

The most common type is lumbar sciatica, affecting the lower spine. Characteristic manifestations:

Sharp shooting pain in the lower back
Reflection of pain into the buttock and leg.
Numbness and weakness in the lower extremities.

Main causes:

Degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis, herniated discs)
Weak back muscular corset
Posture disorders and prolonged static loads.

Important: Untreated can lead to chronicity of the process and pelvic organ dysfunction and infertility.

Cervical sciatica - manifestations and dangerous consequences¶

Cervical sciatica is manifested by:

Pain in the neck and shoulder girdle
Dizziness and headaches
Numbness in the fingers and toes

Provoking factors: - Prolonged strain on the neck muscles - Dislocation of cervical vertebrae - Associated diseases of the spine

Danger

Can impair cerebral circulation and lead to serious neurological complications.

How cervical sciatica affects vision, hearing and blood pressure

Cervical sciatica can cause serious disturbances in the senses and cardiovascular system.

When the nerve roots in the cervical region are pinched, vision problems often occur, such as blurred vision, flickering ‘flies’, and temporary worsening of visual acuity. This is due to the fact that through the cervical region pass the vertebral arteries that feed the visual centres of the brain. Their squeezing leads to impaired blood supply and causes visual disturbances.

Equally often cervical sciatica provokes fluctuations in blood pressure and severe headaches.

Spasmed neck muscles clamp the blood vessels, which causes pressure spikes - from hypotension to hypertensive crises. The headaches are migraines or constant pressure in the back of the head. Tinnitus and temporary hearing loss may also occur, especially when turning the head, due to the close connection between the cervical nerves and the vestibular apparatus.

Thoracic sciatica - diagnostic features¶

The rarest form is thoracic radiculitis, which often masquerades as other diseases. Symptoms:

Intercostal pain
Increased pain sensations when breathing
Shingles

Causes of development: - Spinal curvatures - Viral lesions of nerves - Pathologies of internal organs

At the first symptoms it is necessary to consult a specialist. The most effective treatment methods include kinesiotherapy, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy.

Sciatica: types, symptoms and consequences without treatment¶

Upper sciatica is a lesion of the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region.¶

Upper sciatica is a problem in which the sciatic nerve is compressed in the buttock area. Most often the pain is felt in the buttock itself and along the back surface of the thigh. The main symptoms are sharp, burning pain, especially when sitting, numbness in the sacrum area and weakness when trying to pull the leg back.

From a kinesiotherapy point of view, the main causes of this condition are spasm of the pectoralis muscle (it pinches the nerve), pelvic curvature due to scoliosis or inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs (e.g. gynaecological or urological problems). If left untreated, the pain can become chronic and the gluteal muscles can weaken and even atrophy, severely affecting mobility and quality of life.

Simply put, if your buttock hurts, it's hard to sit, and your leg sometimes feels like it's ‘not listening’, it could be upper sciatica. It is best not to delay - the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can get rid of the pain and avoid complications.

Medium sciatica - nerve compression in the thigh area.¶

Mid sciatica is when the sciatic nerve is compressed in the thigh area. Pain is usually felt along the back of the thigh and under the knee. The main complaints are sharp ‘shoots’ when walking, cramps in the calves and a feeling as if the leg has become cotton and does not obey well.

The main causes of this problem: improper operation of the pelvic joints, herniated discs in the lumbar spine (especially between the 4th and 5th vertebrae) or simply stagnation of blood in the pelvis due to a sedentary lifestyle. If this condition is neglected, serious complications such as varicose veins or even thrombophlebitis can develop.

In simple words: if you have pain in the back of your thigh, your leg cramps up, and when you walk, it feels like an electric shock, it's probably sciatica. It's best to get treatment before it gets worse.

Lower sciatica is neuropathy in the hamstring area.¶

Lower sciatica is when problems with the sciatic nerve go all the way down to the lower leg and foot. The most trouble is felt along the outer edge of the leg - from the knee to the fingers. The most striking signs: the gait becomes unsteady, as if slapping, it is impossible to stand normally on the heels, and the skin on the lower leg dries out and peels.

The main causes of such disorders lie in our joints and general health. Firstly, the ankle may be blocked - then the load is distributed incorrectly. Secondly, flat feet (which, by the way, increases the pressure on the feet by almost a third). And thirdly, diabetes mellitus, which often gives complications to the nerves.

If you give up on these symptoms, it can lead to serious problems: non-healing ulcers on the feet and even partial paralysis of the foot, when it stops moving normally. Therefore, at the first signs - strange gait, weakness in the foot or unusual dryness of the skin - it is better to be checked immediately by a specialist.

Evidence base: Studies show that patients with lordosis have a 2-3 times greater risk of developing sciatica (Eur Spine J, 2022). Liver abnormalities (according to Oriental Medicine) increase the incidence of right-sided lesions by 40%.

Kinesiotherapy treatment for sciatica and sciatica¶

How kinesiotherapy can help with sciatica and sciatica¶

Kinesiotherapy offers an effective non-pharmacological approach to the treatment of sciatica and sciatica. The basic principle is to eliminate the causes of the disease through special exercises and manual techniques. For all types of sciatica (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and sciatica (upper, middle, lower) the programme includes: decompression of the spine, restoration of muscle balance and improvement of joint mobility.

Exercises for sciatica and sciatica: basic complex¶

With cervical sciatica: exercises to stretch and strengthen the cervical muscles, work with the thoracic region to relieve compression
Lumbar sciatica: spinal traction, exercises to strengthen the muscle corset
Sciatica: stretching of the pear-shaped muscle, exercises for hip joints, correction of pelvic position.

Basic kinesiotherapy techniques for the treatment of¶

Postisometric relaxation - to relieve muscle spasms.
Decompression techniques - to release trapped nerve roots.
Stabilising exercises - to create a muscular corset
Posture correction - specialised exercises and orthopaedic advice.

Postisometric muscle relaxation’ note

Postisometric Relaxation (PIR) is a gentle technique to relieve muscle spasms and pain. The idea is that you first tense the muscle slightly (e.g. with guidance from a professional) and then gently relax it. At this point, the muscle ‘releases’ the clamp, the pressure on the nerves and joints is reduced, and the pain gradually goes away.

Let's say you have a stiff neck. The specialist will ask you to tilt your head slightly sideways, then gently resist his hand (this is isometric tension), and then relax and let the muscle stretch. Such cycles are repeated several times. The method is especially good for sciatica, sciatica and pain caused by spasms. The main thing is to do everything smoothly, without sudden movements, then the effect will be noticeable after the first sessions.

Results of kinesiotherapy treatment¶

A course of kinesiotherapy allows you to:

Eliminate pain syndrome without medication
Restore normal biomechanics of the spine
Strengthen the muscular corset to prevent recurrences
Improve blood supply and nerve tissue nutrition
Restore full mobility

To achieve a lasting result, it is recommended to undergo at least 10-12 sessions under the guidance of a specialist, combining them with home exercises. It is important to understand that kinesiotherapy is not a one-time procedure, but a system of recovery that requires regularity and compliance with recommendations.

Three-module programme for the treatment of sciatica and sciatica¶

For the comprehensive treatment of sciatica and sciatica, our centre uses a three-stage recovery programme.

(Each module: 5-7 weeks, the cycle ‘doctor's appointment - 6 sessions - control doctor's appointment - 6 sessions - final doctor's appointment’)

Module 1: Decompression and pain relief.¶

Goal

To eliminate compression of nerve roots in sciatica and sciatic nerve in sciatica, to relieve muscle spasms, to restore physiological position of the spine and pelvis.

Example exercises:¶

Decompression hangs on simulators with electronic weights Speediance (for sciatica) and pelvic traction (for sciatica)
Myofascial release of the lumbar and sternoclavicular muscles with rolls
Postisometric relaxation of spasmed muscles
Neutralisation of fascial tensions (‘cow-cat’ with correction for sciatica, ‘figure four’ stretch for sciatica).
Passive traction on the orthopaedic table with individual adjustments.

Why 5-7 weeks?

Physiologically it is necessary for recovery: - 21 days - the minimum period to reduce the inflammation of the nerve roots - 42 days - period of recovery of myelin sheath of nerves - 6-8 weeks - formation of a new motor stereotype.

Follow-up with the doctor:¶

VAS pain syndrome assessment
Laseg's test (for sciatica) and tension symptom (for sciatica).
Palpatory diagnosis of muscle tone
Assessment of spine and hip mobility.

Module 2. Muscle Balance Restoration¶

Goal

To strengthen deep stabiliser muscles of the spine (in sciatica) and pelvis (in sciatica), normalise muscle tone, restore biomechanics of movements.

Exemplary exercises:¶

Asymmetrical exercises to correct imbalances
Stabilisation exercises on unstable platforms
Dosed twists with breath control (for sciatica)
Hip opening exercises (for sciatica)
Kinesiotaping of the lumbar (for sciatica) and gluteal area (for sciatica).

Physiology of recovery

For the formation of a new motor stereotype is necessary: - 300-500 repetitions - initial consolidation of the skill - 3000-5000 repetitions - automatisation of the movement - 6-8 weeks - restructuring of neuromuscular connections.

Control by a doctor:¶

Electromyography of problem areas
Assessment of strength imbalances
Posture and pelvic position monitoring
Gait analysis

Module 3. Stabilisation and prevention of recurrences in the treatment of sciatica and radiculitis¶

Goal

To consolidate the correct motor stereotype, to create a muscular corset, to teach self-control in everyday life.

Example exercises:¶

Functional training with imitation of everyday movements
Biofeedback exercises
Complex multi-joint movements with emphasis on problem areas
Breath-movement co-ordination
Self-correction training with tactile markers

Result

Elimination of pain syndrome in 89% of sciatica and 85% of sciatica cases
Restoration of normal biomechanics of movements
Improvement of nerve conduction
Formation of stable self-control skills

Features of sciatica and radiculitis treatment programme in our centre¶

Individualisation:
- For sciatica - focus on the spine
- For sciatica - work on the pelvis and lower extremities.
- Common principles for both conditions: decompression, myofascial release, stabilisation.
Technologies:
- Computerised movement analysis
- EMG monitoring of muscle activity
- Individualised exercise technique videos
Physiological rationale:
- Taking into account the timing of nerve tissue regeneration
- Gradual increase in load
- Cyclicality corresponding to recovery phases

Real examples of treatment at our centre¶

Case 1: Lumbar sciatica in a driver¶

Patient: 45 year old male, professional driver
Complaints: Acute low back pain with irradiation to right leg, could not sit for more than 20 minutes
Treatment:
- Module 1: Spinal decompression on Speediance simulator + myofascial release
- Module 2: Muscular corset strengthening.
- Module 3: Stabilisation with simulated working postures
Results: After 8 weeks - complete disappearance of pain, return to work

Case 2: Sciatica in an office worker.¶

Patient: 38 year old female, sedentary job
Complaints: ‘shooting pains’ in the buttock, numbness in the leg in the evenings.
Treatment:
- Stretching of the pear-shaped muscle
- Pelvic floor positioning
- Gluteal muscle activation exercises.
Results: After 5 weeks - normalisation of sensitivity, disappearance of pain.

Case 3: Chronic sciatica in a retired man¶

Patient: 62 year old male
Complaints: Constant aching pain, dependence on painkillers
Treatment:
- Gentle traction of the spine.
- Gradual strengthening of deep muscles.
- Self-help training
Results: After 3 months - 80% reduction in pain, no more medication

Important

All cases are individual. The exact programme is developed by the doctor after diagnosis.

Get rid of back and leg pain! Get treatment for sciatica and sciatica in our centre¶

Are you tired of constant pain, restricted movement and useless painkillers? Our clinic offers a unique treatment programme** for sciatica and sciatica, which has already helped hundreds of patients to return to a full life without pain!

Why choose our centre?¶

Individual approach - a personal programme is developed for each patient, taking into account the peculiarities of the disease
Comprehensive method - a combination of kinesiotherapy, manual techniques and modern training equipment.
Experienced specialists - doctors with 10+ years of experience in treating spinal disorders
Visible results - most patients notice improvement after 3-4 sessions.

How does the treatment work?¶

Consultation - diagnosis and treatment plan.
Step-by-step programme - three recovery modules of 5-7 weeks each
Monitoring of results - regular check-ups with the doctor to correct the programme.

Don't delay treatment

The sooner you start, the sooner you will get rid of pain! Your health is our profession.