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Sciatica
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"I have 'Sciatica' pain!" This is a common complaint heard from any person who suffers from shooting pain down his or her leg. Most of the time they are mistaken. The Sciatic nerve exits the Lumbar spine (L5, S1,S2) and penetrates the Sciatic notch in the hip and goes down the back of the thigh to the foot. This nerve may be compressed by the disk between the lumbar vertebrae, or entrapped by the Piriformis muscle. Most of the time it is the latter. There are a few muscles in the hip which will mimic the pain commonly but incorrectly referred to as "Sciatica". These muscles are:
- Piriformis - This deep muscle is located in the center
of the buttocks. It originates in the front side of the sacrum
(tail bone) and connects to the hip joint. When the piriformis
is in a spasm it will compress the thigh bone into the hip socket
increasing the pressure on the joint.. Also, when this muscle
is spastic it will compress different nerves roots which exit
the Sacrum (tail bone) , including the "famous" Sciatic
nerve. The piriformis muscle syndrome is frequently characterized
by such bizarre symptoms that may seen unrelated. One characteristic
complaint is a persistent severe, radiating low back pain extending
from the sacrum (tail bone ) to the hip joint, over the gluteal
region and the posterior of the upper leg , and behind the knee..
In the most severe cases the patient will be unable to lie or
stand comfortably, and changes in position will not relieve the
pain. Intense pain will occur when the patient sits or squats
since this type of movement requires external rotation of the
upper leg and bending the knee.
When the Sciatic nerve is involved, the patient will also experience
tingling and numbness in the calf and foot.
- Tensore fasciae latae - This small muscle on the side
of the hip connects the hip bone to the femur ( thigh bone ) from
the side. Since 90% of the time during walking the body weight
is carried by one hip , the hip muscles are forced to work harder
which make them susceptible to get in a spasm. When this muscle
is spastic , pain would be referred to the side of the thigh and
calf.. It would be very painful , sometimes impossible to put
any weight on the hip.
- Gluteus maximus, medius and minimums - These superficial
hip muscles cover the whole hip from the waist to the hip joint
itself. When they are spastic , pain would be felt in the hip
and referred to the back and side of the thigh and calf. It would
be very painful , sometimes impossible to put any weight on the
hip.
- Deep rotators- These five deep muscles connect the hip
joint to the bottom of the pelvis from the back. When they are
in a spasm the pain would be felt in the hip and sacrum ( tail
bone ).Sitting would be very uncomfortable.
- Lumbar ligaments- These three ligaments connect the hip
joint to the lumbar spine (low back) and the sacrum (tail bone)
When they are spastic, pain would be felt in the low beck hip
and would be referred to the back of the thigh.
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Maureen - Portland, Or
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I sought Gadi's help when I started training for the
Dublin marathon in 2001. It had been ten years since
I had run my first marathon and I was feeling anxious
about certain aches, pains and tightness I was
beginning to experience as my training increased. In
particular I was developing severe pain in my IT bands
that threatened my long training runs. I saw Gadi
twice a week for 2 months prior to the marathon. The
work was intense, very deep and thankfully, very
enjoyable. The result was I ran a good, strong
marathon.
I moved to Oregon a few years ago. I see Gadi when I
can. I've run six more marathons since then however,
Dublin remains my fastest time and quickest recovery.
I know it was my work with Gadi that prepared me for
the extreme physical demands that running a marathon
requires. If I were still in California I would be a
regular in his office!
I had seen a several physical therapists over the
years and was never very impressed with the results.
What really impresses me about Gadi is his commitment
to continuing to refine his work.
As a healer he is really in a league of his own. |
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G. McMahon R.N. BSN - L. A,, CA
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I am a fit, committed health professional. 2 years ago I experienced so much pain in my rear end and side thighs I couldn't function. My world revolved around my pain. " How does one live with such pain" was the question asked of team of practitioners consisting of; podiatrist, neurologist, neuro-surgeon, chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, massage therapist, psycho therapist. All had opinions, but Gadi was the only person that said "you don't have to" and proceeded to alleviate my spasms and give me methods to relieve them myself. I am back in the gym, walking, biking and yoga. What a relief! Thank you Gadi.
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Debby McCormick - Long Beach, CA
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I have been an athlete all of my life…I was National Platform Champion for the US and a 12 time National Champion in tennis. So you can imagine the damage I have done to my body over the years with the pounding!
Gadi has been such a Godsend to me! I had dislocated my SI Joint in 1992 and have had problems ever since. I have had both knees scoped and have been told I am a knee replacement candidate; I have had a hip replacement and have osteoarthritis in my other hip. I have seen the very best of doctors and physical therapists but they could only give me temporary relief. My sister Ricki, insisted I meet with Gadi and I was amazed at the techniques he used and the relief I have had. He has given me strengthening exercises for my problem areas that no one else has been able to provide.
Had I met Gadi before all of my other problems I might have avoided all that I have gone through just from his technique of “strain counter strain”. It is non invasive, there is no pain at all..just relief and I am grateful to have someone to see if necessary. He has been most accommodating and I cannot thank him enough!
Debby McCormick
Head Coach of McCormick Divers in Long Beach, CA.
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