Back conditions
Sciatica
What is backache?
Backache is often referred to as the "ache of our times" because many people suffer from it at least once in their life.
Backache can have a wide range of causes and depends on the morphology, past history and activities of each individual. Back pain can appear as a result of certain conditions such as arthrosis, herniation of an intervertebral disk, sciatica, lumbago and so on.
Certain conditions are chronic, that is, they progress throughout life. Others are acute, that is, they occur following a false movement or physical overwork.
The spinal column (or backbone) supports many mechanical and physiological constraints. The vertebrae are complex in structure: a network of ligaments, articular apophyses and intervertebral disks. They allow the spinal column to play all its different roles: mobility of the trunk and head, protection of the spinal cord and circulation of information through the nerves that come out of the spinal column and travel out towards the organs and muscles.
Back pain occurs:
- When one of the parts of the vertebrae deteriorates, as is the case in lumbar arthrosis, cervical arthrosis or herniation of an intervertebral disk.
- When the elements come into conflict with each other that is, when they "lean" on each other as is the case in sciatica or lumbago.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a pain that irradiates down the leg along the partial or total length of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve leaves the spinal column between lumber vertebrae L4 and L5 (the L5 root) or between lumbar vertebra L5 and sacral vertebra S1 (the S1 root).
The pain is caused by irritation of the nerve root following herniation of an intervertebral disk, a spinal canal that is too narrow or a gap between two vertebrae. If the L5 root is irritated, the pain felt starts at the point of the buttocks and goes down to the big toe via the external face of the thigh and calf and over the top of the foot.
If the S1 root is irritated, the pain felt starts at the point of the buttocks and goes down to the little toes via the posterior face of the thigh and calf, the heel and sole of the foot. Sciatica can occur after lifting a heavy object (displacement of the vertebrae), by wearing high-heeled shoes (bad back position) or after sleeping in a bad position. Sciatica can also affect people with lumbar arthrosis or pregnant women.
Sciatica is also called "sciatalgia" or "neuralgia of the sciatic nerve".
Orthopaedic treatment
The orthopaedic solution has two objectives: to decrease the pain and maintain a good posture (physiological lordosis).
During the acute periods, wearing a
standard or made-to-measure immobilisation brace for the vertebrae rests the musculature and maintains a good position.
After an episode or during professional or leisure activities, wearing a lumbar support belt increases the level of vigilance (prevents false movements) and decreases the constraints exerted on the vertebrae.
A lumbar support belt perfectly adapted to your morphology will allow you to continue your daily activities. There is a wide range of belts available to fit in with your lifestyle.
Contrary to popular opinion, wearing a lumbar support belt (even for long periods) does not increase the risk of muscle loss (abdominal and dorsal muscles).
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
