I need the best solution for ongoing Sciatic back & leg pain - brought on by too much running?

All the best in healthDr. Brian Abelsonjwww.drabelson.comwww.activerelea... Dr. Brian Abelsontag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18360626. Post-1141706207591291742006-03-06T20:32:00.000-08:002006-03-06T20:36:47.593-08:00Active Release Techniques and SciaticaIt is generally believed that Sciatica is commonly caused by the compression of the nerve root at the Lumbar Disc or Foramen. This is certainly what I believed, and what I was treated for prior to my experiencing a L5/S1 prolapse into my own spinal canal.

My experiences, since that time have caused me to change and adapt a new perspective. I treated Sciatica with a variety of standard Chiropractic adjustments and achieved relatively good results. In most cases, our patients (after an extended period of care) got to a point where they experienced little or no pain as long as they received regular maintenance care.

Unfortunately the need for ongoing maintenance care often indicates that the root cause has not been resolved.In my own case, I demonstrated all the classic neurological signs of a prolapsed disc including severe Sciatic pain that felt like a continuous burning knife stabbing from my low back to the bottom of my foot. Nothing could relieve this pain, not Chiropractic adjustments, nor massage therapy, acupuncture, Physio or stretching. I only received relief when I had a partial microdiscectomy of the L5/S1 vertebra.

After the operation I was able to return to my practice with minimal discomfort. Four to six weeks later I was essentially back to pre-injury status, but continued to have some low-back pain and ongoing Sciatica. I also continued to experience numbness in my leg and foot. These symptoms were slightly reduced through regular care and exercise.

But it became obvious to me that neither the surgery, nor therapy at the time were effective in identifying or treating the root cause of the problem.