Question
I suffered with sciatica last year pretty bad, it was to the point of where i was bed ridden for a month. It lasted about a year, in that year i seen an osteopath every week. Since then its obviously gotten better and the pain is nothing like it was. I now have a few twinges here and there. As it has gotten better i decided to take up kick boxing to keep myself fit and to try and prevent it from returning. Kick boxing is going well and touch wood there is no sign of the sciatica returning, the only problem i have now is a numbness in the top of my right leg. Its been like it for over two weeks now and i was wondering if you could shed some light on what it could be. The last thing i want is for the sciatica to come back again. Thank you

Answer
Dear Sallie,

Sciatica is actually caused, in many instances, by bulging or herniating disc or discs in the lower back. These discs can heal, but are never as good as the original equipment, before injury.  Sciatica is irritation of the nerve roots as they pass by the damaged discs. When this nerve root is inflamed and irritated, it will cause you to have severe pain, typically into the leg, and possibly to the foot.

Now, when a nerve is not severely inflamed, it could be mildly irritated. This could cause some "paresthesia", or abnormal sensation.  It is all the same thing as sciatica, it is just a toned down stage of the condition.

I like the fact that you are trying to exercise and stay active. I worry, however, if you are trying to do competitive kick boxing. I also worry about high kicks, which could put a lot of stress on the lower back.

To prevent more sciatica, you have to guard and protect the discs of the lower back. This means learning to be careful in bending and lifting, pushing and pulling. It also means that you should strengthen the core muscles, and that you should get chiropractic lumbar spine adjustments about once per month as well. If kick boxing helps you to keep the core muscles strong and the leg muscles flexible, then you should continue.

I hope that this helps you to prevent a severe flare-up. Good luck with your exercises.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com