What Really Causes Sciatica?

Doctors Nottoli, Schultz and Rose have a discussion about the most important test to determine the source of sciatica/piriformis syndrome. This test is commonly performed, but improperly interpreted.

In this episode the doctors at Functional Pain Relief discuss a recent research article about the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test. Dr’s Nottoli, Schultz, and Rose agree with the authors on this study that this is an important test for function and figuring out what’s wrong with the patient. However, the interpretation of the test in the study is incomplete. 

SLR is a vital test for sciatic nerve, hamstring, and disc health. In the study, the sciatic nerve is not mentioned as a potential reason for a positive test! We know that this peripheral nerve can be the cause for a limited test more so than a disc herniation or nerve root irritation. Sciatic Nerve Entrapment (SNE) via fibrous adhesion is the specific pathology that was left out as potential causes of a positive test and is often responsible for chronic "piriformis syndrome" or "sciatica." Clinically, this is the primary reason for the SLR test to be limited.

Fortunately, there is a network of doctors trained to find the specific reason for this test to be limited. These doctors are Integrative Diagnosis providers.