hallo everybody,
to my understanding, sciatica is due to the compression of the sciatic nerve,it may be at the Wikipedia reference-linksij level or at spinal level.
the goal should obviously be to release the nerve from compression.it can be through neural mobilisation tech or by using faradic current stimulation on either side of the compression,which can force the neuropraxia to release.this is possible, if the compression is at the sij level.if it is in the spinal level, it can be released by traction tech and faradic currents can be used for better conduction of nerves.badsitting postures are also sometimes reponsible for the compression of the nerve ,in such cases postural awareness should also be given,if not ,tne nerve gets compressed repetedly.
due the inflamation of the nerve ,there would be a genral spasm ,which results in pain.it is important to release the nerve. at the same time it is also important to consider pain psychology.so ,it definately important to deal with the patients pain also.the choice of modality is definately of therapists choice, i choose swd against muscle spasm.ift to block pain through spinothalamic tract and tens for the local release of b-morphins,encephalin and other analgesic and anasthetics.
when the therapist can use his option properly ,i'm sure he can do his best to the patient.atleast the nerve can be stopped from the danger of getting degenerated, which may happen on severe compression