[Paddlewise] Sciatica (was shoulder exercises for paddling)

Sciatica is caused by an irritation of the sciatic nerve, but the cause of
the irritation can vary. In my case it was caused by a ruptured disc. Two
large fragments came free, and one apparently was pushing against the
sciatic nerve. My back surgeon told me to thank my mother for a large spinal
canal, because the spinal cord itself was not affected. A laminectomy was
the cure. The surgeon went in, removed the fragments, decided the rest of
the disc looked healthy enough, and taped me back together again. I went
into the hospital at 6:00 a.m. and was out by 6:00 p.m. the same day, like a
pair of pants at the cleaners. The scar is two inches long. That was 15
years ago, when I was 52, and I've had no problems since then. 

I believe the standard conservative treatment for less serious causes is bed
rest and back exercises, but your doctor is the one to decide that.

Chuck Holst
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