Corset Health Dictionary

Pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. It is often accompanied by pain in the back, or LUMBAGO. In the majority of cases, however, it is due to a PROLAPSED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC in the lower part of the SPINAL CORD. What probably happens is that degenerative changes take place in the annulus ?brosus (see SPINAL COLUMN) as a result of some special strain – caused, for example, by heavy lifting – or spontaneously. The cushioning disc between the two neighbouring vertebral bodies slips through the rent in the annulus ?brosus, and presses on the neighbouring roots, thus causing the pain. The precise distribution of the pain will thus depend on which of the nerve roots are affected. As a rule, the pain is felt in the buttock, the back of the thigh and the outside and front of the leg, sometimes extending on to the top of the foot, the back of the thigh and the calf, and then along the outer border of the foot towards the little toe.

Rare causes include a tumour in the spine or spinal column, tuberculosis of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis (see SPINE AND SPINAL CORD, DISEASES AND INJURIES OF) or a tumour in one of the organs in the pelvis such as the UTERUS.

Treatment consists essentially of rest in bed in the early stages until the acute phase is over. ANALGESICS, such as aspirin and codeine, are given to relieve the pain. Expert opinion varies as to the desirability of wearing a PLASTER OF PARIS jacket or a specially made corset; also, as to the desirability of manipulation of the spine and operation. Surgeons are selective about which patients might bene?t from a LAMINECTOMY (removal of the protruding disc).... sciatica

An appliance worn to support part of the body or hold it in a fixed position. It may be used to correct or halt the development of a deformity, to aid mobility, or to relieve pain. (See also caliper splint; corset; splint.)... brace, orthopaedic

n. a spinal condition resulting from degeneration and flattening of the intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. Symptoms include pain and restriction of movement, and in advanced cases tingling, numbness, and weakness may develop due to pressure on nerve roots. Spondylosis produces a characteristic appearance on X-ray, including narrowing of the space occupied by the disc and the presence of *osteophytes; these features of the disease (radiological spondylosis) may not be accompanied by any signs and symptoms. Pain is relieved by analgesics, NSAIDs, and physiotherapy; painful movements are prevented by wearing a neck orthosis (when the neck region is affected) or a lumbosacral corset (for the lower spine). Very severe cases sometimes require surgical fusion.... spondylosis