Relationship between Iliotibial Band Tightness and Occurance of Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain is the most frequent and common problem in the society. It is also one of the most frequent presenting symptoms in clinical practice1. The incidence of low back ache (LBA) in the population is increasing rapidly. Among the new episodes of back pain, 80% leads to chronic disability and chronic back pain4. Most of the previous studies have indicated that 70% to 80% of the population has had at least one episode of LBA in their lifetime The mechanical low back pain is the pain, which varies with physical activity [e.g.- prolonged sitting, bending forward] and with time. This pain is located in the lumbosacral region, buttocks and thighs with no radiation to foot or toes. The pain increases or decreases with repeated movement 1. Sciatica refers to a neurotic type of pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. Pain extends down the posterior thigh, lower leg to the sole of the foot and along lateral aspect of the lower leg to the dorsum of the foot. A number of studies have been done to find out the association of these mechanical factors with LBA. Frank R. Ober, performed fasciotomy for patients with LBA and sciatica and found marked diminution in symptoms for majority of patients within twenty four hours following operation. However till date, hardly any studies have been done to find out the correlation of IT band tightness and the occurrence of LBA and sciatica.