Tom Jesson

Hi, I’m Tom.

I research and write about lumbar radicular pain (sciatica) and cauda equina syndrome (a condition that’s similar to sciatica but involves damage to more nerves).

I’m the author of Cauda Equina Syndrome: The MSK Clinician’s Guide (with Rob Tyer) and Understanding Sciatica (with Annina Schmid). I also publish newsletters, comic books and peer-reviewed research. As well as my writing, I also provide online training to clinicians.

My goal is to create the best educational resources in the English language about lumbar nerve root pain.

For patients

What is sciatica? A patient-facing youtube video.

What you need to know about exercise, surgery and rehab A youtube video for patients by E3 Rehab – covers all the basics realy nicely.

Living Well With Pain. Written by Tina, an ‘expert patient’. An important website for both clinicians and people with sciatica.

Chirogeek. Great, in-depth information written for both patients and clinicians.

10 sciatica facts. NHS information sheet by Adam Dobson (link will open a pdf)

A Guide to Sciatica Treatment for Patients by Paul Ingraham

What is Sciatica? An interview with me for The Back Pain Podcast.

I have recorded some interviews with people who have sciatica, or have had it and recovered: Drew Jordan, Kate Charlton (triathlete) part 1 and part 2, Harris Ashraff (amateur powerlifter) and Tina Price.

Two more good interviews with people who have recovered from sciatica are with Paul Babai here and Jacob Harden (a chiropractor) here.

Research and scientific literature

This google drive file contains some of the best introductory reading on radicular pain. After reading the classic paper by Bogduk, I think these papers are probably the best steps for an introduction to the important concepts and issues in radicular pain.

🚧 Under constrution. More coming soon! 🚧

Read a popular article:

Buy a book or zine:

Book a webinar:

I teach a webinar for clinicians that helps them to deal with potential cases of cauda equina syndrome in their practice. For more information, please contact me: tomjesson1 at gmail dot com.