As explained, caning with anything other than rattan is a health risk. But always remember that caning as such is not entirely without risk.

To understand the risks of caning it is important to understand what happens. Each cane stroke will do three things:

1. The impact will break quite a few small veins in and just below the skin. This is what causes the red skin and the bruises.

2. The body will send body fluids to the painful area. This is what causes the welts.

3. The impact will damage the subcutaneous (under the skin) layers of body fat (most of that is temporary deformation, much like pressing your finger into butter. Dense material (lexan or a stick) makes a deeper indent into the body fat, causing subcutaneous wounds. The body will repair the wound but the result of that is the creation of scar tissue. This will show up eventually as very ugly “lumps and bumps” that will not go away. Even with a rattan cane, if one stroke crosses another the indent on the “intersection” will be deeper and may cause the same effect. This also happens if you do allow for full recuperation in between canings (this takes between 14 and 21 days usually)

Lexan sticks and, too frequent canings may also cause more extensive damage to veins. This may cause problems with the blood supply to the skin.

A much bigger and more serious risk is formed by the sciatic nerve, which lays very close to the surface of the lower buttocks and upper legs. And this is an even more important reason to not use anything other than natural rattan.

The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body; it runs from each side of the lower spine through deep in the rear and back of the thigh, and all the way down to foot, connecting the spinal cord with the leg and foot muscles. It is the main information highway for leg, foot and toe control.

Sciatica pain can result when the nerve roots in the lower spine – or the nerve itself – are irritated or compressed. Most often, sciatica pain is caused when the L5 or S1 nerve root in the lower spine is irritated by a herniated disc. When this happens, pain radiates into the rear and back of the thigh and calf, and occasionally may extend down to the foot. Numbness, tingling, and/or a burning or prickling sensation are also common symptoms.

This may also be the result of the previously mentioned “lumps and bumps”.

• If weakness or numbness is present, the nerve may be damaged and it is important to seek attention from a health care professional. If the nerve is compressed and the pain and symptoms are severe, surgery may be warranted.

•  If there is bowel or bladder incontinence (inability to control the bowel or bladder) and/or progressive weakness or loss of sensation in the legs, the condition may be serious and immediate medical attention should be sought.
  Sciatic nerve anatomy

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest single nerve in the human body, about as big around as a thumb at its largest point. The nerve originates in the lower spine as nerve roots exit the spinal cord (through the bones in the spine), and extends all the way down the back of the leg to the toes.

The sciatic nerve is actually a combination of nerves. It is formed on the right and left hand side of the lower spine by the combination of the fourth and fifth lumbar nerves and the first three nerves in the sacral spine. Each nerve exits the spine between two vertebral segments and is named for the segment above it.

The sciatic nerve supplies sensation and strength to the leg as well as the reflexes of the leg. It connects the spinal cord with the outside of the thigh, the hamstring muscles in the back of the thighs, and muscles in the lower leg and feet. As such, when the sciatic nerve is impaired it can lead to muscle weakness in the leg and/or, numbness or tingling.

Areas to cane

Areas to stay away from are the entire back, the kidney area and the tailbone (a broken tailbone may lead to blindness!), as well as the head and neck. On all other areas the strength used should be accommodated to the area. be aware that a came may break or damage bones (this is especially relevant when caning soles, hands and shinbones).

As a general rule of thumb, fleshy areas (buttocks, thighs and breasts) are the preferred areas to cane. However, bear in mind that nothing is ever fully without potential risks!

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
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