Sciatica and Physical Therapy

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a nerve pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Common causes of sciatica include spinal disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome. The most common symptom is constant pain on one side that originates in the lower back or buttock and continues to the leg.

3 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Sciatic Pain

The goal of physical therapy to treat sciatica pain is to return to the normal function that can be lost due to nerve compression. Physical therapy is often one of the first treatments physicians recommend, as it is the most effective. Here are just three ways physical therapy is beneficial for sciatica:

-Provide symptom relief

-Promote healing of the underline cause

-Prevent recurrences and flare-ups

How Does Physical Therapy Relieve Sciatic Pain?

Your physical therapist may use a combination of extension and flexion back exercises and stretches, strengthening exercises, functional retraining by introducing lifting, bending, carrying, or squatting using proper body mechanics, joint mobilization, active assistive range of motion, among other techniques. Keep in mind that while physical therapy is elective, it is typically the best component in resolving signs and symptoms of sciatic pain as well as aiding in long-term prevention.

Why Choose Cypress Physical Therapy for Sciatic Pain?

We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Our highly experienced physical therapists will work with you to improve your function and relieve your pain. We start by assessing the body as a whole. Oftentimes, the cause of pain or an injury extends far beyond just the body part or muscle hurting. Without taking a comprehensive look at your entire self, we would be doing you a disservice in fully helping you heal and preventing future limitations. We then move on to fixing your areas of limitation. Not all diagnoses are created equal. One person with low back pain may have completely different limitations than the next person. Your recovery program needs to be specific to what YOUR body needs and not just the typical exercise program. Your pain will decrease and you will be able to walk longer, but that doesn’t mean that it is enough to get you functioning at the level you want to be. While this often signifies the end of care at your typical PT clinic, we don’t stop providing guidance until we help you successfully meet every goal you set for yourself with us on day one.

Call us today to set up an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists.

Sources:

Guide to treating sciatica with physical therapy – USA Spine Care – Laser Spine Surgery

Physical Therapy for Sciatic Pain (spineuniverse.com) 

Content Contributor: Andrea McMahon