A Guide to Sciatica and Physical Therapy

As we age, our bodies face a myriad of aches and pains, and one common problem is sciatica. This condition is caused most frequently by irritated nerves in the lower spinal region, which send sharp, shooting pains down your legs. It can limit your mobility, keep you from the activities you love, and can even make sitting and walking difficult. Physical therapy can be an effective way to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, stretching from the lower back down to the feet, and is responsible for transmitting signals from your brain to your legs and other parts of your lower body. Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated and can cause shooting or radiating pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. The pain can range from mild to severe and often gets worse when you sit or stand for extended periods. Common causes of sciatica include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Age-related changes, such as changes in bone density and muscle strength, also contribute to the likelihood of sciatica.

Treatment Options
When it comes to treating sciatica, physical therapy is a great non-invasive and a drug-free treatment option. Physical therapy is focused on relieving pain and addressing the underlying causes of the condition. In most cases, physical therapy will involve exercises focused on improving an individual’s mobility, strength, and stability to reduce pain and assist with preventing future injuries. You will also learn new techniques for stretching and movement that can be integrated into your daily routine, helping to prevent your pain from recurring. Modalities like electrical stimulation and heat or ice therapy may also be used. Physical therapy can also teach posture correction and body mechanics to prevent further injuries and promote healing.

Physical Therapy Exercises
Physical therapy exercises vary depending on the source and severity of the pain. Common exercises include lumbar and thoracic spine stretches, hip stretches, and low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, and aquatic therapy. Strengthening exercises targeting the core and back muscles are also essential to any physical therapy regimen. One of our specialized physical therapists will evaluate your condition and design a custom exercise program based on your unique needs and abilities.

Other Factors
In addition to physical therapy, other lifestyle modifications can also help to alleviate sciatica. Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the pressure on your lower back, using proper posture during activities, and avoiding activities that may exacerbate the pain are all important. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can also help to relieve pain.

In conclusion, living with sciatica is not easy, but it is manageable with the right treatment. Physical therapy is a viable and non-invasive option that can help reduce pain and improve mobility. If you’re experiencing sciatica, don’t wait any longer to see a physical therapist and begin your road to recovery. With consistent effort and the right treatment, you can get relief from your sciatica and get back to the activities you love.

Schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists today to get started!