While sciatica does not always require physical therapy treatments, it can help relieve your pain and speed up healing.
Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body? It stretches from the lower back down to the legs, ending at the feet. People living with sciatica typically describe their discomfort as “shooting pains,” typically down one side of the body.
If you’re struggling to live a normal, comfortable life because of sciatica, know that the solution to your pain is just a call away. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
1. What you’re doing at home to manage pain stops working.
You might already try these basic home remedies to help ease some of your sciatica pain, but when using ice and heat compresses alternately, or sleeping with a pillow between your knees, for example, no longer relieves discomfort and stiffness… there’s a problem.
These are some commonly used at-home treatment methods for pain management, but they, unfortunately, do not always work. If your home treatments are having a little-to-no effect in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, seek the aid of a physical therapist. If your symptoms worsen, be sure to consult with your primary physician. Physical therapy can provide you with the treatment you need to ease your aches and pains.
2. You notice your pain getting worse instead of better.
The pain severity can change depending on how compressed your sciatic nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Symptoms may include severe shooting pain, weakness or numbness on one side, or the inability to move your feet. If your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder or bowel function, you may lose control of those functions.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with both your primary doctor and your physical therapist to discuss a treatment plan for easing your pain and getting you back to your normal function. Your doctor may also run several tests to rule out any other underlying conditions.
3. You suffered an injury that caused sciatica to form.
Your symptoms may worsen over time with moderate sciatica, or they may go away on their own. However, if your sciatica symptoms appear suddenly after an injury or trauma (such as a vehicle accident, sports injury, or a hard fall), see your doctor and physical therapist right away.
Because these symptoms result from a powerful impact surrounding the sciatic nerve, they are likely to be severe, and it is critical to assess the extent of the injury. Physical therapy will almost always get recommended by your primary physician, regardless of the course of treatment he or she advises.
Get a physical therapist’s help today
Are you experiencing pain from sciatica? If this is the case, physical therapy may help you. Contact us if you’re ready to get rid of your sciatica problems.
We will use targeted stretches and exercises in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. Treatments may also focus on increasing the range of motion and improving posture to reduce sciatic nerve stress and prevent recurring pain.
We’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan to help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible!
