While sciatica does not always require physical therapy treatments, it can help relieve your pain and speed up the healing process.
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.
It can be hard to determine whether or not your symptoms are in need of a specialist intervention, but we put together a list of the three most prominent for your condition.
1. What you’re doing at home to manage pain stops working.
You might already be trying these basic home remedies to help alleviate 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, you should 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 alleviate your aches and pains.
2. You notice your pain getting worse instead of better.
The severity of pain you feel 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, and 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 a number of 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), you should see your doctor and physical therapist very away.
Because these symptoms are the result of 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 be recommended by your primary physician, regardless of the course of treatment he or she advises.
If you’re struggling with any of these three issues, it’s time to see a physical therapist
Get a physical therapist’s help today
Are you experiencing pain from sciatica? If this is the case, physical therapy may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re ready to get rid of your sciatica problems.
Targeted stretches and exercises will be used in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. Treatments may also focus on increasing range of motion and improving posture to reduce stress on the sciatic nerve and prevent pain from recurring.
We’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan to help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible!