Physical Therapy For Sciatica

Physical therapy is a great way to treat sciatica. It can help to reduce inflammation and pain, improve mobility, and increase function. If you are experiencing pain from sciatica, be sure to talk to your doctor about physical therapy. It may be the best solution for you!

If you are living with sciatica, you know how debilitating it can be. You may feel like you can't do anything because of the pain. The good news is that there is physical therapy for sciatica in Omaha that can help you!   

This page will discuss what sciatica is, its causes, and its symptoms. Furthermore, we will also talk about the different types of physical therapy available and how they can help. If you are considering physical therapy for your sciatica, this page is a must-read! 

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain in the lower back and legs. The pain is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet. Sciatica can be caused by various things, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, or sitting for long periods.

Many things can cause sciatica; here are a few of the most common causes:  

• Herniated disc: This occurs when the cushion between the vertebrae in your spine becomes damaged or ruptured. The damage can place pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet. Other causes of sciatica include:  
• Spinal stenosis: This is a condition where the spaces between your vertebrae narrow. This can put pressure on the nerves in your spine, including the sciatic nerve.  
• Pregnancy: Sciatica is common during pregnancy because of the extra weight placed on the lower back and pelvis.  
• Sitting for long periods: This can cause the muscles in your buttocks to tighten, which can compress the sciatic nerve. 
• Being overweight: Carrying too much weight can put pressure on the spine and cause sciatica. 
• Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, spasms and compresses the sciatic nerve. 

Depending on the severity of your sciatica, it might develop over time and can even vanish on its own. If you're experiencing classic sciatica symptoms after a vehicle accident, significant fall, or sports injury, see your doctor or a physical therapist right away.  

Your symptoms are more likely to be severe because of the more significant impact on the area surrounding the sciatic nerve. Your medical team can evaluate the degree of nerve injury and whether surgery, steroid injections, or prescription medications are required.  

Physical therapy may be a lifeline for many people with persistent or severe sciatica. You'll learn specific exercises to improve your back. Strong muscles support the region surrounding your sciatic nerve, preventing future injuries. You'll also work on strengthening your posture to keep pain at bay. Physical treatment for sciatica also incorporates increased range of motion.  

Physical therapy is often required as part of the healing process, regardless of how severe your injury is. Your physical therapist might help you with surgery rehabilitation and even extend the advantages of your injections and sciatica medication. 

Symptoms of sciatica can vary from person to person. However, most people will experience some or all of the following symptoms:  

• pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs
• tingling or numbness in the feet or legs
• weakness in the legs
• loss of bladder or bowel control

The pain from sciatica may be severe and may interfere with your ability to do everyday activities. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is essential to see a doctor.

If you are experiencing pain from sciatica, physical therapy can help! Physical therapy involves a variety of treatments that can help reduce inflammation and pain, increase mobility, and improve function. Some common treatments used in physical therapy for sciatica include: 

• Stretches and exercise: Back extension and flexion movements help decrease pain by encouraging the spine's natural movement. Individuals with lower back discomfort and sciatica frequently find comfort in specific spinal directional mobility. Before providing particular directional exercises, a physical therapist usually assesses an individual's directional preference because these are designed specifically for each patient and symptom. Bending forward and backward is not harmful to people with sciatica, as long as there is no pain in these motions. 
• McKenzie exercises: Named after Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist from New Zealand, these exercises help relieve pressure on the nerve by gently stretching the back and hip muscles.
• Ice or heat therapy: This can help to reduce inflammation and pain. 
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): Involves sending tiny electric currents through the skin to stimulate the nerves. It is often used to control pain. 
• Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of tissues inside the body. Physical Therapists can use it to promote healing and reduce inflammation and pain. 
• Massage: Massage can help relieve tension in the muscles and improve blood flow. 

A Safe Alternative To Painkillers   

One of the great things about physical therapy is that it is a long-term solution for sciatica. Pain medication can help to mask the pain, but it does not address the underlying cause. Certain pain medications can also be addictive and have dangerous side effects.   

Physical therapy is a safe alternative to painkillers and can help improve your quality of life and help correct the underlying problem and provide long-term relief.