What is sciatica?

What is sciatica?

‍

Sciatica is a radiculopathy that most often occurs in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years in which sciatic nerve root is affected, most typically by compression. It may be associated with sensory and/or motor deficits. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, extending from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. Sciatica typically  affects one side of the body and is often characterized by pain, numbness, tingling sensation and muscle weakness along the pathway of the sciatic nerve.

‍

Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Conservative efforts and rehabilitation are recommended. In many cases, conservative treatments such as rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In more severe cases or when conservative treatments are ineffective, medical interventions such as epidural steroid injections or surgery may be considered.

‍

If you suspect you have sciatica or are experiencing persistent pain or neurological symptoms in your back, buttocks, or leg, it's recommended to seek medical evaluation from a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

‍

Common symptoms of sciatica

‍

The symptoms of sciatica can vary in intensity and distribution. Common signs and symptoms include:

‍

1. Pain: One of the most common symptoms is radiating pain from the lower back, down to the back of each leg and sometimes into the foot. It is typically a sharp, shooting, or burning type of pain. It may worsen when coughing, sitting and  sneezing.
2. Numbness and tingling: Patients with sciatica can present with sensory impairments such as numbness, tingling or burning sensation, decreased sensitivity to touch, heat and cold on the affected leg. This sensation may extend from the buttock to the toes.
3. Muscle weakness: Sciatica can cause muscle weakness in the affected leg and loss of ankle and foot control making it difficult to walk, stand on tiptoes, or lift the foot.

‍

The symptoms of sciatica can vary in severity and duration. While some individuals may experience only mild discomfort, others may have severe pain and functional limitations. It's important to note that sciatica is a symptom rather than a specific medical condition, and its underlying cause should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

‍

What causes sciatica?

‍

In most cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated lumbar disc where the nerve root is compressed by disc material that has ruptured from its surrounding structure. Rarer causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage), and malignancy. All of these are causes of lumbar nerve root compression, which may result in inflammation. 

‍

How can physical therapy help? 

‍

Physical therapy interventions are prescribed as the first-line of treatment for patients with sciatica. A physical therapist can develop an individualized treatment plan to address the underlying causes of sciatica, alleviate symptoms, and improve functional abilities. Here's how physical therapy can help:

‍

1. Pain relief: Physical therapists can utilize various techniques to help relieve pain associated with sciatica. These may include heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization. Pain relief modalities can help reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and alleviate discomfort.
2. Stretching exercises: Specific stretching exercises can be prescribed to target the muscles that may contribute to sciatic nerve compression. These stretches focus on increasing flexibility in the lower back, hips, and legs. Stretching helps reduce muscle tightness, relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, and improve overall mobility.
3. Strengthening exercises: Physical therapy includes strengthening exercises to improve the patient’s spine, core, lower back, buttocks, hip and leg muscles to restore pain free functional movements, improve lower body strength and stability. 
4. Postural and body mechanics training: Physical therapists educate individuals with sciatica on proper body mechanics and postural alignment. Learning how to maintain good posture and body mechanics can help reduce stress on the spine, prevent further irritation of the sciatic nerve, and improve overall spinal health.
5. Education and self-management strategies: Physical therapists provide education and instruction on how to incorporate self-care strategies, techniques and home exercise programs into his or her daily routine in order to manage sciatica symptoms. It reinforces what the patient has learned during the therapy sessions for a continuous progression. This may include proper ergonomics, postural habits, body mechanics techniques for pain management and home exercises.

‍

It's important to consult with a physical therapist who can assess your specific condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will consider factors such as the underlying cause of sciatica, your overall health, and your goals for recovery. By working with a physical therapist, you can improve your functional abilities, reduce pain, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Trust PeteHealth for sciatica treatment

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat sciatica? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

‍

Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

‍