If you have ever had sciatica, you fully understand that it can be an unpleasant experience. But there is good news: sciatica doesn’t need to keep you on the sidelines for long. With the appropriate treatment, such as physical therapy, you can recover faster and resume your daily activities more quickly.
We won’t sugarcoat it — sciatica is never fun. It’s also not an unusual condition. It involves discomfort that radiates from your spine down one of your legs (the “sciatic nerve” starts in your spine and branches out through your hips). If you have sciatica and wish to get back to your healthy self as soon as possible, continue reading our guide to handling sciatica using physiotherapy.
The Source Of Sciatica
Sciatica refers to the discomfort that comes from your spine and often radiates down one of your legs. It’s generally brought on by pressure on or inflammation of your sciatic nerve.
Frequently, a problem in the lower back– such as a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease– can cause the sciatic nerve to become irritated and send pain down the back of one leg. You can experience sciatica on one or both sides of your body. If you have sciatica, you might experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in your back that runs down your leg
- Pain in the back of one or both legs
- Weakness in one or both legs/feet
- Tingling, burning, or numbness in one or both legs/feet
What Are The Common Conditions And Causes Leading To Sciatic Pain?
A variety of conditions and risk factors can contribute to sciatica, including:
- Bone spurs
- Daily activities with repetitive movements
- Spinal stenosis
- Chronic pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle strain
- Workplace injuries
- Abnormal spine curvature or curved spine
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Joint mobilization issues
- Poor posture
- Arthritis – osteo joint pain
- Other acute conditions
- Joint issues
- Mobility challenges
- Limited mobility
What Does Sciatic Nerve Pain Feel Like?
There are several kinds of pain you can experience with sciatica. The most typical type of discomfort is a dull ache that extends down your leg. You can likewise experience acute pain, burning sensations, and shooting pains. It may feel like an electrical shock or jolt, and can become unbearable for the patient.
How Is Sciatica Treated With Physiotherapy?
First and foremost, you need to rest. You should, as much as possible, eliminate anything that’s putting strain on your sciatic nerve, providing it time to recover. This might mean going on a short-term break or taking a leave of absence from work. You can also use hot or cold packs to soothe your discomfort.
Your local physiotherapist can recommend the most beneficial kind of treatment for your sciatica.
One treatment your physiotherapist may use is manual therapy– using their hands to move and manipulate your tissues or joints, thereby relieving stress on the nerve.
A second possible treatment is staying active. Your physiotherapist might recommend exercises that build up the muscles around your spinal column and hips, decreasing your discomfort and helping your condition improve faster.
Exercise Programs for Sciatica
First, let’s have a look at what exercises are actually valuable for sciatica. Exercises that reinforce the muscles around your spine are effective. Your physio may recommend workouts such as yoga, core strengthening, and hip stretches.
While exercises can help in reducing your pain in the short term, they are most productive when combined with other treatments, such as heat treatment. Exercises can help get you moving and feeling much better faster, if they are the correct ones.
If you have severe sciatica, exercise may not be your greatest alternative immediately. Start with mild stretches. As your symptoms decrease, you can slowly increase the level of your workouts. Be sure to seek advice from your physiotherapist about the most suitable workouts to treat your issue.
Other effective treatments for sciatica from a physiotherapist
Your physiotherapist might additionally propose other treatments, such as:
TENS Treatment – This electrical instrument generates little electrical impulses to the affected site to stimulate your nerves and minimize pain.
Acupuncture – This more traditional treatment entails positioning extremely small needles in your skin at specific points to decrease pain and inflammation.
Wrap Up
Whatever treatment technique you receive, sciatica can take a toll on your body and your happiness. It can be challenging to remain positive when you’re in pain, however research studies demonstrate that staying positive is one of the very best methods to accelerate your recovery!
When you’re dealing with sciatica, you have to find methods to handle your discomfort in the short-term, while also ensuring you’re going in the right direction to improve for the future. Keep the tips in this guide in mind when handling sciatica to ensure you make the most of your treatment and return to your life as soon as possible.
Give Maximum by Body ‘n Balance Physio a call today. We are conveniently located in Collingwood and we can ease your sciatica pain starting today!
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