Sciatica: What is it and how is it treated with Spine Physical Therapy?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve trunk in the body and consists of 5 nerve roots from the low back and tailbone that become one structure. The sciatic nerve travels from the low back to the buttocks and down the back of both legs where it provides sensation and muscle activation throughout the lower extremities.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a term used to describe irritation of the sciatic nerve, this is a blanket term as the reason for the sciatic nerve pain could be one or more of several different causes. The symptoms are usually only present on one side of the body and can also be present at different locations. Sciatic symptoms could be present in the buttocks or back of the leg and can also spread below the knee and into the foot. It is important for your physical therapist to identify why the nerve is irritated in the first place in order to provide the proper treatments.
Symptoms of Sciatica:
- Burning
- Numbness or Tingling
- Weakness or difficulty controlling movements of the leg
- Shooting pains
- Ache
- Temperature changes in the leg or foot
Causes of Sciatica:
- Disc Bulge or Herniation in the Low Back
- Poor Posture or Movement Patterns
- Spinal Stenosis or a Narrowing of the Lumbar Spine
- Hip Joint or Muscle Restrictions
- Nerve Entrapment anywhere throughout the Nerve Tract
- Sacroiliac (tailbone) dysfunction
How will Physical Therapy help with Sciatica?
Your physical therapist will perform a full examination of your low back, hips, muscle strength, and nervous system to determine the underlying cause for the sciatic pain. Depending on the findings of this examination there are several different treatment options. In most cases more than one type of treatment is used for relief. Our spine physical therapy consists of:
Treatments for Sciatica:
- Lumbar traction and joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization of restricted muscles
- Sacroiliac and Hip Joint Mobilization
- Nerve gliding and Mobilization
- Core strengthening and stabilization
- Postural education
- Functional movement training
- Exercise Prescription
To have an evaluation and treatment for specific spine physical therapy please contact David Bragg MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT at Steve Kravitz Physical Therapy. Spine Physical Therapy is just one part of a unique, personalized approach to Physical Therapy which has been developed over twenty years by Dr. Steve Kravitz of Steve Kravitz Physical Therapy. To learn more about how Spine Physical Therapy and the other modalities offered at our practice can help you, contact us or read more on our blog.
