How Physiotherapy Can Help Sciatica Pain

Feeling pain is one thing, but when this pain radiates to another part of your body, it can be quite devastating. Radicular pain, or sciatica, is when you feel pain in your leg starting from your lower back. Regardless of how mild this pain feels, it is best to visit your physiotherapist for treatment. Treating this condition promptly can prevent it from getting worse.

This blog explores the causes of sciatic pain, when you should see your doctor, and how physiotherapy can help.

Kindly read along!

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain in your sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest and largest in your body. It runs from your lower back through your pelvis and down the back of your legs. Sciatica occurs when there is pressure on the nerve, and it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.

Depending on the cause of this condition, the pain may be mild or severe and you may feel it most when you bend, twist, or cough.

How Common is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a common condition that especially affects people over the age of 20. However, people who sustain back injuries can also experience this condition regardless of age.

You are also at risk of sciatica if you have low core strength, poor posture when lifting, or live a sedentary lifestyle. Tobacco use, diabetes, and jobs that require heavy lifting or prolonged sitting also increase your risk.

Generally, any condition that affects or irritates your sciatic nerve can lead to pain. You are likely to have sciatica if you have osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, pelvic injury, or tumors. Pregnancy and herniated disks can also cause the condition.

When Should You See a Doctor for Sciatica?

If you notice symptoms of sciatica, you can try at-home remedies like rest, hydration, stretches, and ice. However, these remedies can only resolve mild sciatica pain.

You should visit your doctor if your pain worsens or persists or if you have sudden weakness in your leg. Accompanying symptoms such as unexplained fever, bloody urine, inability to control your bladder, and swelling on your back or spine require immediate medical attention.

Physiotherapy for sciatica can help manage and relieve pain. Your physiotherapist will also use techniques to improve your strength, flexibility, and mobility. During and after your treatment, your physiotherapist will educate you on proper posture and lifestyle to reduce your risk of further injury.

What Happens During Physiotherapy for Sciatica?

When you visit your physiotherapist, they will first examine your condition. Physiotherapy for sciatica pain in Okotoks involves checking your posture, walking patterns, and spinal alignment. Your therapist will then use the assessment to identify your sciatica’s cause and create a tailored treatment to resolve your symptoms.

As you progress in the treatment, your physiotherapist will work with you and monitor your response to treatment. They will then adjust your care plan if necessary.

After your treatment sessions, your therapist may create an exercise program you can do at home to reduce your risk of re-injury.

What Physiotherapy Techniques are Used to Treat Sciatica?

Your physiotherapy care plan will consist of one or more of the following techniques to address your sciatica pain;

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment. Depending on your needs, your physiotherapist may use massage therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and manipulation. This treatment aims to improve spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve to reduce pain.

Modalities

Modalities can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote pain relief. Okotoks physiotherapy modalities include heat and cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Your therapist will safely administer the best modality for you.

Strengthening Exercises

Exercises for sciatica target the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles. A strong core can support the lower back and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Your physiotherapist will create an exercise program that may help stabilize your spine, improve your posture, and relieve pain.

Stretching Exercises

Tight muscles in the lower back, hips, and legs can increase the intensity of sciatica pain. Stretching exercises can help improve your mobility and flexibility. Your physiotherapist will include stretches in your exercise program to ease tension and pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Patient Education

Although medical conditions can cause sciatica, poor posture, and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will educate you on proper posture and ergonomic adjustments to prevent sciatica. They will also create an at-home exercise program to increase your activity levels and prevent a recurrence.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy can help you manage and relieve sciatica pain. If you notice severe, worsening pain, cannot control your bladder, or have sudden weakness in your legs, you should visit your physiotherapist at Dynamic Physiotherapy. They can identify the underlying cause of your condition and create a care plan to promote pain relief and prevent a recurrence.

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