5 Things You Can Do To Help With Sciatica

Are you suffering from sciatica and looking for for proven outcomes to help alleviate your symptoms and return you to a life without pain? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re suffering from “sciatica” at all.

It is common to associate any kind of lower back pain with sciatica, but this isn’t always issue. In some cases it can be a different issue that is causing you pain. That it is important to understand the pain and what is causing it. Treatment will differ based on the problems causing you pain.

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disk or bone overgrowth putting pressure on a nerve. This results in inflammation, discomfort, and numbness in the afflicted limb.

Sciatica pain can occur anywhere along the nerve route. It is most likely to go from the low back to the buttock and the back of a leg and calf. Pain can range from a dull aching to a burning sensation. It can be exacerbated by coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting.

Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body. Numbness, tingling, or muscular weakness in the leg or foot are other common symptoms. One area of the leg may be in pain, while other parts feel numb.

You may feel discouraged as sciatica can last for long periods of time and it may feel that the pain will never go away. Luckily, there are things you can do to help alleviate the pain you are experiencing and treatment for this issue does exist.

We deal with many cases of sciatica at Physical Therapy for everyBODY, so if you are experiencing pain that you think is caused by sciatica, do not hesitate to contact us to start the recovery process.

In the meantime, here are 5 things we recommend that you do if you are dealing with pain because of sciatica.

5 Things You Can Do To Help With Sciatica

1. Exercise 

Exercising can be beneficial for those suffering from sciatica. Regular physical activity helps to keep the muscles and joints flexible, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain in the lower back and buttocks. Exercise can also improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and increase blood circulation to reduce muscle tension. In addition, exercise releases endorphins which are natural pain relievers. Regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and intensity of sciatica flares, as well as helping to prevent future episodes.

2. Ice, Not Heat

Ice is a popular remedy for sciatica pain relief because it can reduce inflammation and numbs the affected area. The cold temperature causes the blood vessels to narrow which reduces swelling and relieves pressure from inflamed nerves. Ice therapy can also help decrease spasms, muscle tightness, and nerve sensitivity which are common symptoms of sciatica.

3. Avoid Long Periods Rest

Sciatica is a form of lower back pain caused by inflammation or injury to the sciatic nerve. To minimize its associated discomfort, it is important to avoid lying down for long periods of time. Not only can this help reduce pressure on your spine and prevent further pain, but it can also help improve circulation and strengthen the muscles in your back, which can result in improved mobility and less discomfort.

4. Listen To Your Body

It is important to listen to your body when you are dealing with sciatica and pain associated with it. Depending on the severity of the condition, certain activities may exacerbate the symptoms or cause further injury. It is important to monitor your level of activity and adjust accordingly if needed in order to reduce pain levels. Additionally, recognizing signs that indicate you need to rest and avoid activities that cause too much strain is important for proper healing. Paying attention to your body’s signals can help you remain pain free and ensure that the sciatica does not worsen.

5. See A Specialist

Seeing a specialist is important in understanding the exact cause of sciatica pain and to develop an effective treatment plan. A specialist can diagnose the underlying cause of the sciatica and recommend treatments that can reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and manage pain levels. They may also be able to recommend exercises or lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce pain. Seeing a specialist can provide valuable insight into the cause of sciatica and help you determine the best path forward for your unique situation.

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Sciatica?

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery and prevention process for sciatica. Physical therapists can create specialized treatment plans based on their patient’s needs to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Exercises prescribed by physical therapists can target specific muscles around the affected area to increase strength, flexibility and endurance while avoiding overuse or further injury. They may also use hands-on treatments such as massage or joint mobilization to help release tension in muscles surrounding the nerve root.

In addition, physical therapists will provide education about posture adjustments or lifestyle changes to help prevent future episodes of sciatica and reduce the risk of further injury.

Physical therapists can provide a comprehensive approach to treating sciatica and related pain, as well as preventing future occurrences. By utilizing evidence-based interventions, physical therapists are able to target specific areas affected by sciatica with an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for each patient’s needs. With their expertise in the rehabilitation process, physical therapists can be invaluable resources for anyone suffering from this condition.

Have You Tried To Alleviate Sciatica With Little To No Success?

Are you trying a variation of the things we discussed above to relieve or eliminate pain due to sciatica and have had no success? If you have tried these things and you are still dealing with pain because of sciatica, then make sure that you contact us at Physical Therapy for everyBODY to start the conversation on treating the pain you are experiencing.

Dealing with back pain, especially if it is sciatica, can be frustrating, painful, and will keep you from doing the things you love. That is why we recommend that you come see us so we can help you in  figuring out what is causing your back pain.

So if you want to begin that discussion and start to take the next steps in your recovery, we would love to invite you for a Sciatica Assessment, which will enable you to get a full diagnosis and finally understand the real reason your pain won’t go away!

You can contact us by telephone at 425-658-4944 to claim your sciatica assessment or by completing our inquiry form in under 30 seconds.

Not sure whether physical therapy is right for you?

We appreciate that you may want to find out more and ask some questions about private physical therapy which is you can arrange a FREE Discovery Session or a FREE Telephone Consultation.

Other Free Resources To Help You With Sciatica

Download our free pelvic, knee, neck and shoulder, and back pain reports.

Read our blog – What Is The Best Sciatica Treatment?

Read our blog – How To Know When Your Back Pain Is Sciatica

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