Can Physical Therapy Help Resolve My Sciatica for Good?

Any condition that irritates or pressures the sciatic nerve can produce the classic signs and symptoms of sciatica, a pain syndrome that affects this largest pair of nerves in your body. Sciatica can be a chronic or recurring problem for some people. 

At Active Care Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, we use a multidisciplinary approach to treating sciatica. This might  include spinal decompression and local massage as well as physical therapy when it’s necessary. While physical therapy won’t resolve sciatica on its own, it can be an important part of continuing relief. 

The sciatic nerve

Despite the fact that you have two sciatic nerves, the symptoms of sciatica generally occur on one side at a time due to nerve compression at the spine, on the same side as your symptoms. It’s possible that both nerves can be affected at the same time, but it’s a rare condition. 

The nerve branches that collect into the sciatic nerve exit the spinal column at several points. Irritation or compression at any of these points can create symptoms. 

You may experience pain at or near the point of compression or anywhere along the sciatic nerve’s path. Called referred pain, these distant symptoms may also include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. 

Nerve irritation usually results from conditions like herniated disks or spinal stenosis, the narrowing of spaces through which nerves pass. While sciatica symptoms tend to fade or resolve on their own, chiropractic care and physical therapy can help you avoid future problems. 

Physical therapy and sciatica

When used as part of a sciatica treatment plan, physical therapy has three primary goals: 

1. Relieving your current symptoms, including pain and other referred conditions
2. Aiding recovery from the underlying cause of sciatica
3. Preventing recurrence of sciatica symptoms

As well as these general relief goals, there are eight specific targets for physical therapy treatment. 

1. Restoring pain-free, full mobility and movement patterns
2. Reducing or eliminating muscle spasms related to sciatica
3. Relieving referred symptoms, including pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet
4. Improving function of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint
5. Restoring lower body mobility
6. Reducing pain perceptions at the neurological level
7. Improving the healing environment in the lower back by restoring blood flow and releasing nerves
8. Reducing or eliminating pain flare-ups associated with movement

Note that many of these targets are also supported by chiropractic care. Regular adjustments as well as physical therapy follow-up with home exercise keeps your lower back in good form for avoiding future sciatica occurrences. 

Contact us at Active Care Chiropractic & Rehabilitation for a sciatica assessment and treatment plan. We have five locations in the Philadelphia area, so call or click to schedule an appointment at the most convenient office today.