Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe sciatic nerve pain that affects between 13-40% of people worldwide(1). Sciatica can include any sort of nerve symptoms - pain, burning, tingling, numbness - anywhere down the path of the sciatic nerve, even all the way down to the foot. Physical therapy can be effective in treating sciatica, including reducing pain and improving function.
As pictured, the sciatic nerve is a combination of nerve roots coming from the lumbar spine (low back) and sacrum, particularly levels L4-L5 and S1-S3. This nerve is responsible for sensation down a majority of the back and outside of the leg, as well as powering the muscle groups of the hamstrings, the calves, and some of the shin muscles. As you can imagine, a nerve so long can have restrictions anywhere along the path. Common sites of impingement include the spinal canal (with disc herniation), spinal stenosis, or through the pelvis (under the piriformis muscle).
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the buttock or leg
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- A burning or tingling sensation down the leg
- Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or certain movements
Addressing your sciatica:
Your physical therapist (PT) will take their time to determine where your sciatic nerve may be getting “stuck,” which may be multiple locations. At this point, your PT will use a personalized combination of manual therapy (joint mobilizations, soft tissue mobilizations), therapeutic exercises (flexibility, strengthening), and education to decrease your pain and get you moving again.
If you are starting to have nerve symptoms down one leg, anywhere down the path of the sciatic nerve, consult with a Physical Therapist to see if physical therapy may be appropriate. If you are in our area, stop by for a free 10-minute discovery visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. If you are not in our area, see Three Simple Tips To Choosing A Physical Therapist.
Here’s what some of our patients have said about how we treated their pain:
- “I went in to get information on a possible treatment of lower back issues I've been plagued with for over a year. I was desperate for relief. The moment I walked in, I was welcomed with genuine smiles, kindness, and concern from the entire staff! I came in with the pain level of 10 and walked out at a 2-3!! I will continue my treatments with them, including exercises I can do from anywhere to get relief.” - Theresa F.
- “Dr. Ashley is amazing. Her thorough history review (in depth questions I'd never thought about) and spot on diagnosis brought relief and renewed agility in only a few visits. Friendly, caring atmosphere and clean office puts you at ease.” - Sally M.
Sciatica can be a painful and disruptive condition, but with the right care, you can find relief and get back to your daily activities. Take action today to address your pain!
1 - M. A. Stafford, P. Peng, D. A. Hill, Sciatica: a review of history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and the role of epidural steroid injection in management, BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, Volume 99, Issue 4, October 2007, Pages 461–473, https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aem238