One of the most common forms of back pain, affecting millions of people yearly, is sciatica – that is to say, lower back pain that often moves down the leg as well. Sciatica is named for the sciatic nerve, which is the body’s longest nerve and one of its most important for movement. Many different physical conditions can interfere with the sciatic nerve or one of the structures related to it in the nervous system, so sciatica can have a large range of causes. No matter where it comes from, though, sciatica can be painful enough to cause missed work or school, lost sleep, and missing out on many of the activities of daily life. Worse still, people who feel sciatica pain at least once tend to have it flare up again in the future.
In the end, the best way to deal with sciatica long-term is to treat not just the symptoms, but the root causes. Physical therapy is well-equipped to do just that, and at JAG PT, the premier name in physical rehabilitation in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area, we have helped untold numbers of patients get lasting recovery from sciatica. Book an appointment today to begin healing your persistent back pain, or read further below on PT addresses both the “what” and the “why” of sciatica.
Why Does My Sciatica Keep Coming Back?
The usual causes of sciatica are either physical conditions that don’t simply heal with time, or consistent lifestyle issues. For example, having one or more herniated discs is the most major sciatica risk factor. In a disc herniation, one of the hockey-puck-like cartilaginous structures between the vertebrae becomes damaged and bulges into the space of the joint, which can press on nerve roots and cause shooting pain. If the hamstrings or piriformis muscle (a pyramidal muscle in the gluteal region) are inflamed or tight, depending on anatomical variation, they can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve in a different way by squeezing. General muscle imbalances and poor posture play a role for many patients with sciatica, also.
If you simply get bed rest or take medication, the pain from your current sciatica flare will soon dissipate. However, this type of treatment will still leave you in the same state that led to your sciatica in the first place. If something causes another flare-up, such as a fall or even a heavy coughing fit, you could be in pain again the very next day, back where you started.
What Triggers Sciatica Flare-Ups?
Other occurrences could easily cause sciatica pain to suddenly arise. For some people, especially those with a muscle-related nerve entrapment, merely sitting down for too long at one time could result in searing back and leg pain from sciatica. At the gym, lifting weights with unideal form is known to sideline fitness enthusiasts due to sciatica. Subtler musculoskeletal problems – weak gluteal muscles, insufficiently developed core muscles, or a lack of flexibility – could be the culprit as well. Even psychological stress and inflammation in the abdominal or pelvic region could ultimately lead to a sciatica flare.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Prevent Recurrence?
The typical PT strategy for relieving sciatica pain and reducing the chance for future flare-ups focuses on guided exercise and body awareness. Everyone’s musculoskeletal system is different and any two patients could have completely different causes for their sciatica, so personalized exercise planning is important. However, most of the time, core strengthening and stabilization exercises (such as modified side planks, glute bridges, and various kinds of hamstring and lower back stretches) will be a major part. Improving hip and spine mobility with drills such as spinal twists and multidirectional leg rotations may also commonly be used.
If sciatica is caused by issues with body mechanics or lifestyle factors, education and daily practice may reduce or even end the pain. The physical therapist will observe the patient in order to make note of their mechanics when sitting, walking, and doing everyday tasks and let them know how to correct any imbalances. Lifestyle changes, such as walking two miles daily to ward off sedentism, may also be recommended. Finally, manual therapy, including medical massage, and assistance with nerve glide exercises (which can mobilize the sciatic nerve into its normal path to reduce impingement) are appropriate for some patients.
When Should You See a Physical Therapist for Sciatica?
While physical therapy can save a lot of future pain and aggravation by tackling the causes of even milder sciatica cases, there are some signs you should get evaluated as soon as possible. Pain lasting for more than a few days at a time, tingling and numbness in addition to the pain, and difficulty walking, sitting, or standing all indicate a more severe form of sciatica, or possibly a more dangerous health condition. Early intervention is always best, as it can stop a chronic problem from developing or getting worse.
Break the Sciatica Cycle—JAG PT Can Help You Move Pain-Free
When you are treated for sciatica at a JAG Physical Therapy clinic, your therapist will use a combination of methods designed to work best for your physical condition and lifestyle. Our empathetic and customized care is built to address the true cause of your sciatica and reduce your chances of flares later on, helping you get back to your pain-free routine with confidence. We have convenient locations across NJ, NY, and PA – find your local JAG PT clinic or book your appointment today.