Information On Sciatica And Ways You Can Get Feeling Better

You have a large nerve that runs from your lower back and goes down the backside of both legs. This nerve is called your sciatic nerve, and when it becomes pinched, compressed, or bothered by other conditions like disc damage, and it can lead to very bad pain. When this nerve is causing you pain, it is known as sciatica. The pain can be centered in one area or it can go all the way down one or both legs. This condition can also cause numbing or tingling. Sometimes the issues with the nerve will go away on their own and never return. Other times, a person can be affected with sciatica often or even most of the time in serious cases. This article will explain how physical therapy can help with sciatica: 

The goals of physical therapy

When you go to physical therapy for sciatica, the goal of your sessions will be to gain relief from the pain of sciatica, to get rid of any tingles or numbness you are also suffering from, to help with the healing process of an underlying condition that's aggravating the sciatic nerve, and to help decrease the likeness of sciatica flare-ups occurring in the future. Some of the other goals will include reducing spasms, improving mobility and flexibility, and help reduce your fear of causing more sciatica flare-ups. 

Different tools that may be used

You will also be educated on things you can do at home to get relief from the pain. You may also be given tools to use that can help, such as ice packs, heat packs, a back brace to help your posture. A stretching band can help you do certain stretches, and a special cushion can help you sleep in a good position. 

When you go to your physical therapy sessions, the physical therapist may use things like ultrasound or an e-stim machine to help you with pain relief. They will also show you a variety of stretches you can do to relieve some of the pressure off of the sciatic nerve, then watch you do those stretches to make sure you are doing them correctly. They may also have you do certain exercises that will help you to strengthen muscles that are in your lower back, thighs, abdomen, and other areas that will help to take some of the stress off of the area that is pained. 

How the physical therapist and chiropractor can help together

While the physical therapist will help you by focusing on things you can do to relieve pressure on your own and to strengthen your back to offer better support, a chiropractor can also help. They can give you adjustments that will help to ensure your spine is properly aligned which can also help you to get relief and help prevent flare-ups.

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