Sciatica, also called sciatic neuritis, is a condition where an individual experiences pain along their sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and splits down through each buttock and leg. Pain from sciatica can be severe and is usually caused by things that place pressure on the nerve, like bone spurs, herniated discs and even pregnancy. It's estimated that about 40% of people in the United States suffer from this condition each year. Physical therapy can be used to treat this condition.
Can you get immediate relief from sciatic pain?
In short, the answer is no. There is no immediate relief for sciatic pain. But it's worth noting that you can find long-term relief. There are temporary solutions like anti-inflammatory medications, but you're more likely to find real long-term pain relief from alternatives like physical therapy.
How does physical therapy foster long-term healing?
- It provides strength training for prevention ” Physical therapy is great for preventing future flare-ups. Your therapist will help you build strength in the tissue surrounding the sciatic nerve so that your body can support itself in the future if your muscles around the nerve were previously too weak to support and protect the nerve.
- It treats the source ” While there may be no immediate relief for sciatica, you can work to heal the source of the condition that is causing sciatica. If your sciatica is due to a herniated disc or something that is placing pressure on your nerve, physical therapy can help you improve your posture and gait to alleviate stress on the vertebrae and possibly correct the root of the problem.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your sciatic nerve pain
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and that can help you address your sciatica.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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