Plagued by Sciatica? 5 Ways Physical Therapy Can Relieve Your Pain

Physical therapy is often one of the most highly effective treatments for managing sciatica pain. It addresses the cause, rather than simply masking unpleasant symptoms. 

See Dr. Qureshi or Laura Canada, NP, at Creekside Wellness in Cypress, Texas, to schedule physical therapy sessions as a holistic treatment option for sciatica discomfort.

Below are five ways physical therapy can ease pain, improve mobility, and help you get back to moving comfortably.   

Sciatica 101

Sciatica is a common cause of nerve pain, stemming from irritation or injury to your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg. Sciatica is characterized by:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Shooting pain
• Electric shock-like pain
• Muscle weakness
• Radiating discomfort down your leg

Sciatica is the most common cause of leg pain. It can feel uncomfortable and even debilitating when not treated. 

5 reasons to choose physical therapy for sciatica pain

Here are five ways physical therapy can reduce sciatica pain naturally:

1. Stronger core

Stronger core muscles in your lower back and abdomen help support your spine and take pressure off pain-causing nerves. During physical therapy sessions, you’ll complete core-strengthening exercises and learn routines to complete at home to maximize your results. 

2. Improved flexibility

Stretching your muscles supports better flexibility and eases stress placed on irritated nerves by tight muscles. Your therapist can help stretch your hamstrings, hips, back, and nearby areas to relieve ongoing discomfort.  

3. Improved posture

Poor posture is a risk factor for sciatica. Your physical therapist teaches effective body mechanics to help you stand taller, sit up straighter, lift objects with better form, and ease sciatica pain naturally. 

Effective spinal alignment helps protect your spine and surrounding tissues, including nearby nerves. 

4. Nerve gliding

Physical therapy at Creekside Wellness offers nerve gliding (also called nerve flossing). It consists of gentle and controlled movements that ease compressed, irritated nerves by improving blood flow and nerve mobility. 

Nerve gliding helps reduce numbness, tingling, and pain caused by sciatica. 

5. Personalized at-home routine

What you do at home is just as important as in-office physical therapy sessions. Creekside Wellness offers custom home-based stretches and strengthening exercises you can complete at home to optimize your results and further eliminate sciatica discomfort. 

Customizing your treatment for long-lasting relief

Your long-term sciatica treatment plan may consist of a combination of treatments.

For example, medical weight-loss management can reduce excess body weight, thereby reducing strain on your back and sciatic nerve. 

Cold and heat therapy, as well as medications when necessary, may reduce pain and swelling linked to sciatica. 

In severe cases, we may refer you to another specialist for a medical procedure, such as spinal injections or surgery.

Discover long-lasting sciatica relief with physical therapy at Creekside Wellness. Simply schedule an appointment with Dr. Qureshi or Laura Canada, NP, by phone or book an appointment online today.