Yes, physiotherapy/physical therapy is usually the first line of treatment for sciatica nerve pain. The treatments focus on reducing the pain, preventing its recurrence and restoring optimal mobility in both legs. Physios help manage and control sciatica symptoms, helping people get back to daily activities pain-free. So, let’s understand how physiotherapy treats sciatica symptoms and promotes well-being.
What Exactly is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a painful condition wherein you feel a radiating pain running down from your lower back through the buttock and down one/both legs. The pain often worsens as you bend, cough or twist and affects daily activities.
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What causes sciatica nerve pain?
Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back, runs down the back of your thighs and extends into the foot. This nerve is responsible for the movement of calf muscles, hamstrings and some foot muscles. The sciatic nerve also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, parts of the lower leg and the sole of your foot.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
- A sharp, shooting pain or burning sensation that radiates down the back ofthe thigh and calf, often reaches the foot
- Difficulty walking, standing or lifting the foot
- A numbing sensation along the sciatic nerve’s pathway
You should see a physio as soon as you experience the pain. The quick diagnosis and early treatment can help boost the recovery process and provide you relief.
How Physiotherapy Helps With Sciatica Pain?
The primary goal of physiotherapists in sciatica treatment is to reduce your pain. They use a wide range of non-invasive, natural techniques like manual therapy, exercises and posture training to reduce the strain on your sciatic nerve and restore your optimal mobility. They assess your symptoms and conduct specific tests to design a personalized rehabilitation program for your recovery.
Pain relief
Sciatica pain occurs due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Physiotherapy treatments reduce this inflammation and the pressure created on the sciatic nerve. This reduces pain and provides relief to the patient.
Methods used:
- Manual therapy techniques like soft tissue massage and joint mobilizations
- Other modalities like heat therapy, cold packs and electrical stimulation (TENS)
Strengthening and Stability
Physical therapists guide you through core exercises that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. A strong core reduces strain on the sciatic nerve and also provides better spinal support. They may also prescribe muscle conditioning exercises to work on your hamstrings, glutes and hips. This helps restore muscle balance and reduce nerve irritation.
Common exercises used:
- Pelvic tilts
- Bird dog
- Glute bridges
- Seated piriformis stretch
- Dead bug exercise
You should always perform exercises under the supervision of an experienced physical therapist lest you may hurt yourself. The professionals can also let you know which exercises will benefit your sciatica pain.
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Better Flexibility and Mobility
Sciatica pain restricts walking, standing or bending for long periods. Some people may also find it difficult to lift the foot due to muscle weakness. So, physiotherapists design customized stretching programs that release muscle tension, free up the sciatic nerve and restore your movement abilities.
Common stretching and joint mobilization exercises:
- Child’s pose
- Knee-to-chest stretch
- Piriformis stretch
- Seated spinal twist
- Hamstring stretch
- Hip flexor stretch
In some cases, physios also include joint mobilization techniques to enhance movement in pelvic areas and stiff spinal segments.
Posture Correction
Poor posture increases pressure on the spine, thereby irritating the sciatic nerve. Whether you are sitting for long periods or slouching frequently, a poor posture ends up straining the sciatic nerve. So, physiotherapists correct your posture and offer guidance on proper sitting, standing and lifting techniques. They help you practise posture awareness during daily activities like walking and lifting.
Long-Term Prevention of the Condition
Physiotherapy helps prevent sciatica pain from recurring. Physios focus on maintaining a healthy spine, reducing nerve compression risks and adopting an overall healthy lifestyle. They educate you about the activities or positions that may trigger sciatica symptoms. Physical therapists guide you through exercises that you can practise at home to maintain strength and flexibility while reducing the chances of recurrence.
What To Expect From Your First Physiotherapy Sessions?
Your first physiotherapy session for sciatica treatment usually consists of the following steps:
Injury assessment
The physiotherapist reviews your entire medical history and conducts a thorough physical examination to determine the severity of your pain and the underlying cause. They may ask about your symptoms, lifestyle and other activities that may aggravate the pain. The physical tests assess your range of motion, posture, strength and flexibility.
Diagnosis and treatment plan
The test and assessment results help diagnose the condition. The physio then explains to you the underlying cause of your sciatica and how you can manage it. They prepare a customized treatment plan based on your health goals, lifestyle and condition. The treatment plan consists of various techniques like manual therapy, exercises, postural training, heat & cold therapy and others.
Education and home program
The treatment sessions begin. Once your health goal is achieved, the physio teaches you exercises and stretches that you can do at home and prevent sciatica pain from recurring. You may also receive advice on avoiding certain positions or activities that may worsen the pain along with ergonomic tips for sitting, standing and sleeping.
The physiotherapist conducts follow-up sessions after the initial treatment is complete. These sessions are to measure your everyday progress so the professional can adjust your treatment plan.
Should I See a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist for Sciatica?
Choosing between a chiropractor and physiotherapist for sciatica depends on the severity of your pain, treatment preference and the underlying cause. Both reduce your pain and help you restore movement. But, they differ in terms of their method of treatment.
For example, physiotherapy focuses on strengthening muscles, improving mobility and teaching you proper movement patterns. Physiotherapists use customized exercises, manual therapy, posture training and functional movement retraining.
Chiropractic care, on the other hand, focuses on correcting spinal alignment to relieve the compression of the sciatic nerve. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation techniques to restore mobility.
Physiotherapy is usually recommended if the sciatica is caused by poor posture, muscle imbalance and weak core muscles. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is recommended if the cause of sciatica is herniated discs or spinal misalignments.
It is best you visit a multidisciplinary clinic like Physiotherapy First where you can find both physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments. The professionals can assess your symptoms and conduct a complete physical examination to prescribe the best treatment for your recovery.
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