It’s as if goblins have suddenly shot tiny arrows all the way from your hip down the back of your leg – you’re in pain and can hardly walk. What could be the matter? Although it would take a proper examination to confirm it, it’s quite possible you’re suffering from sciatica – commonly called a “pinched nerve” and physiotherapy could help you say goodbye to pain forever!
Sciatica: How it Works
The sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in your body. It connects the ankle, back of the leg, and the buttocks with the lower back. If there’s pressure on that nerve, you experience strange symptoms: a stab of pain, numbness, weakness, the leg suddenly giving way, or difficulty moving are common symptoms.
Because the pain is a referred pain that manifests away from its source, people with sciatica often don’t realize they have a back problem at all. Instead, they may think they have a problem with their hip joint or leg.
For some people, sciatica an occasional annoyance. For others, it can be crippling for weeks on end. Fortunately, permanent damage to the nerve is very rare indeed and complete heling can be speeded with physiotherapy treatments and exercises.
Treating Causes; Relieving Symptoms
Although relieving pain is a priority, treating the cause of sciatica is the only way to ensure long-term relief. Medical doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for mild cases of sciatica and refer patients for physiotherapy if the problem is severe or recurring.
Physiotherapy treatments work to reduce pain and tension, strengthen the muscles in target areas, and improve mobility.
There are several reasons why your sciatic nerve might be under pressure. The most common of these is a herniated disc. However, poor posture, tension in the piriformis muscle, or spinal misalignment or degeneration are also among the causes of sciatica.
It may be necessary for you to go for x-rays or scans to determine just what needs to be treated in order to resolve the problem.
How Physiotherapists Treat Sciatica
The treatments your physiotherapist chooses will naturally depend on the cause of your sciatica. However, they may include:
- Massage therapy
- Trigger point therapy
- Stretching
- Sophisticated treatments like ultrasound
- General recovery advice
- A simple exercise program for you to follow at home
How to Get the Most Out of Physiotherapy Treatment for Sciatica
Your physiotherapist will expect you to play an active role in your recovery. You may be asked to cultivate new habits, and you will be give gentle exercises that will help to hasten your recovery. Don’t worry: it won’t be a lengthy or strenuous workout – simply build your few minutes of exercise into your daily routine.
Don’t Let Sciatica Pain Limit You
Sciatica pain can be very limiting. If you are having difficulty with intense pain from sciatica or have sciatica that persists for more than six weeks, a home physiotherapy exercise program is likely necessary to correct or relieve the problem.
Although experiencing the pain of severe sciatica can be scary, 80 to 90 percent of people will get better over time without any need for invasive treatments. Physiotherapy hastens that recovery – so why let sciatica limit you for longer than necessary? Ask your doctor about physiotherapy for sciatica or visit us for an assessment appointment.
