WHAT IS SCIATICA?
Sciatica is a term used to describe compression or irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body at 2cmwide. It is made up of many different nerves that exit your lower back from the lumbar and sacral levels (L4-S3), extending all the way down the back of your leg into your foot. It transmits sensation and muscle control. The sciatic nerve plunges down deep through the buttocks and underneath the piriformis muscle in the buttock. Weakness in the gluteal muscles and tightness in the piriformis muscle are common culprits that press on and irritate the nerve. SYMPTOMS Symptoms can vary from a deep ache in the buttocks to severe pain radiating down the leg into the calf and even foot. Occasional tingling and even numbness may be felt in the back of the leg, calf, or foot. If left too long without proper treatment, irritation can be severe and affect the strength of muscles in the leg.
TREATMENT Sciatica is easily treated with physical therapy and this is the most complete form of treatment. Physical therapy examines the root cause of pressure on the nerve and works to alleviate that pressure quickly. Furthermore, our experts analyze the movements of your muscles, back and hip joints. By improving the flexibility of these joints, along with strengthening of the correct muscles, we put you on the path to prevent this problem from reoccurring. Call us today to learn more about our SPINE program and discover a pain free life.
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TIPS TO HELP YOUR SCIATICA • Perform gentle stretching exercises. • Avoid prolonged sitting. Get up every 30 minutes and change positions frequently. • Put a pillow behind your knees when sleeping on your back or between your knees when sleeping on your side. • Use your legs to bend down when picking up objects off the floor. • Alternate heat and ice on the buttock to reduce inflammation. • Ask your doctor about coming to physical therapy or give us a call.
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