Lower back pain, leg pain, and pain in the pelvis are different forms of sciatica pain. Sciatica affects people of all ages, especially those who have previously had lower back pain or surgery, or who are at risk of back or hip injury due to their work or hobbies.
Knowing the symptoms of sciatica pain and when to seek treatment or advice from a medical professional can mean the difference between suffering a chronic condition and finding relief that allows you to live your life pain-free.
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that branches off at the base of the spine in the pelvis and runs the length of each leg. Because the nerve is long and sensitive to pressure and pain throughout the lower back and legs, sciatica pain can have many symptoms and can require different treatments to relieve the pain depending on its location and cause.
Although many people have pain in these parts of the body occasionally, it might be worth seeking treatment for sciatic nerve pain if it keeps coming back, inhibits your normal lifestyle, or is gradually (or suddenly) getting worse.
Symptoms of sciatica pain
Sciatica pain manifests in different ways for different people. Among the many symptoms people with sciatica pain experience are:
- Sharp pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in the lower extremities
- Burning
- Persistent aching
Sciatic nerve pain often “radiates” from the spine where the nerve is pinched or compressed due to a herniated disc, causing symptoms that feel like they are happening elsewhere in the leg. Sciatica often affects just one leg, rather than both, and can have multiple or just one symptom.
Preventing sciatica pain
Staying physically active by moving your body through exercise is a key prevention strategy for sciatica pain and overall spine and joint health. Some people are more prone to sciatica pain than others due to their lifestyle, and risk factors that might increase your chance of developing sciatica include:
- Prolonged sitting
- Older age
- Spinal wear and tear (frequently twisting the back or carrying heavy loads)
- History of bone spurs
- Being overweight
There are preventative strategies depending on your lifestyle and specific risk factors that can help prevent pain, including performing certain stretches, maintaining a good posture at work, and learning new movement techniques to protect your spine.
Certain lumbar support devices might be recommended for people who sit for long periods of time at their work, whether at a desk or in a motor vehicle. Improving your ergonomics is a key method of treating and preventing sciatica pain, especially for those who can’t avoid the movements or positions that cause them pain.
How physical therapy can help treat sciatica
Our physical therapists use evidence-based exercise plans to help people from all walks of life find relief from sciatica pain. Our goals are not only to reduce symptoms, but also to strengthen and heal the body to protect the spine and sciatica nerve from future pain while increasing mobility.
Sciatica exercises and stretches
There are a number of stretching and strengthening techniques to improve your sciatica symptoms. In addition, physical therapists can also use manual therapy techniques to mobilize and manipulate joints and myofascial tissue for pressure relief and pain reduction.
You might find exercises and stretches for sciatica online, but we don’t recommend immediately trying them out without first asking a qualified physical therapist. Not all techniques are right for everyone, especially considering the many causes and conditions that result in sciatica pain. Our physical therapists only provide a treatment plan after a thorough health evaluation and diagnosis.
Physical therapy for sciatica
If your lower back, leg, or hip pain has recently gotten worse or is making it hard to live your normal lifestyle, it’s time to talk to a physical therapist who can help you understand the cause of your symptoms as well as how best to treat them. Get started by talking to one of our physical therapists near you or by requesting an appointment online today.
