Sciatica is by no means a rare disease. Rather, it is one of the most common types of pain. About 40 percent of the population will have sciatica pain at some point in their life.
Despite the frequency at which sciatica is diagnosed, many people confuse their sciatica with recurring back pain. As a result, they can’t treat it correctly.
This article will identify the common symptoms of the condition and explain how physiotherapy for sciatica works.
What Is Sciatica?
The term sciatica refers to painful symptoms caused by the sciatic nerve. This nerve stems from spinal nerves in the lower back. It runs through the rear and down the legs.
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- lower back pain
- persistent pain on one side of the rear
- burning or tingling in the leg
- hip pain
- shooting pain that makes standing difficult
- weakness or numbness in the leg
While sciatica can be excruciating, it rarely causes permanent tissue damage. The pain is often caused by inflammation and pressure.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is a result of irritation of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine.
Causes may include:
- lumbar spinal stenosis (shortening of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disk disease (disks that act as cushions between the vertebrae break down)
- Muscle Spasm
- Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slips forward over another)
Some circumstances can make it more likely that you will suffer from sciatica. These include:
- aging
- pregnancy
- diabetes
- being overweight
- not exercising
- wearing high heels
- sleeping on an unsuitable mattress
- smoking
- sitting for long periods
- carrying heavy objects
If you think that you have sciatica, you should see a professional for a physical exam.
How to Treat Sciatica
Most people can treat sciatica with physiotherapy, which aims to reduce nerve pressure and ease muscular tension. These days there are even telehealth physiotherapy services, meaning that you don’t even need to leave your home to get treatment. Physiotherapists use these methods for treating sciatica.
Massage Therapy
Massage works by releasing the tension in the muscles that put pressure on the nerve. It also releases endorphins, which alleviate pain.
Trigger Point Therapy and Stretching
Trigger points for sciatica usually are in the piriformis and gluteus maximus. Stretching alleviates pain by reducing the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Your physiotherapist can help you identify your tight spots and instruct you to do stretches to work on these areas.
Ultrasounds and Electrical Stimulation Devices
Sound waves produced by an ultrasound machine increase circulation and heat the muscles. Thus, it increases the speed of recovery. Electrical stimulation also significantly affects sciatica treatment, especially when a lumbar disc herniation causes it.
Advice on the Condition
Your physiotherapist will instruct you on what you should and shouldn’t do to heal your sciatica. You will receive many stretches and light exercises that you can do at home.
One of the benefits of physiotherapy for sciatica is that it reduces the risk of injury in the future. By strengthening the muscles in your back, you will also improve your posture and be more flexible.
Physiotherapy for Sciatica Pain
Although severe pain caused by sciatica can decrease the quality of your life, there are plenty of treatment options. The good news is that physiotherapy for sciatica is noninvasive and conservative.
Therefore, if you are suffering from sciatica, do not try to heal it on your own! Professionals can help you treat your debilitating symptoms.
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