It is likely that you have heard the term “sciatica” before, know someone who has had it, or even have had it yourself. In fact it is estimated that 40% of people experience sciatica during their lifetime. Would you know how to treat it if you were to become one of the many affected by its symptoms? Read below to learn about the causes and symptoms of sciatica and, more importantly, how it can be treated.
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in your body, originating from the lower spine/pelvis and traveling down the buttocks and back of the thigh all the way to the foot. The nerve supplies the majority of the lower extremity with both motor and sensory function, allowing for everyday movements (such as walking, running, and standing) to occur and giving us the ability to feel sensations in our legs. Sciatica is nerve pain caused by irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This is most commonly the result of disc herniation or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) that compresses the nerve root, but can also be due to traumatic injury or other conditions like arthritis.
The most widely recognized symptom of sciatica is pain that starts in the low back and radiates down the back of the leg, following the pathway of the nerve. Sciatic nerve pain can range from mild to severe and can be experienced in a number of different ways with descriptors including aching, sharp, electric, and burning. Certain positions such as sitting and twisting and forceful movements like coughing or sneezing can make the pain worse. Other symptoms may include weakness, numbness and tingling, and stiffness or mobility limitations. Fortunately, most cases of sciatica can be resolved or significantly improved with conservative treatment.
Here are 5 simple exercises that you can do at home to help relieve sciatic nerve pain!
Note: Before beginning these or any other exercises for sciatica, please consult with your doctor, as presentation of the condition varies and may require different exercises or approaches to meet your specific needs.
If sciatic nerve pain is limiting your functioning and interfering with daily life, physical therapy is an effective treatment option to reduce pain, increase joint motion and muscle flexibility, and improve core strength (among other benefits). If you are looking for a physical therapist to guide your recovery and develop a personalized plan of care to treat your sciatica, call Respire Physical Therapy at (703) 671-1871 or click here to schedule an initial evaluation today!
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