Physical therapy for sciatica

Sciatica

It is a condition in which patients experience pain and weakness throughout the sciatic nerve. It radiates in the lower back through hips and buttocks and went down to each leg

In most cases, it affects just one side
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Causes

Most commonly It occurs due to

• Herniated disc

A vertebral disc that is displaced can damage the sciatic nerve which can lead to pain and disturbances.

• Osteoarthritis

Due to old age osteoarthritis can occur in bone and bone spurs can form. These bone spurs can damage the sciatic nerve

• Piriformis syndrome

Piriformis is a small muscle present in the buttocks that become tight this can put pressure on the sciatic nerve other factors that can cause sciatic nerve irritation are

Obesity, spinal stenosis, and cauda equina are also some other diseases causing sciatica.

Symptoms

Its symptoms are

• Moderate to severe pain in legs, hips, and regions associated with sciatic nerve
• Numbness and weakness of lower extremities
• Sometimes pins and needles are felt in feet 
• Some patients define it as sharp pain while others as electrical pain suddenly activated in the lower limb

Diagnosis

This can be diagnosed by spinal X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. This can help in seeing any ailments like herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis of the spine which can be the underlying factor for sciatica.
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Treatment

• For the treatment of sciatica different drugs which are nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory such as aspirin and naproxen is used
• In addition to different drugs, the most crucial step for recovery of sciatica is a physical therapy treatment. Different physical therapy methods are used such as
• Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on painful areas and continue for several days and then switch on hot packs but ask your physical therapist first
• Your physical therapist will recommend you a set of several stretches which can strengthen your muscles and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. 
• Mostly stretches and aerobic exercise is recommended for sciatica
• Weight loss is recommended if it is because of obesity

Conclusion

Sciatica pain can be treated easily with physical therapy and proper medications within the time duration of six weeks. Most of the patients are cured easily if they follow the guidelines of physical therapists but if this pain is ignored then it can lead to surgical treatment. So make sure you are following your physical therapist and taking therapy sessions regularly because prevention is better than medicine in all cases.