Sciatica
A commonly treated issue in our clinic is sciatica. A lot of sciatica pain originates from referred pain through the buttock and down the leg. The pain is often described as sharp, burning, or shooting, and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Sciatica typically affects one side of the body and can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.
What is Sciatica?
The leading causes of sciatica are herniated or bulging discs, where the discs compress the sciatic nerve. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, or improper lifting techniques can also contribute. Additionally, conditions like degenerative disc disease, trauma, or pregnancy may lead to sciatic nerve irritation. Understanding the cause is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief.
What are the symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica causes pain that radiates from the lower back down to the buttock or leg, often affecting only one side of the body. The pain can range from a mild ache to sharp, burning, or shooting sensations. Many people also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
These symptoms can make simple activities, like bending, twisting, or sitting for long periods, extremely uncomfortable. Sciatica impacts daily life by limiting mobility, making tasks like driving, standing up, or even walking challenging. Over time, the condition can significantly reduce your quality of life by preventing you from enjoying the hobbies and activities you love.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Sciatica?
At THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness, we take a unique approach to treating sciatica pain that goes beyond traditional methods like traction, heat, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound. While these treatments may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root causes of sciatica. That’s where our approach stands apart.
We begin with mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), a structured evaluation that identifies the specific movements or positions that exacerbate or alleviate your symptoms. This helps us tailor a treatment plan to your body’s unique needs. Alongside MDT, we incorporate nerve mobilization techniques to improve the movement and function of the sciatic nerve, reducing tension and restoring normal mobility.
An important aspect of our care involves assessing the length-tension relationship in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the sciatic nerve. Imbalances or restrictions in these areas often contribute to pain and dysfunction. By addressing these underlying issues, we aim to not only relieve your symptoms but also prevent their recurrence.
Treatment at THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness includes customized exercises designed to support your recovery and enhance your mobility. These are complemented by manual therapy techniques, such as targeted soft tissue work and joint mobilizations.
Our goal is to empower you with tools and knowledge to manage your condition, improve your mobility, and return to the activities you love – free from sciatica pain. At THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness, we’re committed to providing long-term solutions for lasting relief.
Download Our Free Report
Are you struggling with sharp, burning, or shooting pain in your lower back, buttock, or leg? Sciatica can severely limit your mobility and keep you from enjoying the activities you love. Our free sciatica pain relief report is here to help you with your pain in the short term by providing proven strategies to alleviate discomfort at home. Discover the best exercises, posture tips, and treatment options to reclaim your life.