Can Physical Therapy Resolve My Sciatica for Good?

Sciatica can be a pain, literally. This debilitating condition causes pain that radiates from your lower back down through your hips and legs. If you’ve been struggling with sciatica, you might wonder if physical therapy is the best way out. 

The good news is that board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, at Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, offers a variety of treatments to provide the relief you deserve, including physical therapy as one of the most effective options, addressing both your symptoms and the underlying causes. 

In the meantime, we explore how physical therapy can help you find relief and whether it can provide a lasting solution. 

Understanding sciatica and what the causes are 

Before diving into how physical therapy can help with your symptoms, it’s vital to understand what causes sciatica in the first place. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your legs, is irritated or compressed. Several reasons this happens include: 

Herniated discs 

A herniated disc in your spine can press on your sciatic nerve, leading to pain and discomfort. 

Spinal stenosis 

Narrowing of the spinal canal can also compress your sciatic nerve. 

Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscle in your buttocks can sometimes irritate your sciatic nerve if it becomes tight or spasms. 

Degenerative disc disease

Age-related changes in your spine can lead to nerve compression. 

How physical therapy treats sciatica 

Physical therapy targets the underlying causes of sciatica by strengthening your muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting better alignment. Here’s how it works: 

Stretching and flexibility exercises

Tight muscles, particularly in your lower back, hips, and hamstrings, can contribute to sciatic pain. Physical therapists often use stretching exercises to increase flexibility and reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve. 

Strengthening exercises 

Weak core muscles can also lead to poor posture and spine instability, exacerbating sciatica. Strengthening exercises focus on your core, lower back, and legs to provide better support and alignment. 

Manual therapy

Additionally, hands-on techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, can help relieve muscle tension and improve spinal mobility, reducing nerve compression. 

Posture and body mechanics training 

Physical therapists teach you how to move and hold your body to minimize strain on your back and sciatic nerve, which includes advice on lifting, sitting, and standing correctly. 

Aerobic conditioning  

Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking or swimming improve overall fitness and can reduce sciatic symptoms by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation. 

Can physical therapy resolve sciatica permanently? 

While physical therapy is highly effective for sciatica, whether it provides permanent relief depends on several factors. It’s important to remember that consistency is critical, and performing your prescribed exercises is crucial for long-term success. 

Additionally, addressing any underlying causes, like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, may require ongoing management and check-ins with our team. And don’t forget that lifestyle changes make all the difference as well. By maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and practicing good posture, you can make strides to prevent your sciatica from returning. When combined with these adjustments, physical therapy can provide lasting relief. 

In the end, physical therapy is a powerful tool in the treatment of sciatica, offering potential long-term relief by addressing the root causes of your pain. So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, call our office at 561-499-7020 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment with Dr. Merson today!