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Sciatica is a common problem, with as many as 43% of adults experiencing it at some time in their lives. If you’ve dealt with sciatica more than once, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. The sharp, shooting pain that often travels down one leg can make it hard to sit, stand, or even sleep.
At Silver Spine & Neurological Center – Interventional Pain Management & Spine Surgery, we often hear patients ask: “Can physical therapy really fix this for good?” The short answer is yes; in many cases, physical therapy can be a long-term solution. Let’s explore how and why.
Sciatica results from something pressing on the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in your lower back, extends through your hips, and runs down each leg.
Pressure may come from various sources. Common issues include herniated discs, spinal stenosis (where the spinal canal narrows), and degenerative disc disease.
Sciatica typically causes:
While it’s possible for sciatica to affect both legs, this is far less common.
Sciatica often comes and goes. Without treatment, it can become a recurring or worsening problem. In severe cases, sciatic nerve compression can affect bladder and bowel function and mobility.
There are several reasons why sciatica can return, including:
The key to lasting relief is addressing not only the pain but also the root cause behind it. That’s where physical therapy can make a big difference.
Physical therapy goes beyond pain relief; it targets the actual problem causing the nerve irritation. At Silver Spine & Neurological Center, our therapists customize each treatment plan to fit your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Here’s how physical therapy works to treat sciatica:
Gentle stretches and guided movements help relieve compression on the sciatic nerve, decreasing inflammation and pain.
Building strength in your core, hips, and back helps stabilize the spine. A stronger foundation makes you less likely to strain your back again.
Physical therapists teach you how to move and sit properly so you don’t put extra stress on your lower back throughout the day.
Tight muscles can put added pressure on your spine. Improving flexibility (especially in your hamstrings and hips) can ease that tension.
Your therapist also coaches you on how to avoid reinjury, including proper lifting techniques, work set-up adjustments, and daily exercises.
Most patients feel some relief after a few sessions, but lasting results typically take several weeks to a few months. Consistency is key — sticking to the program gives you the best chance of long-term improvement.
In many cases, yes. If your sciatica results from muscle strain, poor posture, or a mild disc issue, physical therapy can often resolve the problem and prevent it from returning.
However, if your pain comes from a more serious issue like advanced spinal stenosis or significant disc damage, you may need additional treatments alongside physical therapy, such as epidural steroid injections and other interventional pain management techniques.
When these treatments are insufficient to resolve severe sciatica, we may recommend surgery. For example, we might suggest a microdiscectomy to remove part of a damaged disc or a discectomy and fusion to remove an entire disc and stabilize the spine.
At Silver Spine & Neurological Center, we take an integrative approach, so we don’t rely on one solution. We combine physical therapy with other treatments to give you the best chance at lasting relief.
Sciatica doesn’t have to control your life. Physical therapy is a safe, noninvasive way to treat the cause of your pain and help you get back to the activities you enjoy. Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or seeking answers after unsuccessful treatments, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s get to the root of your sciatica and fix it for good. Call Silver Spine & Neurological Center – Interventional Pain Management & Spine Surgery to schedule your consultation, or complete the online inquiry form.