Sciatica

Sciatica is nerve pain that results from entrapment or irritation of the sciatic nerve after leaving the low back from the spinal cord. This can occur because of a disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylosis or arthritis of the spine, spondylolisthesis, or nerve entrapment as at tight muscles as with the piriformis which is a hip muscle or the hamstrings.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Sharp or electric pain especially in the buttock, numbness and/or tingling into the leg; may worsen or intensity in specific positions and with increased abdominal pressure as with coughing or sneezing
• Facial pain
• Weakness

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

When you come in to start treatment, your physical therapist will start with a full physical exam to determine the cause of your sciatica in order to determine appropriate caret. Such treatment may include restoring normal joint mechanics, reducing muscle tension to eliminate nerve entrapment, recovering normal muscle activation, restoring normal strength, controlling symptoms, and improving functional mobility. Your PT will provide a home exercise program for optimal recovery.