Physical Therapists can Ease Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is a large, thick nerve that runs from your lower spine through your buttocks and into your leg. It helps provide sensation to your legs and feet and assist with muscles movement. There are two sciatic nerves on each side of the body going down to the corresponding leg. The term sciatica is used to describe a condition which causes pain along the sciatic nerve.  Most cases of sciatica occur between the ages of 30 and 50. Factors like being overweight, having diabetes, or having a job which requires strenuous use of your back, could put you further at risk of sciatica. 

Sciatica generally occurs when there is irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.  This could be caused by a herniated disc or other underlying medical conditions. It can also occur after trauma or injury. Sciatica refers to the set of symptoms, and is not a diagnosis in itself, as the cause needs to be identified. Lower back pain that radiates down to the legs is a common complaint of those with sciatica. However, just because you have lower back pain doesn’t mean you have sciatica, sciatica specifically relates to pain from the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can also cause numbness or tingling in the legs. 

Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for sciatica pain. Physical therapy can help improve your overall function and ability to cope with sciatica. Your treatment may include an exercise program of strengthening, stretching and aerobic conditioning. Exercises may focus on core strengthening to give your body better back support, alleviating symptoms. Another treatment commonly used by a physical therapist, is heat and cold therapy, helping reduce pain and inflammation. Ultrasound therapy may also be used to promote healing.  It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further progression of symptoms.

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational therapy our team of physical therapists are experts in treating back pain. We can help you develop a program to reduce your sciatica pain and help you manage symptoms. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

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Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.