Can Physical Therapy Resolve My Sciatica for Good?

Many people experience sciatica at some point, and finding an effective, long-lasting solution is a priority at Coastal Spine in Mount Laurel, Sewell, Galloway, Wall, and Vineland, New Jersey.

Our multispecialty team provides top-level care for painful spinal conditions such as sciatica. We start with an accurate diagnosis of what’s triggering the nerve and develop an individualized treatment plan that gets you moving pain-free again.

Physical therapy is one of the most frequently recommended treatments for sciatica, but can it permanently resolve the condition?

Read more from our team regarding sciatica, what it is, how physical therapy can help, and whether PT offers a permanent solution.

Understanding sciatica

Sciatica isn’t a condition. It’s a symptom of an underlying issue irritating the sciatic nerve, causing pain that may run from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and each leg.

The discomfort can range from mildly frustrating to excruciating and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness that can impair mobility.

Conditions that can cause sciatica include herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, and other problems that compress or pinch the nerve.

That leads to inflammation, pain, and symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the areas served by the nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body and is responsible for motor (movement) and sensation in the lower extremities.

Because sciatica results from various causes, the treatment approach can vary. Addressing the root cause is crucial to providing relief and preventing recurrence.

Physical therapy for sciatica

Physical therapy (PT) is a noninvasive treatment that improves strength, flexibility, and overall body function.

Here’s how PT can help with sciatica:

Relieving pain 

PT involves targeted exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. These exercises help to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and discomfort.

Techniques such as massage or mobilization can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation, aiding pain relief.

Improving mobility

PT exercises that improve the flexibility of muscles and joints help restore normal movement patterns, reducing strain on the lower back and legs.

Your PT sessions may also address posture. Poor posture is a common contributor to sciatica. Good posture while sitting, standing, or using screens can minimize nerve compression and reduce sciatica symptoms.

Preventing recurrence

Improving strength and flexibility, especially in the core muscles that support the spine, is a significant component of PT for sciatica, reducing the likelihood of future injuries or flare-ups.

Additionally, education and lifestyle modifications suggested during physical therapy help you avoid positions or movements that may trigger sciatica in the future.

Even after the pain subsides, continuing with the exercises and lifestyle changes learned in PT can help prevent future episodes of sciatica.

So, can physical therapy resolve sciatica for good?

The answer depends on several factors, including the underlying cause of your sciatica. When sciatica results from a reversible condition, such as muscle imbalance or poor posture, PT can resolve the pain and help prevent recurrence.

However, if the cause is more complex, such as a severe disc herniation or spinal stenosis, PT can offer significant relief and improve function, but additional treatments may be needed.

Additionally, if the pain prevents you from participating fully in physical therapy, you may benefit from a strategy that combines PT with oral medication, epidural steroid injections, and more. 

Schedule an evaluation at Coastal Spine today by calling the office nearest you or requesting an appointment online.