Pain in your lower back can occur for a number of reasons. Often, a little stretching or some physical activity is all you need to help soothe your sore muscles. However, if you have a constant, burning pain in your lower back that spreads into one of your legs, you may have sciatica.

Sciatica is the inflammation of your sciatic nerve, which is a long nerve running from your back through each of your legs. Irritation to the nerve from injury or prolonged pressure can cause sciatica. Fortunately, sciatica is very treatable.

Treating sciatica with physical therapy

Physical therapy is one of the treatment options that benefit many people with sciatica. By improving the strength and flexibility of your back, leg and core muscles, you can reduce pressure off the sciatica nerve. This reduces the irritation and inflammation that causes sciatica.

Physical therapy treatments for sciatica vary depending on the nature of your condition and other factors, like age, weight and medical history. Typically, though, physical therapy treatments for sciatica include:

• Gentle stretches and exercises
• Posture improvement
• Hands-on therapy
• Patient education

Is there anything you can do to prevent sciatica?

Certain medical conditions, such as herniated discs, arthritis or a traumatic injury, can cause sciatica. Circumstances like these might be beyond your control to prevent. However, sciatica often forms from tight muscles due to lack of physical activity or taking poor care of your body.

You may be able to prevent sciatica under these circumstances by:

• Exercising to improve your strength and flexibility.
• Eating healthier to make sure your muscles get the nutrients they need.
• Losing weight to reduce pressure on your lower back.
• Improving your posture when sitting or sleeping to help reduce pressure on your lower back.

Visit Continuum Wellness for sciatica treatment

Is sciatica making it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite activities or even to sit and rest for a while? Our physical therapists at Continuum Wellness can help you reduce and prevent sciatica pain. Contact our team today to learn more about physical therapy for sciatica or to schedule an initial appointment.