Sciatica is a type of back pain that stems from your lower back into the back of one of your legs. This pain can run through the buttocks into the upper thigh and sometimes into the calf. Sciatica is the result of pressure on the sciatic nerve in your lower back. This pressure can be caused by:

• Prolonged sitting
• Overexertion of the lower back
• Poor posture
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal injuries

Often, sciatica can be treated without the need for surgery. In many cases, physical therapy is the best treatment option.

Why visit a physical therapist for sciatica treatment?

Physical therapists specialize in treatments for injuries and conditions that affect your musculoskeletal system. This system includes your muscles, joints, bones and soft tissue, which can all affect your sciatic nerve.

Treating sciatica with physical therapy is beneficial because physical therapy does not use any drugs or surgical procedures. Physical therapy also helps improve your physical condition to prevent further cases of sciatica in the future.

How do physical therapists treat sciatica?

Physical therapy treatments for sciatica vary depending on the cause of the sciatic pain and its severity. At Continuum Wellness in Apache Junction, Arizona, our physical therapists will examine your condition and develop a personalized treatment. Often, our treatments for sciatica include:

• Stretches and exercises — Weak and stiff muscles in your back, core and legs are a common reason people develop sciatica. Physical therapists can identify which of your muscles could be stronger or more flexible to reduce sciatica pain. They will develop an exercise routine within your comfort range to help improve the strength and flexibility of these muscles.

• Manual therapy — Physical therapists can use manual therapy methods like soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization to reduce sciatic pain. These techniques can also improve your range of motion and help you feel more flexible.

• Electrical stimulation — Physical therapists can direct small bursts of electricity to your lower back through electrodes connected to a machine. These electric bursts help soothe pain caused by sciatica and can help the muscles in the back contract and release to reduce pressure off the spine.

Let Continuum Wellness in Apache Junction help you with sciatica pain

If you suffer from frequent or prolonged cases of sciatica, you may need to visit a physical therapist for treatment. If you live near Apache Junction, come visit our physical therapists at Continuum Wellness to find out what we can do for you. Contact our team today for more information about sciatica treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.