Diagnosing And Treating Sciatica

Diagnosing and Treating Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Most often, this is caused by a protruding disc wall that impinges on the sciatic nerve root. Many people visit a physical therapy clinic every year to treat this pain that can extend from the lower back to the hips and buttocks and may even extend to the back of the leg and down to the feet. Treating back pain like this can be tricky, and physical therapists must also consider methods to help keep the pain from returning once the treatment is over.

Sciatica can be caused by a number of different things, but one of the most common causes of soreness in the sciatic nerve area is a bulging or herniated disc in the lower lumbar spinal region. Treating back pain of this nature requires alleviation of the pressure that is being put on the nerve by the bulging disc, which can also trigger inflammation and swelling. A physical therapy clinic will typically have several treatments that are available to address the pain and other symptoms that may be felt along the course of the sciatic nerve, such as massage, exercise and spinal manipulation.

Those who feel that they are suffering from sciatica should understand, however, that not every pain in the legs or buttocks is caused by this affliction. A reputable physical therapy clinic will take steps to determine exactly what the pain is being caused by in order to plan and execute the best course of action for the individual patient. Sciatica is normally characterized by tingling, burning, stabbing, aching, electric shock, numbness, or heaviness, although these can also be caused by other things.

Treating symptoms such as these and preventing them from returning is no easy task, but with a good physical therapist and a good treatment plan it is more than possible.

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