Sciatica and Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Lower Back Pain

By Anna Woodward

Whether young or old, most people experience the symptoms of sciatica at some point in their lives. Like death and taxes, you could say that lower back problems are just another inevitable part of life. Sciatica is caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve located in the lower back above the buttock. This irritation can result in lower back pain, leg numbness, leg weakness, and even nerve damage. "Sciatica" itself is merely a collection of symptoms rather than a standalone syndrome. One of the most frustrating aspects of experiencing lower back pain is that, because the area is so sensitive, it is often difficult to find the source, and therefore remedy, of the problem. This can give the condition a component of mental anguish along with the excruciating physical pain. While painkillers and prescription anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful in alleviating symptoms, persistent physical therapy is often the most effective treatment.
Spinal disc herniation is one of the most common causes of sciatica. This occurs when the fiber of a spinal disc slips and causes the soft inner portion of the intervertebral disc to bulge out, pressing on the sciatic nerve. This is usually caused by wear on the back, often by jobs that require repetitive sitting, bending, squatting, and heavy lifting. The pain caused by a ruptured disc can be debilitating and last months to years, even with proper treatment. Accordingly, the cure for this form of sciatica is most often a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and anti-depressants. Surgery is considered as a last resort as back surgery can result in other painful chronic conditions.
Another cause for sciatic pain is chronic muscle tightness. While this form of sciatica can also be chronic, it can perhaps be the most easily managed by consistent stretching and by watching posture and sleeping habits. If no obvious physical cause for sciatic pain is identifiable on an MRI or X-ray then physical therapy may be the best option available. Often physical therapists may be able to identify the specific cause of sciatic pain and will often prescribe a unique routine of stretches and exercises that are specially designed to remedy the person-specific problem. People with this type of sciatica may experience muscle weakness and numbness in their lower regions. Physical therapy can help patients regain this muscle strength and show them stretches that take pressure of their inflamed nerves.
For any case of sciatica, no matter the cause, physical therapy is always the preferred option because is empowers patients to take recovery into their own hands and helps them manage their pain on an individual level. While sometimes tedious, therapy offers a level of care and prevention that other treatments like painkillers cannot. While many sufferers may seek painkillers for instant pain relief, therapy and persistent stretching are often the most healthy and effective options.
In Jersey City, physical therapy help can be found at Gotham City Orthopedics, LLC. Learn more at http://www.gothamcityorthopedics.com.
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