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Sciatica Pain Treatment: What are the Best Options?

Written By PTConcepts on July 3, 2019

Woman with sciaticaIf you suffer from sciatic pain, you’re not alone.

Up to 40% of people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives. In some cases, sciatic pain will go away on its own, but there’s no way to guarantee that.

Instead, choose the sciatica pain treatment options below to promote long-term health.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t a condition itself but rather a painful symptom of a different musculoskeletal condition like a herniated disc or bone spur.

When a disc bulges or slips out of place, this can pinch or put stress on the large sciatic nerve that runs from your spine down into each leg. The pain feels like an electrical shock or very intense and sharp. You’ll usually suffer from sciatic pain in only one leg.

You could also notice:

  • Muscle weakness

  • Difficulty walking

  • Numbness or the feeling of pins and needles in one leg

  • Burning near the pinched nerve

  • Numbness in your feet

Prolonged sitting, improper lifting techniques, and other injuries can all lead to sciatica.

What’s the Best Sciatica Pain Treatment?

The best treatment for sciatica will target the source of the pain rather than simply masking it with medications. It’s also a good idea to try non-invasive options first before turning to surgical solutions.

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation and create a unique treatment plan. The best treatments for sciatica include

  1. Stretching: Relaxing and improving mobility in quads, hamstrings, and piriformis

  2. Manual therapy: Hands-on treatment from your therapist to relax tight muscles and joints

  3. Exercise: Strengthening the core muscles, hips, and posture will create an optimal environment for your muscles, nerves, and joints to heal

  4. Short-term pain relief: Electrical stimulation, heat, ice, ultrasound therapy, and dry needling tense muscles

Comprehensive Care in Allen, Plano, Frisco, and McKinney, TX

PT Concepts & Wise Health Systems has four convenient locations to serve you throughout Texas. Our experienced therapists are committed to not only reducing your sciatic pain but improving overall wellness.

Schedule an appointment at a PT Concepts & Wise Health Systems office today!


Posted In: Low Back Pain Treatment Sciatica Treatment