Introduction to Sciatica
The term “sciatica” is used to describe the leg discomfort, tingling, numbness, or weakness that originates in the back of the leg and proceeds down the sciatic nerve to the low back. Sciatica, also referred to as radiculopathy, is a set of symptoms; it is not a medical condition. Sciatica may be brought on by a herniated disc, stenosis of the spine, degenerative disc disease, or spondylolisthesis.
Exercise and Physical Therapy for Sciatica
The most common first-line therapies for discomfort relief, sciatica treatment, and sciatica prevention are physical therapy and exercise. Signs and symptoms of sciatica generally include:
- Leg, hip, or lower back pain
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the foot, leg, buttock, or thigh
- Radiating leg symptoms, or sciatica can be brought on by underlying medical issues such as a herniated or degenerative disc or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine.
In order to treat sciatica, physical therapy may:
- Alleviate symptoms
- Encourage the healing of the underlying issue
- Avoid flare-ups and repetitions
Objectives of Physical Therapy and Exercise in Treating Sciatica
The muscles in the lower back, pelvis, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs are strengthened and made more mobile with the help of physical therapy and exercise.
In order to address the symptoms and signs of sciatica, physical therapy and exercise have the following objectives:
- Restore functional movement patterns without pain
- Alleviate leg, thigh, buttock, and lower back pain
- Minimize muscular spasm
- Improve the mobility of the lower body
- Restoring the lumbar spine’s and the sacroiliac joint’s normal functions.
- Improve the lower back’s environment for recovery
- Encourage neuronal changes to lessen pain perception
- Prevent future pain flare-ups and lessen the dread of movements
When employing physical therapy and exercise to treat sciatica, commitment and consistency are crucial factors that determine the success of the treatment. The use of pain-relieving therapies including over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs, epidural steroid injections, or physical therapy may or may not be combined.
Exercise Program and Physical Therapy for Sciatica
When treating sciatica, a physical therapist may recommend a combination of different physical, manual, soft tissue manipulation, and/or exercise therapy. The right exercises will vary depending on the underlying cause of sciatica, the patient’s level of pain, general fitness, and the physical therapist’s education and experience.
The following list demonstrates the common strategies:
- The McKenzie Method (mechanical diagnosis and therapy): It is a method for locating and treating a pain source in the spine, muscles, and/or joints that comprises a sequence of active directing motions. A therapist who uses this approach typically has additional McKenzie Method training.
- Strengthening exercises: Include resistance and bodyweight movements to build the abdominal, low back, hip, and leg muscles.
- Isometric exercises
- Isotonic exercises
- Functional retraining
- Nerve glides (nerve mobilization)
- Joint mobilization
- Joint manipulation
- Dry needling
- Muscle energy technique
- Myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization
- Gait training
- Active assisted range of motion
