If you are experiencing low back pain that you describe as “shooting pain” or “sharp pain,” you may suffer from sciatica. You might be wondering if there are home treatments that you can try right away and whether physical therapy might help you.
How Do I Know I Have Sciatica?
You have a sciatic nerve on each side of your lower back. If one of these nerves is pinched or injured, you will feel a sharp pain on one side of your back. The pain may stretch down your leg and even to your foot. You might also feel numbness in your foot and leg. You will probably find it difficult to keep up your normal walking, bending, and sitting activities.
What Hurts My Sciatic Nerve?
Many different things, such as injuries or spinal conditions can cause this excruciating condition. Some of the most common reasons that people develop sciatica are:
- Degenerating Spinal Discs
- Herniated Discs
- Long Periods Of Inactivity (Especially Sitting Down)
- Carrying Heavy Items
- Pregnancy
- Being Overweight
- Injuries
Find Relief From Agonizing Pain
You might try using one (or several) of these simple options:
- Heating Pad
- Ice Packs
- Alternating Heat With Ice
- Sleeping With A Pillow Between Your Knees
- Sitting Or Sleeping In A Recliner
- Warm Baths
- Walking Around Your Neighborhood
- Over The Counter Medications
- Gentle Yoga
When Is It Time To Get Physical Therapy?
Professional therapists can facilitate your recovery. If you want some assistance in your rehabilitation or are experiencing any of the following, it’s time to get some help.
- Home Remedies Are Ineffective
- Pain That Lasts More Than A Week
- Sciatica As A Result Of Injury
- Incontinence
- Limited Mobility
What Is Recommended For Sciatica?
After examining you, your physical therapist will design a personalized rehabilitation program. This program will probably include exercises that your therapist assists you in doing in the office and an exercise routine to follow at home. According to spinehealth.com, these exercises might include:
- Backward Extensions & Forward Bends
- Strengthening Exercises
- Isometric Exercises
- Isotonic Exercises
- Learning Safe Lifting Techniques (Functional Retraining)
- Assisted Range-Of-Motion Stretches
- Gait Therapy
Regain Your Life Back From Sciatica
If you are ready to begin recovering from sciatica, we will help you. Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy specializes in outpatient physical therapy for sports injuries, car accidental injuries, and orthopedic patients. We are located in Spokane Valley, Washington. Call our experienced staff to make an appointment today.
