Can Physician Directed Exercise Rehab Programs or Physical Therapy Help Resolve My Recurrent Sciatic

In the United States, about 40% of people experience some type of sciatica — a sharp, shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg — in their lifetime.

Since so many people have to deal with the condition, they have tried various treatment solutions. Based on the experience of Adam Redlich, MD, and our team at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine,  physician directed exercise rehab programs or physical therapy is often a vital component of resolving a flare-up of sciatica.

Keep reading to find out how and why the process works.

What is sciatica?

Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Not only does it control pain sensations and movements in your legs and feet, it also plays a role in the functions of your bowel and bladder.

Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, which typically happens due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease (DDD), tight muscles, or any number of other causes.

Symptoms usually occur in your legs. They can include sharp pain that runs down your leg, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. When sciatica keeps recurring, it’s because the root cause has not been addressed and then outside factors (poor posture, sitting too long, etc.) cause a flare-up.

How can physician directed exercise rehab programs or physical therapy help?

The goal of physician directed exercise rehab programs or physical therapy is to do more than just temporarily relieve your pain. A good physical therapist will address not just the symptoms, but the source of your sciatica. Here are a few ways physician directed exercise rehab programs or physical therapy can help.

Reduce inflammation and pain

A few physician directed exercise rehab programs or physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy, specific stretches, and hot and cold treatments can decrease nerve irritation and give you fast relief.

Build strength

A focus on building strength in the muscles that support your spine is important. This includes muscles in your back, core, hips, and glutes. This will enhance the alignment of your spine, which can help relieve nerve compression.

Increase flexibility

Tight muscles can contribute to nerve compression. Physical therapy can focus on stretches that target your lower back, hamstrings, and piriformis, which can relieve tension on the nerve.

Learn how to move

Physical therapy can also teach you how to move in a smarter way so when you sit, stand, lift, and bend, you can do so in a way that won’t irritate your sciatic nerve. You’ll learn to focus on your posture as well, to keep your back and muscles in alignment.

If you need help treating sciatica, our team at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine is here to guide you. To schedule an appointment, call our offices in Robbinsville or Neptune, New Jersey, or use our online scheduler to book a convenient time.