Are You Looking for Sciatica Relief?
Beyond Physical Therapy Can Help!
Are you caught in the grip of persistent sciatica pain? At Beyond Physical Therapy in Franklin, TN we understand the debilitating effects of this common condition. We have honed our expertise in providing successful physical therapy treatments to help you achieve significant sciatica relief.
Sciatica is a painful symptom resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve’s nerve roots. It affects an estimated 40% of people at some point during their lifetime. This nerve extends from the lower back down each leg and, when affected, can cause severe discomfort varying from a mild ache to sharp, burning sensations or even excruciating pain. It is more common among people between 30 and 50, usually caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. These conditions can be treated conservatively with physical therapy to address the root causes that led to these conditions in the first place.
Sciatica is not just a minor nuisance. It can significantly impact your quality of life, including mental health and general activity levels. The severity of pain can vary widely, ranging from infrequent and irritating to constant and incapacitating.
But there’s good news. Physical therapy is highly effective for managing and reducing sciatica pain. An active approach to physical therapy can significantly decrease pain and improve function for individuals suffering from sciatica.
Our skilled physical therapists at Beyond Physical Therapy employ personalized, non-invasive techniques to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and prevent future incidents.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica, a form of nerve pain (radicular pain), affects millions of people worldwide each year, causing discomfort, pain, and frustration. The term “sciatica” often leaves clients puzzled, wondering, “What exactly causes sciatica pain?”
Sciatica originates from an issue where the sciatic nerve originates (i.e., nerve roots). The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body that runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, down to the lower limbs. Typically, sciatica is caused by the irritation, inflammation, or in rare cases, compression of the lumbar nerves (L4 or L5) or the sacral nerves (S1, S2, or S3).
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. It can also result from spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or bone spurs.
While each individual’s experience may differ, common signs and symptoms associated with sciatica include:
- Pain in the lower back, buttock, hip, or various parts of the leg and foot.
- Burning or tingling sensations down the leg.
- Weakness or numbness in the affected leg.
- Difficulty moving the leg or foot.
- A sharp pain that may make it hard to stand up or walk.
- Pain that worsens when sitting.
It’s important to note that sciatica typically affects only one side of the body, and the symptoms’ intensity can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Understanding sciatica’s underlying causes and symptoms is the first step in addressing this condition. With this knowledge, you can take control of your health and make informed decisions about your treatment options. Our team of experienced physical therapists is here to guide you on your journey to recovery.
Contact our Beyond Physical Therapy at Franklin, TN location today to schedule your first appointment!
Experience Sciatica Relief Through Proven Physical Therapy Techniques
Are you tired of the persistent pain of sciatica? Our skilled physical therapists, armed with proven treatments backed by results, stand ready to guide you toward pain relief.
We’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation, where your physical therapist will look at your medical history in-depth. This step ensures a thorough understanding of your past injuries, surgeries, or conditions contributing to your discomfort.
Your physical therapist will guide you through a series of movements and exercises to ascertain the extent of your mobility and the strength of your muscles. This information will be instrumental in tailoring a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and helps you regain function, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life by alleviating sciatica symptoms.
In treating sciatica, our physical therapists may use treatments like the following:
- Manual Therapy: Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that the physical therapist uses to alleviate pain, increase range of motion, and improve function. This also includes instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling, and cupping.
- Therapeutic Exercises: These are specific exercises prescribed by a physical therapist to reduce pain and improve function. For sciatica, these exercises could focus on strengthening the muscles that support the lower back, improving mobility, or promoting better posture.
- Posture and Body Mechanics: A physical therapist will educate and guide you on maintaining good posture during daily activities while standing and sitting. Correct body mechanics (i.e., lifting and carrying heavy objects properly) are also taught.
- Nerve Glides: Nerve mobilization or neural gliding involves gentle stretches and movements designed to reduce nerve irritation and improve nerve mobility.
- Education: Our therapists will provide information about sciatica, its causes, prevention strategies, and ways to manage it effectively at home. Education empowers you to participate in your treatment and recovery actively.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!