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If a doctor has diagnosed you with sciatica, they may recommend physical therapy to address your symptoms. This will provide temporary relief from leg and back pain to help you as you address the underlying causes. Here’s more information about sciatica and what treatments may help.

What Is Sciatica?

Physical TherapyThe sciatic nerve is the main nerve that runs down into your leg from your spine. When it gets pinched or compressed, the constriction may cause shooting pain, numbness, and tingling. This can affect part or all of the leg and hip, as well as the lower back.

Sciatica is common during pregnancy due to the changes in your body. The shift in your center of gravity and increase in weight alter your posture, which can pinch the nerves.

The condition can also be caused by a ruptured disk in the spine, bone spurs that irritate the nerve, back trauma, or poor posture while sitting and standing.

How Does Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy for sciatica involves exercises that rotate the hip joint in specific directions. These help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing discomfort. A professional can also provide recommendations for altering your posture to relive symptoms. This includes maintaining a straight spine when sitting and keeping the shoulders back.

If the underlying cause of the compression on this nerve is an injury or spinal disorder, your therapist may suggest treatment for that condition for long-term relief. For example, a herniated disk or bone spurs in your spine may require surgery. If you have sciatica due to an injury, your recovery should be overseen by a medical professional to make sure you’re healing correctly.

 

If you need physical therapy for sciatica, neck pain, or surgery recovery, choose Source Therapy. Based in Gig Harbor, WA, and serving Pierce County, the certified team at this locally owned and operated establishment offers personalized care tailored to each patient. Learn more about their facility online or call (253) 857-4870 to schedule an appointment.

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