Your sciatic nerves run from either side of your lower back down to each of your legs. That’s why a classic sign of sciatica is having a shooting pain on one side only. While compression of one of your sciatic nerves can literally be a “pain in the butt,” it doesn’t always require medical attention. Although, physical therapy is your best bet to banish sciatica symptoms if there is a flare-up. Sciatica could be caused from a herniated disc, SI joint disfunction, sudden injury or something else.
1. IF HOME TREATMENTS AREN’T WORKING
There are plenty of things you can do at home to ease a mild sciatica flare-up. Sleeping with a pillow between your knees can help. If you can’t get comfortable during the day or at night, try a reclining chair to redirect the pressure from your lower back. Going for walks often helps ease sciatica pain, because “babying” your condition can actually make it worse.
While these methods may help with mild sciatica, there are times when you should see a health care professional. One sign that you should see a sciatica specialist, such as a physical therapist, is if your home treatments are having little or no effect, or symptoms last more than a week. Of course, the worsening of pain is the most important sign.
2. WHEN SCIATICA SYMPTOMS BECOME SEVERE
If your sciatic nerve becomes seriously compressed, the resulting symptoms can go from uncomfortable to quite painful – and even embarrassing. You may become weak and numb on one side. Sometimes, even getting your leg or foot to move becomes impossible. If the pain hits you suddenly, and with great intensity, it’s probably time to visit a physical therapist to begin easing the pain.
Another issue with sciatica could be that the sciatic nerve can become compressed in the area that controls bladder and/or bowel function. If you lose control of either or both of these functions, you’ll obviously want to get professional help. Visit a doctor to rule out other problems.
3. IF THE PAIN FOLLOWS AN INJURY
Mild sciatica can build up over time, and it may even go away on its own. But when you have an onset of classic sciatica symptoms following a car accident, serious fall or sports injury, contact a doctor or a physical therapist. The symptoms are more likely to be severe because of the greater impact on the area surrounding the sciatic nerve. It’s important to determine the severity of nerve damage. Your medical team will need to evaluate if surgery or a steroid injection is needed.
Exercise is helpful in targeting the muscles that strengthen your lower back. Having strong muscles will help support the area around your sciatic nerve and can prevent future injuries. Good posture helps as well to keep away sciatica symptoms. Increasing range of motion is also good for sciatica.
The good news is that there is relief from sciatica. Relieve your symptoms with the help of physical therapy!
