Can Physical Therapy Treat My Sciatica?

The electric shocks of sciatica pain can make it difficult to do even the most difficult tasks. However, staying still for too long can be a contributing factor to the severity of your sciatica symptoms. For this reason, it may be time to consider physical therapy.

At New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine, we specialize in the diagnosis and management of sciatica.

Jose De La Torre, MD, is a highly skilled pain management physician and has extensive experience using minimally invasive techniques, including physical therapy, to provide lasting sciatica pain relief.

Factors that contribute to sciatica pain

Sciatica describes symptoms of inflammation in the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that travels from your lower (lumbar) spine down into your hips and legs. This nerve provides sensations to the lower body and can become irritated or inflamed for several reasons.

Your lifestyle and daily activities are a key factor in sciatica pain flare-ups. Those who sit for long periods of time, don’t exercise, and are obese may experience persistent sciatica pain.

You might also be at risk of sciatica if you have a manual labor job in which you frequently lift heavy objects or have to twist your back repeatedly. Medical conditions that affect your spine, including bone spurs and herniated discs, can also be a source of sciatica irritation.

Without treatment, sciatica can become increasingly more painful and difficult to manage with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. When you need lasting relief of sciatica symptoms, book an appointment with our team for a comprehensive evaluation.

Recognizing the warning signs of sciatica

Inflammation can occur anywhere along the sciatic nerve and cause symptoms in specific areas of your back, hips, and legs. These symptoms can include:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tingling
• Jolting, shocklike pain

As sciatica worsens, sudden movements like a laugh or sneeze can send pain waves from your lower spine into your legs. Weakness and numbness can also contribute to falls and difficulties staying active.

Dr. De La Torre focuses on the least invasive treatment to heal your sciatic nerve, so you can avoid additional complications and the need for surgery.  

Physical therapy and other nonsurgical sciatica treatments

Physical therapy is an effective way to rebuild strength in your muscles to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. A therapist teaches you stretching exercises and other movements you can do on your own and during a session to target the structures in your lower spine and legs.

Working with a physical therapist supports other treatments we offer to ease pain and prevent additional musculoskeletal complications. We collaborate with your physical therapist on a care plan to strengthen your overall body, improve flexibility, and enhance your overall wellness.

If you need additional pain management support to be able to participate in physical therapy, Dr. De La Torre can provide nerve blocks or steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation, so you can move more freely.

Call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to learn more about the available nonsurgical options for sciatica pain relief. You can also book an appointment online.