2 signs your sciatica is improving

Sciatica, also referred to as sciatic neuritis, is a nerve-related condition. It’s most commonly known for the intense bouts of pain it causes. These painful episodes typically last only a few weeks in mild cases, but not always.

The symptoms of sciatica are most often pain that radiates or burns, numbness, muscle weakness, and even tingling. Sciatic nerve pain is felt on one side of the body most of the time. This means that symptoms may be felt throughout various body parts, like the leg, buttocks, and lower back, but it’s usually only ever on one side.

If you’re dealing with sciatica symptoms of your own, learn more about causes, how physical therapy can help it improve, and how you can tell your sciatica is improving.

What are the causes of sciatica?

There are several different causes of sciatica that may be helpful to know. If you have already been diagnosed with this condition, you may benefit from learning about some of the factors that could have contributed to it. If you have yet to be diagnosed, learn more about some of the risk factors you may be dealing with.

• Herniated disc — A herniated disc is one of the more common causes of sciatic nerve pain. This is a condition in which the nucleus of a disc bulges out of the disc. When someone experiences a herniated disc, and the nucleus leaks out of the disc it’s supposed to be contained in, it can press on a nearby nerve. This results in a pinched or compressed nerve which is the cause of sciatica.

• Bone spur — A bone spur or unusual bone growth is another common cause of sciatica. When a bone in the body grows abnormally or has a protrusion from it, this can end up compressing a nerve in the body and lead to sciatica. 

• Excess body weight — Excess body weight can also lead a person to develop sciatica symptoms. The excess weight on the body can place unnecessary stress on the backbone.

• Diabetes — Another condition that can lead a person to develop sciatica is diabetes. The fluctuations in blood sugar can cause a person to develop damage to the nerves in their body and thus, sciatic nerve pain. 

• Inactivity — People who are continuously inactive are more at risk of developing sciatica.

• Repetitive activity and overuse — Activities that require repetitive movements or that cause you to overuse your muscles may also contribute to your risk of sciatica. 

What are some treatment methods used during PT to improve sciatica symptoms?

Physical therapy has the potential to improve sciatica symptoms. If you’re considering treatment options for your sciatica, physical therapy is a very effective and minimally-invasive option to consider. Take a look at the descriptions of physical therapy treatment methods for sciatica, as listed below.

• Regular exercise and movement — PT exercises and movements through a series of consistent sessions provide a regular activity that may help sciatica. Gentle and consistent exercise can alleviate nerve compression over time.

• Inflammation-reducing movements — Physical therapy has the capability to reduce inflammation through regular and gentle training. They know of exercises that can help you minimize the pain and swelling associated with an inflamed nerve.

• Movements and instruments to relieve muscle tension and compression — Regular exercise during physical therapy can also be productive for those whose nerve compression is caused by muscle tension. PT can reduce muscle tension and alleviate some of that pressure placed on the nerve.

What are the two signs that your sciatica is improving?

It’s important to know that your sciatica symptoms can improve. However, they won’t get better overnight. With the right physical therapy treatment, your symptoms can get better. There are usually a couple of ways to determine if your sciatica is improving. The first is if you’re feeling the radiating pain start to retreat. People who have sciatica will report feeling pain that doesn’t stay localized to one place, but a radiating pain that can spread to other parts of their body. When that radiating pain starts to retreat back to the source, this is how you can tell that your sciatica is improving. Another way to determine if your condition is improving is if you notice that your numbness is retreating. Some patients with sciatica experience numbness and tingling that radiates in a manner similar to nerve pain. If numbness or tingling becomes less widespread, that’s a good sign.

Don't delay getting physical therapy treatment any longer. Alliance PTP wants to help you find treatment as soon as possible

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you improve your sciatic nerve pain symptoms. That way you can get back to doing the things you love with less pain and discomfort. 

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!