What is Sciatica?

Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy) is a condition that causes irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lower back, causing pain that radiates down the lower back and into the hip, buttocks and legs. Sometimes Sciatica can also cause numbness.Normally sciatica affects one side.

What is the cause of Sciatica?

Sciatica commonly occurs when there is a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or injury present in the spine.

Because the sciatic nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet, an injury in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Sciatica may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.

What are the symptoms of Sciatica?

The levels of sciatica pain vary from individual to individual, some being more mild while others are more debilitating. The most common symptoms of sciatica include:

Lower back pain that radiates down the buttocks
Hip pain
Buttocks pain
Pain that radiates into the leg
Numbness or tingling down the leg
Pain when sitting for long periods of time
A sharp pain when standing or walking

What is the treatment for Sciatica?

For people with sciatica, getting pain relief to help them get back to their day-to-day life is most important. To get relief from sciatica pain, many doctors turn to physical therapy. Physical therapy for Sciatica is an effective treatment to rehabilitate, strengthen and stretch the affected areas without resorting to surgical intervention.

Treatments for sciatica target the spinal column, supporting muscles and ligaments , lower back, abdominal muscles, hips, buttocks and legs. Strengthening can help the spinal column support the body more effectively.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above associated with Sciatica, and you are in NYC or Brooklyn, give our doctors a call at Sarrica Physical Therapy at 347-560-6920.