Sciatica
Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, and it sends shooting pain from the low back through the buttock and down the leg. It is a symptom, so physical therapy works by finding where the nerve is being pinched or irritated and treating that. Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats sciatica in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Why the pain travels down your leg
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back, splits at the base of the spine and runs through the buttock and leg, ending in the foot. When it is compressed or irritated you may feel a shooting, stinging or burning pain in the back, buttock, leg or foot. That is why people search for terms like pain down my leg, shooting pain in leg and sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Its technical name is lumbar radiculopathy, meaning a nerve is irritated as it leaves the spine. If the pain stays in your back without travelling, see Back Pain. Buttock pain can also come from the hip, which is covered under Hip Pain.
Signs your pain may be sciatica
- Pain down one leg, often from the buttock to the calf or foot
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Tingling down the leg
- Weakness in the leg
- Pain that is worse with sitting or prolonged standing
What irritates the nerve
In the spine
These are the usual sources of a pinched nerve in the lower back.
- A herniated disc pressing on the nerve root
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing where nerves exit
- Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward
- Arthritis or bone spurs near the nerve
In the hip and buttock
Not all sciatic pain starts in the back.
- Piriformis syndrome, where a deep buttock muscle tightens around the nerve
- Lost flexibility in the hips and pelvis that tightens the gluteal and hip muscles, changes how the spine moves and squeezes the nerve as it passes through them
How we find where it is coming from
Your physical therapist examines your range of motion, strength, nerve sensation, joint mobility and the way you move, and checks which positions and directions of movement bring the leg pain closer to the back or send it further away. That points to the source: the spine, the hip or the muscles of the buttock.
People with sciatica are often between 30 and 50, but the plan depends on your diagnosis, not your age.
What treatment looks like
Care usually moves through these stages.
Settle the nerve
Early on the focus is quick pain relief with directional preference exercises, manual therapy and, where it fits, Dry Needling, deep tissue laser therapy or traction.
Free the nerve
Specific leg stretches and neural mobilization, often called nerve glides, loosen the sciatic nerve so it slides more easily.
Build a back that holds up
Core stabilization exercise and ergonomic training for sitting and driving restore strength and range of motion to protect your spine from re-injury.
Questions about sciatica recovery
How long does sciatica last?
It depends on the cause and how long you have had it. Your physical therapist can tell you what to expect once the source is found.
Will I need surgery?
Many cases are treated without surgery, and physical therapy is the first step. If your symptoms or exam point to a problem that needs a surgeon, we will tell you and coordinate with your doctor.
What if I have numbness in both feet?
Numbness in both feet that is not coming from the spine is a different problem. See peripheral neuropathy.
Get urgent medical care for these signs
- Foot drop, or leg weakness that is getting worse
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Related care
Sciatica care in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats Sciatica at our Hot Springs clinic, 1880 Airport Rd., Suite C.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.