Why physical therapy is recommended for sciatica

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Why Physical Therapy Is Recommended For Sciatica

Sciatica refers to any type of pain that is the result of the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve extends from the back of the pelvis all the way down both legs and ends at the feet. Acute sciatic pain may not need focused treatment and can be managed at home with pain killers. But if the pain is persistent, approach an established healthcare center for treatment. Physical therapy exercises play a beneficial role in treating sciatica pain and at a reliable healthcare center you would be assured of a well-coordinated program supervised by an expert physical therapist.

Conditions Causing Sciatica At established health care centers, advanced modalities such as MRI are used to diagnose the true cause of the pain, based on which an appropriate treatment plan is developed.

The most common cause of sciatica are • • • •

Piriformis syndrome Spinal tumors Lumbar spinal stenosis Spondylolisthesis http://www.hqbk.com/

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• Trauma • Sciatic nerve tumor or injury

How Physical Therapy Helps While bed rest can provide some temporary relief, it is important to stay physically active. Proper exercises can help alleviate pain and prevent pain from worsening.

Physical therapy exercises performed on a regular basis can increase flexibility, build endurance and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. Recommended exercises generally include the following: •

Aerobics: This is the best treatment option to release natural pain relieving endorphins in the person’s body.

The procedures followed in this plan usually include long walks, pool therapy and swimming laps.

•

Strength Training: This treatment helps create proper back alignment and reduces chances of injury. The focus is mainly on areas such as the gluteal muscles, lumbar region, and the thigh muscles.

•

Stretching: In sciatica, the muscles become resistant to movement resulting in the impingement of the nerve. Stretching exercises help relax these muscles and provide relief from pain. Hamstring stretching is a key element in any sciatica exercise program.

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Depending on individual conditions, other modalities in the sciatica treatment plan could include •

Ultrasound: In ultrasound treatment, high-frequency sound waves generate gentle heat which enters deep body tissue. This helps heal muscles which are stiff and inflexible and relieves pain, swelling and inflammation.

•

Massage: The cramped muscles can be treated with deep and firm massages which help relax both the nerves and ligaments.

•

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): The intensity of muscle spasms are minimized by applying controlled electrical impulses which release naturally occurring endorphins that provide pain relief.

Always rely on professional physical therapy services. At an established healthcare center, the physical therapist would work in coordination with a neurologists and orthopedic specialists to provide you with a personalized sciatica treatment plan.

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