Sciatica Relief
Personalized physical therapy for pain that travels from your lower back down your leg.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, involves irritation or inflammation of nerve roots that exit the lower back and travel down the leg. It affects nerves from L4 through S3. Pain is usually experienced on one side and can travel from the lower back into the leg and toward the foot.
Although often described as a “pinched nerve,” most cases stem from inflammation. A compressed nerve in the lower back can be more severe and should be addressed as soon as possible. Sciatica can affect mobility, strength, gait, and balance—not just comfort.
Seeking help early is often key to a quicker resolution. Doing nothing can allow symptoms to worsen or last longer. The good news is that most people recover from a bout of sciatica, and physical therapy can help you understand how to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes.
What Can Cause Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica is caused by irritation and/or inflammation of nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common source of irritation is a disc herniation. Bone spurs from degenerative changes or an injury can also contribute.
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and runs down the legs to the feet. Sciatica commonly affects people between ages 30 and 50, though younger and older people can experience it as well.
How Sciatica Can Affect Daily Life
Sciatica may make it harder to move comfortably, stay strong, walk normally, or feel steady on your feet. Symptoms can disrupt the activities that matter most to you.
At Cutting Edge Physical Therapy, our goal is not only to address your current symptoms but also to identify the root of the problem and provide practical strategies that help prevent pain from returning.
Physical Therapy For Sciatica Relief
Because sciatica can affect more than pain, it is important to work with a physical therapist. Our therapists perform a comprehensive examination to assess your range of motion, weaknesses, the location and quality of pain, changes in your usual function, and nerve function and mobility.
Your plan is customized around your specific symptoms and situation. Treatment may include targeted manual therapy techniques and specific mobility exercises to reduce tissue stiffness and improve joint mobility. We also provide education about your condition and a home exercise program designed to help muscles become stronger and less tense.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We assess movement, strength, pain, daily function, and nerve mobility to identify restrictions and limitations.
Targeted treatment
Manual therapy and specific mobility work are selected to address your unique sciatica-related symptoms.
Tools for lasting relief
Learn exercises and strategies to practice at home as you restore mobility, strength, and confidence.
Care Tailored To Your Needs
Our therapists use an individualized approach to help you resolve pain, restore function, and return to living your life. Depending on your evaluation, your plan may incorporate techniques that support mobility, movement quality, and the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.
Lumbar Traction
Explore one of the treatment options available as part of an individualized plan for lower-back-related symptoms.
Spinal Mobilization
Learn about an approach that may be considered to address movement restrictions as part of your care.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Discover a treatment approach that supports improved movement and function.
Ready To Find True Sciatica Relief?
Our physical therapists are ready to help you resolve pain, restore mobility and strength, and learn how to manage and prevent future sciatica pain.