Sciatica refers to pain that radiates from the back, deep into the buttock and down into the back of the leg. This is generally caused by compression and irritation to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica generally develops over time due to repetitive postures or physical activity; for example individuals who do a lot of sitting are at greater risk.
Features of Sciatica:
- Pain- is generally described as a sharp shooting pain or burning sensation deep into the buttock that can travel down into the leg and foot. Pay attention to the ache in your lower back or buttock which may be early warning signs.
- Numbness- people often also experience numbness and tingling down the back of the leg. Because the nerve is affected there may also be weakness in the muscles of the leg.
- Posture Induced: You my find that positions when the spine is flexed to worsen symptoms i.e. sitting/driving, bending forward, sleeping
- One Sided: Sciatica generally only affects one side/leg at a time. Rarely does it occur in both.
Sciatica as a Symptom:
Sciatica is a symptom however there are many medical conditions that cause sciatica including a herniated disc, lumbar stenosis, piriformis syndrome to list a few of the most common. Ultimately when you experience radiating symptoms into the buttock or down the leg it is coming from your lumbar spine.
Treatment:
Physical therapy has shown to be very effective in treating symptoms of sciatica. Exercises based around flexibility of the hip musculature, spinal mobility, postural strength and core and gluteal strengthening are proven to be very effective in treating sciatica. Let one of our physical therapists here at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center determine the cause of your pain and establish a treatment plan around you. Give us a call at 703-450-4300 and we can set up an evaluation!
By Angie Austin, LPTA
Loudoun Sports Therapy Center ~ 703-450-4300
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