Sciatica, a painful and common inflammatory condition that affects the sciatic nerve which runs from the base of your smile to your feet, is very common. By visiting our clinic you will be explained about the various treatment options we offer patients suffering from this inflammatory condition. This is to help alleviate their symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Sciatica refers to a lower back pain that radiates down to your legs. It is caused by irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. It is often caused by pressure on the nerve from a bulging disc or herniated disc or bone spurs.

What are the Symptoms?

Sciatica pain can be either constant or infrequent, and it can cause mild discomfort or severe problems. It affects only one side of the lower back and one of the legs. It runs from the base to the buttock, and down to the back of the leg. Sciatica is often described by burning or tingling sensations in one leg, numbness, shooting pain, and difficulty moving the affected side.

Although it is rare for sciatica to cause permanent nerve damage, it can be painful and incontinence for people who suffer from it. It is important to seek treatment for sciatica. This will help you to recover your mobility, relieve pain, and create strategies to reduce flare-ups.

Diagnostics

Generally, diagnosing sciatica involves confirming that your pain is sciatica. This can include exercises such as walking on your toes and lifting your legs one by one. Also, you may need to do squats. These exercises can be particularly painful or difficult if you have sciatica.

Once you have confirmed that sciatica is present, a series of diagnostic tests will be performed to identify the root cause. These tests can include MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays to check your spine and nerves.

Your doctor may recommend a variety of medications or treatments to relieve your pain. These could include muscle relaxants, narcotics, or anti-inflammatory medicine. Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist like our team at Motion Works Physiotherapy & Sports Injured Centre to help with a rehabilitation program that will both relieve your pain and restore your mobility over the long term.

Sciatica Treatment by Physiotherapy

Because of the many causes of sciatic nerve pain, physiotherapy will focus on relieving the pressure on the nerve. This includes the movement of spinal joints improperly and tightening of the lower back.

Our North York physiotherapy clinic offers a variety of physiotherapy techniques:

• Mechanical Traction

• Correction of posture

• Spinal mobilizations

• Acupuncture and/or Dry needling

• Manual therapy (joint and tissue mobilizations, release)

• Stretches and exercises are prescribed to increase nerve mobility and tissue stabilization

Exercises can be helpful for sciatica patients. You may make it worse by not consulting your physiotherapist. Before you do any new exercise or stretch, consult with one of our physical therapists.

Physical Therapy for Sciatica Severe Cases

For severe cases of sciatica, surgery may be necessary to remove bone spurs, tumors, or portions of herniated discs pressing on the nerve.