Sciatica is any condition that compresses spinal nerves; true sciatic nerve impingement is rare. If nerves from the spinal column are compressed, you may feel pain, numbness, or tingling down one leg.
People with sciatica often have flare-ups and remissions. If you are seeking relief, Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, led by Dr. Shachi Patel, offers physical therapy and pain management options for back pain and sciatica.
Dr. Patel is an experienced pain management specialist offering treatments like epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulation, and joint injections for issues like sciatica.
Living with sciatica means you can spend days, weeks, or even months in pain during a flare. Over-the-counter pain relievers only go so far in relieving discomfort.
If home remedies, stretching, and medication haven’t helped, we recommend physical therapy. It not only relieves sciatica pain but also equips you to prevent future flares.
Physical therapy is actually one of the most effective ways to manage sciatica pain. It involves strengthening the muscles surrounding the spinal column, along with helpful stretches to relieve built-up muscle tension.
A physical therapist also customizes a plan to improve flexibility and posture, both of which are affected by sciatica. Over the span of several weeks to months, you’ll learn how to strengthen specific areas with exercises and learn effective stretches to relieve tension and pain.
Physical therapy helps most people with sciatica, but it may not resolve severe symptoms.
We often recommend other lifestyle remedies alongside physical therapy to provide the best relief. Heat and ice are great for numbing the pain and then soothing it away. Ice is better in the beginning stages, while heat helps relax the muscles around the nerve impingement.
Gentle exercise during a flare increases blood flow to the spine and nerves, which may ease pain. Avoid overexertion to avoid worsening symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, such as walking instead of prolonged sitting and maintaining better posture, help reduce pain. Sleeping with a pillow between your knees relieves sciatic pressure.
Most people manage sciatica without surgery. Surgery is considered after months of persistent, moderate to severe symptoms despite conservative care.
Dr. Patel offers other sciatica treatments, including nerve block and epidural steroid injection. She may also recommend pain medications and muscle relaxers.
If conservative treatments do not relieve your pain, surgery may be the best option for lasting relief, depending on the cause of your sciatica.
To learn more about our sciatica treatment, contact our Newark office or visit our website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel.
