Sciatica and Radiating Back Pain

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition that starts in the low back region. An irritation of the sciatic nerve, from compression on the nerve or inflammation around the nerve with radiating pain (pain that “travels” to other areas such as down the leg), is usually the culprit.  Sciatica and radiating back pain typically starts deep in the buttock and radiates down the back of the leg. 

Sciatica is often described as constant pain in the lower back that travels from the buttock, thigh, calf, down the back of the leg, and into the foot. The pain from this condition worsened with bending forward, twisting, and even with coughing.

At MVPT Physical Therapy, we understand how difficult it can be to live, work and play with sciatic pain. Our physical therapists help patients every day to reclaim their lives and return to doing what they love.

Request an appointment today to learn more about sciatica and how physical therapy can help your painful symptoms.

Request an Appointment

Request an Appointment Today!

Symptoms of Sciatica and Radiating Back Pain

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It consists of the nerves from the fourth lumbar through the second sacral nerve roots. These nerves come together to form the sciatic nerve. 

In about 20% of people, the sciatic nerve pierces through the piriformis muscle deep in the buttock instead of under it. This can make the sciatic nerve more susceptible to irritation and pressure from the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle helps guide hip movement but can become very tight with prolonged sitting. This increased tightness causes pressure and irritation to the sciatic nerve, which results in pain.

A common misunderstanding is that any low back pain or leg pain is sciatica, but sciatica is the specific pain directly resulting from sciatic nerve pathology. Patients affected by this condition may experience pain and numbness along with the sciatic nerve path. 

In most cases, a physical therapist can help identify what is causing the condition and treat it accordingly. Through the combination of exercises, education, and activity modification, your physical therapist can help set the stage for your successful outcome. 

How Physical Therapy Helps Relieve Sciatica and Radiating Back Pain

Physical therapy is one of the best treatments for sciatica!

Your MVPT Physical Therapy physical therapist will first do a complete evaluation to determine the source of your pain. Our physical therapists take time to examine the movement of your spine, hips, and legs, as well as your strength, joint mobility, and range of motion.

After we determine the root cause of your problem, we put together a comprehensive plan to quickly relieve your pain and relieve your symptoms. With gentle, specialized hands-on techniques, we work to improve your spinal and hip mobility, reducing pressure on your sciatic nerve. 

In addition, modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound may be used to reduce inflammation and resolve your pain quickly. MVPT Physical Therapy physical therapists perform gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to restore your normal motion and strength. This results in lasting effects that help prevent pain from returning! 

Request an Appointment for Pain Relief!

You don’t need to live in constant pain when you have physical therapists on your side! Call us today to find out how we can help you find relief from your sciatica pain. Our focus is on helping you feel better, so you can return to the activities you love!