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Why physical therapy is recommended for sciatica
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Why Physical Therapy Is Recommended
For Sciatica
Sciatica refers to any type of pain that is the result of the
irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The longest
nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve extends from the back
of the pelvis all the way down both legs and ends at the
feet. Acute sciatic pain may not need focused treatment and
can be managed at home with pain killers. But if the pain is
persistent, approach an established healthcare center for
treatment. Physical therapy exercises play a beneficial role
in treating sciatica pain and at a reliable healthcare center
you would be assured of a well-coordinated program
supervised by an expert physical therapist.
Conditions Causing Sciatica
At established health care centers, advanced modalities
such as MRI are used to diagnose the true cause of the pain,
based on which an appropriate treatment plan is developed.
The most common cause of sciatica are
•
•
•
•
Piriformis syndrome
Spinal tumors
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
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• Trauma
• Sciatic nerve tumor or injury
How Physical Therapy Helps
While bed rest can provide some temporary relief, it is
important to stay physically active. Proper exercises can
help alleviate pain and prevent pain from worsening.
Physical therapy exercises performed on a regular basis can
increase flexibility, build endurance and strengthen the
muscles supporting the spine. Recommended exercises
generally include the following:
•
Aerobics: This is the best treatment option to release
natural pain relieving endorphins in the person’s body.
The procedures followed in this plan usually include
long walks, pool therapy and swimming laps.
•
Strength Training: This treatment helps create proper
back alignment and reduces chances of injury. The
focus is mainly on areas such as the gluteal muscles,
lumbar region, and the thigh muscles.
•
Stretching: In sciatica, the muscles become resistant
to movement resulting in the impingement of the
nerve. Stretching exercises help relax these muscles
and provide relief from pain. Hamstring stretching is a
key element in any sciatica exercise program.
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Depending on individual conditions, other modalities in the
sciatica treatment plan could include
•
Ultrasound: In ultrasound treatment, high-frequency
sound waves generate gentle heat which enters deep
body tissue. This helps heal muscles which are stiff
and inflexible and relieves pain, swelling and
inflammation.
•
Massage: The cramped muscles can be treated with
deep and firm massages which help relax both the
nerves and ligaments.
•
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
(TENS): The intensity of muscle spasms are
minimized by applying controlled electrical impulses
which release naturally occurring endorphins that
provide pain relief.
Always rely on professional physical therapy services. At
an established healthcare center, the physical therapist
would work in coordination with a neurologists and
orthopedic specialists to provide you with a personalized
sciatica treatment plan.
Posted by HealthQuest
http://www.hqbk.com/
http://www.hqbk.com/
1-718-769-2521