What’s Up With Sciatica and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever had that annoying pain shooting down your leg or a nagging ache in your lower back, you might be dealing with sciatica. It’s one of those pains that just won’t quit and can seriously mess with your day-to-day. Sitting, standing, even sleeping can become uncomfortable.
But here’s the good news: understanding what’s going on with your body and getting the right help can make a huge difference. Physical therapy is one of the best ways to tackle sciatica because it doesn’t just mask the pain—it works to fix what’s causing it.
At Revolution Rehab, we’re all about helping you get back to your life without the constant pain. Let’s talk about what sciatica really means and how we can help.
So, What Exactly Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is basically a name for pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest one in your body, running from your lower back all the way down to your feet. When something presses on or irritates that nerve, you get pain, tingling, or numbness along its path.
Usually, it starts in your lower back or butt and shoots down your leg. Sometimes it feels sharp, other times more like pins and needles or weakness. Certain moves, like sitting too long or twisting suddenly, might make it worse.
Why Does Sciatica Happen?
Sciatica can pop up for a bunch of reasons. Some common ones include:
- A slipped or bulging disc pressing on the nerve.
- Narrowing of the spine (called spinal stenosis).
- A tight muscle in your butt (the piriformis) squeezing the nerve.
- Wear and tear in the spine from aging or arthritis.
- Sitting too much or bad posture.
- Injuries or accidents.
- Lifestyle factors like carrying extra weight or not moving enough.
Figuring out what’s causing your sciatica is key to treating it properly.
How Do You Know If It’s Sciatica? When to Get Help
You can often spot sciatica by noticing pain that gets worse when you sit, stand, or move certain ways. Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in your leg are also red flags.
But if you experience serious issues like losing control over your bladder or bowels, sudden severe weakness, or pain after a big injury, you need to see a doctor right away.
At Revolution Rehab, we do a full check-up, including looking at your movement and medical history, to figure out what’s going on. Sometimes, we might suggest scans like MRIs to get a clear picture.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy is awesome because it tackles the problem head-on instead of just covering up the pain. Sure, things like ice, heat, and rest help at first, but they’re usually just temporary fixes.
Our physical therapy plans focus on:
- Exercises that make your back, hips, and core stronger and more flexible.
- Hands-on techniques to ease nerve irritation and loosen up tight joints.
- Teaching you how to move and sit without making things worse.
- Nerve gliding exercises that help the sciatic nerve move freely and feel less sensitive.
The goal? To get you moving pain-free and back to the things you love, all without relying on painkillers or surgery unless absolutely needed.
Tips to Keep Sciatica From Coming Back
Once you’re feeling better, it’s important to keep sciatica away for good. Staying active and doing exercises that strengthen your core and legs help a ton. Pay attention to your posture whether you’re at your desk or on the couch.
Try not to sit or stand for too long without a break, and if you have a job that involves heavy lifting or repetitive movement, learning the right techniques can prevent flare-ups.
At Revolution Rehab, we’ll help you build a simple, personalized plan to stay strong and sciatica-free.
Ready to Kick Sciatica Pain to the Curb?
If sciatica has been holding you back, don’t wait around hoping it’ll just disappear. The team at Revolution Rehab is here to help you get relief with expert physical therapy that’s all about you.
Reach out and book a consultation with us today. Let’s get you moving comfortably again!