Addressing Sciatic Pain: Start Early for Best Results

When Should I See a Physical Therapist About Sciatica?

As with most musculoskeletal pains, sooner is better. Many people try to ride out sciatic pain by taking pain medication and resting, which can actually be counterproductive and further worsen the underlying cause of their symptoms. By seeking early intervention, you can start feeling better faster.

You should also pay attention to changes in the severity of your pain or shifting sensations in your back and leg. Because sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, these changing symptoms can indicate that something is happening to the nerve itself.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg, usually affecting only one side of the body. The pain may be dull, throbbing, aching, sharp, or shooting. Other common symptoms include numbness or tingling, restricted range of motion in the back, difficulty standing up straight, walking with a limp, and increased pain after remaining in one position for an extended period.

Physical Therapy: Frontline Treatment for Sciatica

One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective for sciatic pain is that it focuses on resolving the underlying cause. During your first appointment, our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine what may be irritating, pinching, or compressing the sciatic nerve.

We’ll discuss your symptoms, including when they started and the exact sensations you’re experiencing, and perform movement screens to evaluate mobility, muscle weakness, nerve activity, posture, balance, and gait. These assessments provide a complete picture of your condition and help us develop a personalized treatment plan.

Once we understand what’s causing your symptoms, we’ll create a customized approach designed to address the source of your pain rather than simply masking it.