When you are diagnosed with sciatica, your primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist and/or orthopedic. While these specialists can help you experience some level of pain relief through medications and injections, for maximum relief, you will need to undergo physical therapy for several weeks. Physical therapy is the best sciatica treatment for patients of all age groups.
The sections below discuss various treatment options used by doctors in Bronx, NY, to help patients experiencing sciatica pain.
Medications and Injections
The most common type of medicine to manage chronic back pain in sciatica patients is antidepressants. To be more precise, doctors often prescribe duloxetine to these people. If the pain is more severe, duloxetine may not work. In such cases, doctors need to prescribe painkillers, i.e., NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Use of anticonvulsant drugs like pregabalin and gabapentin is also common.
When medications stop working or fail to offer pain relief, doctors need to administer epidural steroid injections (mostly corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation and pain. Doctors usually apply a local anesthetic before administering the injection. The steroid is injected directly around the root of the sciatic nerve.
The pain relief offered by medications and injections is often temporary. The patient starts experiencing pain the moment the effects of the drugs subside. Long-term use of the drugs can be useful. However, prolonged use of the above-mentioned drugs results in debilitating side effects. Physical therapy, when done regularly, helps patients lead a pain-free life without experiencing any side effects.
Factors That Make Physical Therapy the Best Treatment for Sciatica
Unlike the medicinal drugs, physical therapy not only offers pain relief but also helps eliminate the problem’s root cause. If you work with a trusted physical therapist, he or she will work on issues like poor posture, excess pressure on your nerves, and weak muscles. Soon, you will experience an increase in your muscle strength and reduced pressure on your sciatic nerve. You will move better and will be able to complete chores without any assistance.
Here are some prominent factors that make physical therapy the most effective treatment option for sciatica pain:
- You will experience a significant reduction in the intensity of pain in your legs, buttocks, and back just after one session.
- Your legs, spine, and hips will become more flexible.
- You will have stronger glute and core muscles, and thus, your sciatic nerve will have better support.
- Regular physical therapy prevents sciatica flare-ups.
Effective Physical Therapy Techniques for Patients with Sciatica Pain
For best results, you must start physical therapy the moment you are diagnosed with sciatica pain. According to a recent study, patients who begin physical therapy within 90 days of the first episode of sciatica pain have been found to experience faster pain relief. Here are a few techniques your therapist may use to offer pain relief.
Nerve Glides: The most common exercise prescribed to people with sciatica pain is nerve glides. When you perform nerve glides, you move the sciatic nerve gently, which helps reduce tension. Your physical therapist will typically make you lie on your back and extend your legs while you hold the area behind your knees.
Exercises: For most of your sessions, the therapist will make you do muscle-strengthening exercises. Examples include bridging (helps strengthen the back and glutes), bird-dog (helps improve core stability), etc.
Postural Training: Poor posture is a common cause of sciatica pain. So, one of the first things your physical therapist will do is change your posture wherever necessary. The therapist may also advise you to change your gait and assist you in shortening your stride.
Manual Therapy: Physical therapy sessions for sciatica patients also include manual therapy. Expert masseurs perform massages on the affected body parts to enable joint mobilization by decreasing muscle spasm and stiffness.
Relieve Sciatica Pain with Magnet Health’s Expert Care in Bronx
If you are in Bronx, New York, and wondering where to go to get physical therapy for your sciatica pain, contact the city’s most trusted multi-specialty clinic, Magnet Health.
The expert therapists at the clinic have treated hundreds of sciatica patients successfully. It has been possible primarily due to their vast experience in the field. The other big players we have are the advanced equipment used at Magnet Health clinics, and customized treatment plans.
FAQ
How long will I have to wait for physical therapy to show results?
To see a significant reduction in your pain, you will need to undergo physical therapy for 4 to 6 weeks.
Should I continue taking prescribed medications even after starting physical therapy?
Yes, you should take all the medications as prescribed by your doctor. However, your doctor may advise you to stop some medications after you begin PT.
Does physical therapy for sciatica involve the use of any equipment?
Yes, the therapist may use various equipment to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain when treating a sciatica patient, for instance, traction tables, ultrasound machines, electrical stimulation units, and various exercise tools.