Can Physical Therapy Treat My Sciatica or Do I Need Surgery?

The condition commonly known as sciatica is a collection of symptoms resulting from compression of a sciatic nerve bundle, of which you have two, one traveling down each leg after branching off from the spine. 

Also known as lumbar radiculopathy, symptoms include pain at the source of nerve irritation, pain along the path of the affected nerve, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and more. Compression of nerve tissue happens in a variety of ways, usually from a condition that narrows passageways for nerve roots through the structure of the spine. 

Treatments necessary to relieve sciatica depend on the cause of nerve compression. In most cases, pain symptoms subside or end spontaneously with rest and time. At the other end of the spectrum, some patients require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on nerve tissue. 

At Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in West Des Moines and East Des Moines, Iowa, our team specializes in finding solutions for your sciatica symptoms, regardless of the cause. We match the treatment to the nature of your condition with a wide range of modalities. 

Physical therapy or surgery? 

Physical therapy and surgical procedures are valid sciatica treatments, but they’re just two of many, and each has its ideal applications. Your condition is unlikely to come down to a decision between these two options.

Let’s look at how the sciatica treatment process generally works. 

Conservative care

Effective treatment for sciatica can begin at home with the onset of symptoms. For many patients, that may be all the care necessary. It’s natural to stop what you’re doing when the pain hits; for the first day or two after it starts, that’s the right response. 

However, remaining inactive works against reducing pain and can make your symptoms worse. Accompany rest with cold packs for the initial 48 hours. After that, you can switch to hot compresses or a combination of hot and cold methods, whichever gives the most relief. 

Accompany this with non-prescription anti-inflammatory pain medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. If pain symptoms don’t show improvement, it’s time to contact our office. 

Next-level treatment

Since sciatica usually responds well to conservative and intermediate care, there’s no rush toward surgery. 

After examining your condition and reviewing symptoms, we may recommend prescription-strength medications, including some classes of antidepressant and antiseizure drugs with pain-relieving properties. 

It’s usually at this time that we suggest physical therapy, starting with gentle stretches that relieve muscle tightness and build support for your lower back. These exercises stimulate circulation, a powerful natural pain reliever. 

Before surgery

Between physical therapy and the need for surgery are other treatment options that can provide sciatica relief. Injectable treatments include corticosteroids and nerve blocks. 

Other technologies include radiofrequency ablation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation, each changing how sensory nerves report pain signals. 

The right treatment for you depends entirely on your case of sciatica. There’s no “one size fits all” solution. 

Start your journey toward pain-free living with a sciatica consultation at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management. Call or click to book your appointment with our nearest location today.