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Sciatica is the term used to describe the symptoms related to compression, inflammation, or irritation of nerve roots in the lower back. These nerve roots converge to make up the sciatic nerve, which continues down the length of the leg to supply movement and sensation to the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot, and toes.

The symptoms of sciatica can include pain in the lower back, buttock, leg, or foot. Some patients with sciatica experience muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling. Sciatica may be caused by a herniated disc, pregnancy, spinal degeneration or misalignment, spinal tumors (rarely), or trauma.

Physical therapy can be an extremely useful tool in combating the symptoms of sciatica. The goal of any physical therapy program is to restore the body to normal movement and flexibility while reducing pain. For patients with sciatica, physical therapy concentrates on passive treatments (such as massage) in order to prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

Physical therapy for sciatica may include any of the following practices:

Ultrasound: Pain, stiffness, cramping, and muscle spasms may be reduced with the use of ultrasound, which reaches deep into the muscle tissues with sound waves.

Massage: Deep tissue massage works in the tissues and muscles of the lower back to release the tension that may be irritating the sciatic nerve and causing pain.

Cold/Heat Therapies: Cold therapy helps to reduce inflammation and pain, while heat increases circulation to the affected area to accelerate the healing process. These two extremes may be used alternately.

Low Level Laser Therapy: The infrared or near-infrared light used in laser therapy stimulates damaged cells and assists with healing and repair. This therapy also stimulates nerve function and increases circulation.

Electrotherapy: The nerves of the body are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain; electrotherapy disrupts these neurological messages before they are able to cause pain.

Exercise: Therapeutic exercise is designed to help build strength, increase flexibility, and restore the spine’s range of motion. It is extremely important for sciatica patients to attempt exercise only under the guidance of trained professionals who understand the needs and limitations related to lower back conditions.

Sciatica Treatment at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center

In addition to all of the above treatments, Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center offers PowerPlate technology. The PowerPlate machine uses vibration to increase circulation in order to restore the damaged tissues and muscles of the body. As part of any physical therapy program, it can assist patients with restoring mobility and flexibility.

Sciatica treatment at our Red Bank, NJ office is often combined with a program of chiropractic care, as sciatica may be the result of a misalignment of the lower spine. We also include acupuncture as another option for sciatica sufferers.

Because it is important to understand what is causing sciatica before beginning any type of treatment, we complete a full neurological and orthopedic examination, including the use of x-rays. The practitioners at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center are also certified to read and review the results of MRI imaging.

Please contact our office to learn more about sciatica treatment in Monmouth County, or visit our Red Bank, NJ office.