Sciatica
Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, and it sends pain from the low back through the buttock and down the back of one leg. It is a symptom, so physical therapy works by finding where the nerve is being pinched or irritated and treating that. Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats sciatica in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Why the pain travels down your leg
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back, passes through the buttock and runs down the leg. When it is compressed or irritated you may feel shooting pain in your leg, a burning ache, numbness or tingling. That is why people describe sciatic nerve pain as pain down my leg or a pinched nerve in the lower back.
The cause is usually in the spine, so treating only the leg rarely lasts. If the pain stays in your back, see Back Pain instead.
Signs your pain may be sciatica
- Pain down one leg, often from the buttock toward the calf or foot
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Tingling down the leg
- Weakness in the leg
- Pain that is worse with sitting
What can irritate the nerve
Herniated disc
Disc material pressing on a nerve root, also called lumbar radiculopathy.
Spinal stenosis
A narrowing of the space the nerves pass through, often with buttock pain and numbness in the leg when walking.
Piriformis syndrome
A tight muscle deep in the buttock that can press on the nerve.
Spondylolisthesis
One spinal bone slipping forward on the one below it.
How your therapist finds the source
Test movements
We check which positions bring the leg symptoms on and which ease them, and whether they move closer to the back or farther away.
Check strength and feeling
Muscle strength, reflexes and sensation in the leg show which nerve is involved.
Build the plan
The findings decide the exercises and hands-on care we start with.
How we treat sciatica
Directional preference exercises
Repeated movements in the direction that eases leg symptoms and pulls pain back toward the spine.
Nerve glides
Gentle neural mobilization that helps the nerve slide more freely.
Hands-on care and core work
Manual therapy for stiff joints and tight muscle, and core stabilization exercise so the spine is supported.
What recovery looks like and what about surgery
Many people with sciatica improve over weeks with the right movements and strengthening, and most cases settle without surgery. Recovery speed depends on the cause, how long you have had symptoms and what your day demands of your back.
If your leg symptoms keep getting worse despite care, your doctor may suggest imaging or a surgical opinion, and we rehabilitate you afterward through post-surgical rehab. Hip joint problems can feel similar, so we also look at Hip Pain.
See a doctor first, or go to the ER, if you have
Leg pain with any of these needs urgent medical attention.
- Weakness in the foot that is getting worse, or foot drop
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Sciatica care in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats sciatica at our Newtown Square clinic, 214 S. Newtown Street Road.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.