Sciatica refers to pain that radiates from the back, deep into the buttock and down into the back of the leg. This is generally caused by compression and irritation to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica generally develops over time due to repetitive postures or physical activity; for example individuals who do a lot of sitting are at greater risk.
Sciatica is a symptom however there are many medical conditions that cause sciatica including a herniated disc, lumbar stenosis, piriformis syndrome to list a few of the most common. Ultimately when you experience radiating symptoms into the buttock or down the leg it is coming from your lumbar spine.
Physical therapy has shown to be very effective in treating symptoms of sciatica. Exercises based around flexibility of the hip musculature, spinal mobility, postural strength and core and gluteal strengthening are proven to be very effective in treating sciatica. Let one of our physical therapists here at Comprehensive Physical Therapy determine the cause of your pain and establish a treatment plan around you. Give us a call at 985-272-1017 and we can set up an evaluation!