Sciatica
Sciatica is pain from an irritated sciatic nerve, usually running from the buttock down the back of one leg. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis, so physical therapy starts by finding what is bothering the nerve in your low back or hip. We treat sciatica in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.
Why a back problem shows up as pain down my leg
The sciatic nerve is a very large nerve that carries signals between your spine and your leg and foot. When it or its roots in the spine are pinched, the flow of information along it is disrupted, and you feel symptoms along its path rather than only where the problem sits. Many people describe it as pain down my leg that started in the back.
That is why an irritated low back can show up as sciatic nerve pain: shooting pain in leg, numbness in leg, tingling down leg, or weakness in the buttock, leg or foot, usually on one side. A pinched nerve in the lower back is a common source, and many people notice it is worse after sitting for a long time.
What can pinch or irritate the nerve
Herniated disc
A herniated disc can push against the nerve roots that join the sciatic nerve to the spine and irritate them. Doctors call this lumbar radiculopathy, and it is a common cause of a pinched nerve in the lower back.
Spinal stenosis and degenerative changes
Arthritis in the small spinal joints, bulging discs and a narrowed space around the nerves can crowd the nerve.
Piriformis syndrome
A tight piriformis muscle deep in the buttock can squeeze the nerve and cause buttock pain that feels like sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis and injury
One spinal bone slipping forward on the one below can crowd the nerve, and so can a tear from an auto accident, work accident or sports injury.
How we work out where it is coming from
Where the symptoms sit and which positions change them point toward the cause.
Your history
We ask what the pain feels like, where it travels, what eases it and what brings it on.
Movement and strength tests
Your therapist checks how your back and hips move, tests strength and feeling in the leg, and looks for positions that bring on or ease the leg symptoms.
Back or hip?
Some pain that feels like sciatica comes from the hip. If your pain stays around the hip, see Hip Pain.
How we treat sciatica
We treat the cause, then teach you how to keep it from coming back. Back pain without leg symptoms is on our Back Pain page.
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization for the low back and hip
- Dry needling and trigger point therapy for tight muscles such as the piriformis
- Therapeutic exercise for core and hip strength, with a home program
- Deep tissue laser therapy and electrical stimulation for pain control when they fit your plan
- Advice on posture and movements that load the nerve less
What recovery usually looks like
Many people with sciatica improve with physical therapy, and some need a surgeon's opinion if weakness or severe pain continues. Progress is rarely a straight line, so we track your symptoms, how far the pain reaches down the leg, and what you can do again, and we change the plan as you change.
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Get medical care right away if you have
- Weakness in the foot or leg that is getting worse, or a foot that drags
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
Numbness in both feet that does not come from the spine is covered on Peripheral Neuropathy.
Related care
Sciatica care in Chubbuck and Pocatello
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We will find what is irritating the nerve and build a plan around it, whether you live in Chubbuck, Pocatello or nearby.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.