Sciatica pain treatment in Winterville, NC

For patients who suffer from sciatica pain, finding effective treatment is vital to maintaining their quality of life. When the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed it can cause pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. The Winterville, North Carolina office of Peak Performance discusses sciatica pain treatment options for your back pain.

How is sciatic nerve pain caused?

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down each leg all the way to your foot. Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Your body has soft discs that cushion the space between vertebrae which can tear or rupture. When the fluid leaks out, it can place pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain.

Spinal stenosis is another cause of sciatic nerve pain, where the spaces in your spine narrow. Muscle strains can cause inflammation in the piriformis muscle placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.

How can I treat sciatica myself?

In minor cases, sciatica pain can be resolved without seeking medical treatment. Useful treatments include:

• Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation
• Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming
• Stretching exercises to help open the hips and ease tension in the low back muscles

While it may be tempting to rest a painful lower back, too much rest can make sciatica pain worse. Staying active and moving is important to managing your back pain symptoms.

When to seek medical treatment

In severe cases of sciatic nerve pain, it is important to seek medical treatment to prevent permanent nerve damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms:

• Progressive muscle weakness
• Numbness in the legs
• Severe pain that does not improve

If your self-care treatments do not help improve your symptoms after a week, you should call your doctor.

Scheduling sciatica pain physical therapy with Peak Performance

Physical therapy is an effective option to treat sciatic nerve pain.  Peak Performance physical therapists will diagnose the cause of your sciatica and create a treatment plan based on your needs. Contact our Winterville, North Carolina office today to schedule your initial appointment.