Who can tell me how long sciatica lasts?

Are you wondering how long sciatica generally lasts? Physical therapists can help you learn how long this condition may last for you. 

Generally, sciatica pain tends to last for four to six weeks. However, each individual can have a different recovery time, and some patients can continue to experience symptoms for years. A physical therapist can help you learn how long your sciatica is likely to last. In addition, these specialists offer treatment options that can help reduce your sciatica symptoms more rapidly. 

Two reasons physical therapists can help you learn how long your sciatica could last

Physical therapists are trained to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, and this includes treating back conditions like sciatica. A few reasons that your therapist can give you a good idea of how long your symptoms could last are: 

1. They’re musculoskeletal system experts — The human musculoskeletal system has many parts; it includes bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissue. Physical therapists are trained in the nuances of this body system, and they’re experienced at treating its disorders, including sciatica. 

2. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation — A comprehensive evaluation of your lower back can reveal the extent of your sciatica symptoms. Without this knowledge, it can be difficult to predict exactly how long your symptoms will last. Your therapist will perform such an evaluation on you. In turn, this can help them narrow down the time frame that you could be experiencing sciatica symptoms. 

How can physical therapy reduce how long sciatica lasts?

A customized physical therapy plan will be the tool your therapist uses to address your sciatica. One benefit such a plan can offer is to reduce the length of time your symptoms last. Some of the techniques that can help you achieve this benefit include: 

• Therapeutic exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Aquatic therapy
• Myofascial release
• Dry needling
• Ergonomic training
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)

Find help with your sciatica at Peak Performance

Are you ready to reduce how long your sciatica lasts? Our Peak Performance physical therapists are ready and willing to help you meet this goal. We’ll start by doing a free screening intended to help us learn as much as possible about your sciatica. Then, our team will construct a personalized therapy plan for you that’s designed to: 

• Reduce your pain.
• Decrease your recovery time.
• Improve your ability to perform normal daily activities. 
• Prevent sciatica episodes in the future. 

Are your symptoms keeping you stuck at home? No problem! Our physical therapists can use our virtual therapy service to help you get the therapy you need right from your home. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can treat sciatica or to schedule an initial appointment.