How long does sciatica take to get better

Without physical therapy treatment for the low back, there is a high chance of recurring issues with the low back and sciatic nerve. Physical therapy helps to train the deep stabilizing muscle to control movements in the low back. This allows for more normal movement patterns. Normal muscle activity and movement patterns make re-irritation less likely. Image of the Sciatic Nerve and Piriformis Muscle.

Physical Therapy has been shown to decrease the pain associated with sciatica significantly. It also can decrease the length of time the sciatic nerve is irritated.

Therapists can use modalities like electrical stimulation or laser therapy to decrease pain and inflammation. Stretching and core strengthening can also help to get you back on the road to recovery. To schedule a physical therapy appointment at JOI Rehab, please call us at To schedule an appointment with an Orthopaedic Back Specialist, please call JOI , schedule online, or follow the link below. Sciatica nerve pain runs from the lower back down the buttocks Pain along the Sciatic Nerve can limit daily activity.

How Long Does Sciatica Last? Is Sciatica a Permanent Disability? The symptoms of sciatica can often mimic those of other conditions, making professional evaluation and diagnosis imperative for appropriate treatment.

Most commonly, sciatica symptoms include:. For some patients with sciatica in Atlanta, symptoms may come and go, while other patients experience fairly constant symptoms throughout the day. Additionally, sciatica symptoms can range from severe, sharp pain to dull, mild aching. During your initial consultation, Dr. Williams will carefully evaluate your symptoms, take a thorough health history, and perform any necessary labs or imaging studies in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

For the majority of patients, acute sciatica pain resolves within 1 — 2 weeks. In some cases, behavioral modification or at-home remedies may be adequate for relieving sciatica pain. However, certain patients may develop chronic sciatica pain which may wax and wane but remains present over many years. Even acute sciatica can recur on multiple occasions and may progress to a chronic condition. If your sciatica symptoms last for more than a week, or if you begin to lose control of your bowels or bladder, it is important to seek professional evaluation as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

However, severe or prolonged sciatica symptoms often require medical treatment. Williams offers a wide variety of advanced sciatica treatments in Atlanta and will begin with more conservative methods to help alleviate pain in the most natural ways possible. Common sciatica treatments include:. For patients with severe sciatica that begins to affect other functions, such as bowel and bladder function, surgery is often necessary. Do carry on with your normal activities as much as possible regular exercises for sciatica start gentle exercise as soon as you can — anything that gets you moving can help hold heat packs to the painful areas — you can buy these from pharmacies ask your pharmacist about painkillers — NSAIDs like ibuprofen are often recommended — paracetamol on its own is unlikely to relieve your pain put a small, firm cushion between your knees when sleeping on your side, or several firm pillows underneath your knees when lying on your back.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if the pain:. Find a physiotherapist. Do stay active — take regular exercise use a safe technique when lifting heavy objects make sure you have a good posture when sitting and standing sit correctly when using a computer lose weight if you're overweight.

Video: What is sciatica? This animation explains what sciatica is and what causes it.