Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates from the lower back and down the leg; it usually affects one side of the body. The pain travels down the sciatic nerve, which is the biggest nerve in the body. Since sciatica is a symptom of another condition, treatment will depend at least partially on the cause. In some cases, the patient may need physical therapy after they have been treated for pain.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is most commonly caused by a bone spur or herniated disc that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. Other common causes of sciatica include spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
How Is Sciatica Treated?
The doctor will use imaging tests like X-rays to identify and locate the cause before starting treatment. Professional Sciatica treatment in Glendale AZ, often includes trigger point therapy and chiropractic manipulations.
What Is Trigger Point Therapy?
A trigger point is a painful knot of muscle or soft tissue that can cause sciatica by pressing on the sciatic nerve. Trigger point therapy is an outpatient treatment for such knots. The doctor will inject an anesthetic into the trigger point to make it relax and thus relieve the pain.
What Is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy describes treatments like chiropractic or massage in which the therapist physically manipulates the back or leg. It has the advantage of not causing the side effects that some medications can incur. Chiropractic treatment often focuses on correcting the alignment of the spine, while massage can ease the pain.
