Sciatica happens when one of the sciatic nerves is pinched or irritated. These nerves are rooted in your lower back, and they run from there all the way into your legs and feet. For most people, sciatica results in back pain, and the pain may feel like it’s running down your legs. It can also lead to feelings of numbness and tingling in your legs, feet or buttocks.
How long does sciatica take to heal?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50% of patients with sciatica recover in six weeks or less. They also report that between 80% and 90% of patients with this condition won’t require surgery to correct it. However, there are certain issues that cause sciatica that can increase recovery time or even cause sciatica to come back.
1. Back muscle adhesions
Adhesions are areas of scar tissue that build up in or around a muscle. In many cases, they develop as a result of a muscle injury from playing sports, but they can also come from motor vehicle accident injuries. The tightness and reduced mobility adhesions cause can pull the spine out of alignment, causing sciatica. Physical therapy techniques like manual therapy can help break down adhesions and reduce the risk of recurring sciatica.
2. Herniated discs
Herniated discs can also cause sciatica to reappear if they aren’t addressed. A disc is a structure found between spinal vertebrae, and it’s composed of a tough outer shell and a gel-like interior. When the outer shell of a disc is torn, the inner material can poke out, or herniate. This material may then pinch or irritate the sciatic nerve.
Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help treat sciatica in Saint Peters, MO
At our clinic in Saint Peters, Missouri, our Excel Sports & Physical Therapy team is ready to help treat sciatica and its underlying causes. Our team will first perform an initial screening to determine the cause of your sciatica, and then we’ll build you a personalized treatment plan that’s designed to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve back mobility
- Speed up recovery
Take the next step to get our help with your sciatica. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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