Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain and sciatica are closely related conditions. In many cases, sciatica is caused by an underlying issue in the back. The sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, originates in the lower back, passes through the buttock, and extends down the back of each leg. Branches of the nerve reach the thigh, calf, foot, and toes. Sciatica pain is typically associated with the following symptoms:

  • Low back pain that radiates down the leg
  • Burning or tingling leg pain
  • Numbness in the leg or foot
  • Persistent pain on one side of the buttock
  • Sharp, stabbing pain
  • Difficulty sitting or standing up
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Sciatica itself is not a diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying condition. Effective treatment requires identifying the root cause, which may include:

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, though it can occur in younger individuals as well. When a disc weakens, it can irritate nearby nerve roots, causing sciatica. Bone spurs may also develop and contribute to the pain.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves the gradual narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to aging. It is commonly seen in individuals over 50 and may result from a bulging disc, enlarged facet joints, arthritis, or soft tissue overgrowth, all of which can trigger sciatica.

Lumbar Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the disc’s soft inner gel leaks out and irritates the sciatic nerve. This is a common cause of sciatica and is also referred to as a bulging, slipped, ruptured, or protruding disc.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis happens when a stress fracture causes one vertebra to slip forward over another, leading to a collapsed disc space. This may compress the nerve and result in sciatica pain ranging from mild to severe.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain and Sciatica

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for back and sciatica pain, typically involving both passive and active components. Passive treatments include ultrasound, TENS units, heat and ice therapy, and iontophoresis. Active therapies involve stretching, strengthening exercises, and low-impact aerobic conditioning such as walking, biking, or water therapy. Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises and core strengthening are particularly important.

During your first visit, a physical therapist will perform a full evaluation and create a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. The therapist will guide you through recovery, helping you reduce pain, regain function, and improve your overall well-being.

If you’re dealing with back pain or sciatica, don’t wait to seek help. Contact our Greenwood, IN center to schedule a one-on-one consultation and comprehensive evaluation. Our experienced physical therapists are dedicated to helping you feel better and return to the life you enjoy.