Click Here to Download: Sciatic Nerve Pain Program
Click Here to Download: Sciatic Nerve Pain Program Pictures
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a condition in itself but a symptom of an underlying issue involving the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the human body. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Typical symptoms include:
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain down one leg
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Usually affects only one side of the body
Purpose of this Program
This program is designed to highlight exercises, stretches, and nerve glides to help reduce your symptoms. This can be used in preparation for or alongside physical therapy to address your sciatic nerve pain and help reduce your symptoms. You should still be evaluated by a physical therapist to determine the trigger of your pain and address any musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and fascial restrictions which could be impacting your symptoms.
Each day of the program will include additional exercises based on if you likely have a disc herniation or a piriformis tightness causing your pain. This is based on assumption according to the descriptors above, and/or based on diagnostics from your medical doctor or physical therapist. It is highly suggested that you are evaluated to determine the cause of your pain for more accurate treatment and better recovery.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden weakness or loss of function in the leg
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (may indicate cauda equina syndrome)
- Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with self-care