Are you one of the many people who suffer from lower back pain that spreads into one of your legs? This is known as sciatica, and it can make it difficult to get through your daily activities or to simply relax. 

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — a long nerve in your lower back and legs — is subjected to prolonged pressure or irritation. The pressure and irritation lead to the development of inflammation, which is what causes the pain in sciatica. 

How long does sciatica last?

Sciatica has a wide range of how long it may affect you. It’s not uncommon to experience an acute case of sciatica, which might only affect you for a few days or a couple of weeks. This could occur because of a long day of physically demanding work or from too many hours sitting without stretching or exercising.

There are many cases in which sciatica lasts for longer than a few weeks. This is known as chronic sciatica. In these circumstances, your sciatica may be related to another condition or may be the result of acute sciatica that has been left untreated. This could go on for weeks or months if left unaddressed.

Treating sciatica

Treatments for sciatica vary depending on its severity and cause. In many mild, acute cases, you can get by with some simple home treatments and gentle exercise. However, if you have long-lasting or intense sciatica, you should visit a physical therapist for help.

Physical therapists can examine your condition and recommend a course of treatment. Physical therapy treatments are always personalized to your needs, but you can generally expect treatment to include:

• Gentle stretches
• Therapeutic exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Posture guidance and more

Visit Rehab Access today for sciatica treatment

Are you tired of sciatica making it difficult to do anything, including getting a good night of sleep? Our physical therapists at Rehab Access are here to help you manage your pain and get back to enjoying your daily life. Contact our team today for more information about sciatica or to schedule an initial appointment.