SCIATICA: NO YOUR GLUTE ISN’T PLOTTING AGAINST YOU!

What is Sciatica (and What It Isn’t): Sciatica is often misunderstood, partly because of its unmistakable pain. True sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—your body's longest and thickest nerve—is irritated or compressed. The compression can be anywhere along the nerve itself or be from where it exits the spine at L4/5 or S1-3. Sciatica is not just “any” lower back pain, nor is it a muscular issue. It’s nerve pain that follows a specific path down the leg, often characterized by a sharp, burning sensation, numbness, or tingling. The specificity of the symptoms are what help to characterize “sciatica” versus low back pain.

Staying Active in the Gym: Leaving the gym isn’t necessary. Instead, we focus on modified, exercises that allow you to stay active without worsening symptoms. Movements that maintain strength, mobility, and flexibility can help alleviate sciatica pain and even shorten recovery time. Think of us as your body mechanics—we tune the exercises so they’re gentle on the nerve while building back strength. This might seem counterintuitive at first but the more we move the better the nerve responds and will allow you to get back to ALL of the lifting you want to do!

Physical Therapy’s Edge Over Injections and Surgery: Unlike injections, which can offer temporary relief, PT goes deeper, addressing underlying issues like muscle imbalances, postural problems, and movement habits. Studies show that surgery isn’t always more effective than physical therapy for many sciatic cases. With us, you’ll get individualized care that not only reduces symptoms but also keeps them at bay long-term, without going under the knife. While we do know that some cases will require further intervention, the risks for trying more conservative care first far outweigh the risks of any injection let alone a surgery.

Long-Term Wellness: Sciatica doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of pain or limitation. With a focus on building resilience and proper movement, we can teach you to avoid future flare-ups. Remember, sciatica doesn’t mean your nerve is “damaged for life”; it’s a nerve that just needs the right care to get back on track. The back has extreme resiliency and a huge capacity to heal. You just need to trust your body and give it the input that it needs to restore your capacity!