What is the treatment of sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by several factors including a herniated disk or piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle (small, outer-hip muscle) becomes tight and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some general exercises that may help sciatica include static stretching your hip flexors and piriformis and low-intensity strengthening exercises for your glutes (such as a floor bridge or ball bridge) and deep abdominal muscles (supine marching).

Sciatic nerve pain typically starts from the lower back due to a herniated disc, degeneration in the spine, or poor muscle stability of the vertebrae that can cause compression to the nerve. The sciatic nerve can also be compressed by such muscles as the pirofrmis in the hip.

In Physical Therapy, there are manual therapy techniques, modalities such as traction, positions or exercises to relieve the pain, or specific techniques to improve nerve mobility that we call ‘neurodynamics’. A Physical Therapist will then provide specific home exercises for the patient to do to complement the treatment provided in the clinic.  Differential diagnosis of sciatic nerve pain from other sources of leg pain should also be considered. For example, muscle trigger points of the gluteus medius and minimius commonly refer pain down the leg that is similar to sciatic nerve symptoms.