Conditions · Columbia, MD
Sciatica Treatment
Pain, tingling or numbness running from your low back down your leg? Physical therapy takes pressure off the sciatic nerve — often without injections or surgery.
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body, running from the low back through the buttock and down the back of the leg to the foot. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation, and it often travels below the knee.
At BEAT, your physical therapist finds out what is irritating the nerve — a disc, narrowing in the spine, a tight muscle or the way you move — and builds a plan around it. Untreated sciatica can become chronic and harder to manage, so getting the right care early matters.
Common symptoms
- Pain that runs from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg
- Tingling, numbness or "pins and needles" in the leg or foot
- Leg or foot weakness
- Pain that changes with sitting, standing, bending or walking
How we treat it
- Movements and positions that reduce pressure on the nerve
- Hands-on manual therapy and spinal mobilization
- Trigger point dry needling for tight, guarded muscles
- Core, hip and back strengthening
- Stretching to restore flexibility
- A home exercise program and tips to prevent flare-ups
See a doctor first if you have
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin — go to the ER
- Rapidly worsening leg weakness
- Pain after a significant fall or accident
Frequently asked questions
Can physical therapy help sciatica without surgery?
For many people, yes. Our goal is to calm the irritated nerve, restore movement and build strength so you can avoid surgery and long-term medication whenever possible. If we find signs that need a physician's attention, we'll tell you right away.
Should I rest until sciatica goes away?
Short rest can help in the first day or two, but prolonged bed rest usually makes stiffness and weakness worse. The right movements, done early, tend to speed recovery.
Do I need a referral?
Maryland allows you to see a physical therapist without a physician's referral, but some insurance plans still require one. Call us and we'll check your plan.
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