The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It branches off from your spinal cord and runs down both your lower extremities down into your feet. Irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling often referred to as sciatica. Physical therapy Puyallup WA is often the first line of treatment for sciatica. One of the pain relief techniques your physical therapist may use is dry needling.
Nerve Pain Management
Dry needling involves sticking very thin, needles through the skin and into the underlying muscles. The needles are different from hollow hypodermic needles used to inject medication in that they are solid rather than hollow. They are more similar to acupuncture needles, but acupuncture is a completely different technique. It is increasingly common for physical therapists to offer dry needling, but acupuncture is usually a separate treatment because it requires a different kind of training.
When you have sciatica, there are trigger points along the nerve that are extra sensitive. When you go to Summit physical therapy for dry needling, the therapist locates the trigger points and inserts the needles into them. This causes a micro-injury that stimulates the release of body chemicals that decrease inflammation and promote healing. The goal is decreased inflammation, pain, and muscle tension and increased range of motion of the low back and legs.
Sciatica often results from a problem such as a bulging or ruptured disk that puts pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve. Dry needling relieves pain, but it does not address this underlying problem, which may require a different treatment.
Alleviating Sciatic Discomfort
Given that dry needling does not address the underlying cause of sciatica, you may be wondering, “What else could going to physical therapy near me do for my symptoms?” Each physical therapy program is individualized for the patient, so your physical therapist will design a treatment plan especially for your needs.
Depending on the cause of your sciatica, your therapist may teach you exercises that take pressure off the nerve roots or that increase the range of motion of your spine. Physical therapy for sciatica may involve massage or manual therapies to mobilize your joints or the sciatic nerve itself.
There are also things you can do at home to alleviate the pain of sciatica. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatories, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, may reduce the pain. Anti-inflammatories may also help to relieve pressure on the nerve roots by reducing swelling.
Applying ice or heat to the affected area may help to relieve sciatica pain. Within 48 to 72 hours from the onset of pain, only use ice, then you can add heat. Wrap the hot or cold pack in a towel to protect your skin, and do not apply either ice or heat for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Ask your doctor if physical therapy would be an appropriate treatment for your condition. Your primary care provider may be able to refer you to a therapist experienced in treating sciatica.
