Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain. While the origin of back pain isn’t always obvious, sciatica presents with distinct symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life.
At Tri Rehab, we help patients in Dearborn and Canton, Michigan manage and recover from sciatica through personalized physical therapy and education.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates from your lower back into the side or back of one or both legs. It may feel like:
A sharp, shooting pain
A dull ache
A burning sensation
Or something in between
Sciatica is often accompanied by:
Numbness
Tingling
Weakness in the leg or foot
These symptoms occur because the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, becomes irritated or compressed.
What Causes Sciatica?
Several structures in the body can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation, including:
Pinched nerve roots in the lower back (radiculopathy)
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
Piriformis syndrome (tightness or irritation of the piriformis muscle)
Herniated or bulging discs
Referred pain from other low back issues
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower spine and travels through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. When any part of this pathway is affected, pain can radiate along the nerve.
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your symptoms and a physical examination of your back and movement patterns.
In many cases, imaging is not immediately required. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, additional testing may be recommended, such as:
MRI
CT scan
X-rays
EMG (nerve testing)
These tests help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
How Is Sciatica Treated?
Treatment for sciatica depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Common treatment options include:
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications
Muscle relaxants
In some cases, steroid injections
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica. At Tri Rehab, therapy focuses on:
Correcting posture
Strengthening supporting muscles
Improving flexibility
Reducing pain and muscle spasms
A personalized plan helps restore movement and prevent recurrence.
How Can I Take Care of Myself?
If you are experiencing sciatica or low back pain, there are several steps you can take to manage symptoms safely:
Avoid overusing your back
Stay active, but avoid heavy lifting (especially over 5 pounds early on)
Limit frequent bending or movements that worsen pain
Pain Relief Tips
Ice packs or heating pads may help reduce discomfort
Avoid sleeping with a heating pad to prevent burns
Sleep Position Tips
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
If on your back, place a pillow under your knees
Avoid sleeping on your stomach
If symptoms persist or worsen — especially if you experience increasing weakness, numbness, or tingling — seek medical evaluation.
When to Seek Help
Sciatica can often improve with conservative care, but ongoing symptoms should not be ignored. Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help you return to normal activities faster.
At Tri Rehab, we specialize in helping patients reduce pain, restore function, and get back to the activities they enjoy.
Visit www.trirehab.com to learn more about treatment options in Dearborn and Canton, Michigan.
Sources
Spine-health: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica
Mary Guyette, DPT – Tri Rehab, Inc.
Emory Healthcare, Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, Georgia
