If you've never had sciatica before, it can be overwhelming to deal with. There is no cure and there are no immediate pain relief solutions. However, there are a few ways that you can treat your symptoms and possibly prevent future flare-ups with the help of physical therapy.
For those of you who aren't entirely familiar with how sciatica works, we've provided some helpful information on how long it typically lasts and how you can speed up the recovery process once you've started experiencing symptoms.
How long does sciatica last?
For someone who has sciatica, it's usually due to an inflamed or compressed nerve. For those who have acute sciatica, it can clear up as quickly as one to two weeks. Depending on the source of inflammation or compression on the nerve and the severity, it can usually take around four to six weeks for sciatica symptoms to improve. For people who experience this condition as a result of pregnancy, how long their sciatica lasts could be even longer.
What are some tips to reduce how long it takes to recover from lasting sciatic pain?
- Try to avoid becoming sedentary ” It can be difficult to maintain regular movement when you're in pain from sciatica, but when your pain subsides it's very important to begin regular movement. If you don't, your symptoms are likely to return. Walking is one great way to ensure movement and to encourage recovery from this condition.
- Start strength and flexibility training ” Beginning training for increased strength and flexibility training can be a great way to promote recovery. Not only will it leave you feeling stronger and more mobile, but it can also prevent future flare-ups when you build the strength of the tissue protecting the sciatic nerve.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your sciatica
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and that can help you estimate how long your sciatic pain may last.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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