Sciatica is a term you might have heard before, especially if you know someone who often complains about back pain. It’s a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body. This nerve starts from your lower back, branches out through your hips and buttocks, and extends down each leg. When this nerve gets irritated or compressed, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, which is what we call sciatica. This pain can be quite severe and can limit your ability to carry out everyday activities, like walking, standing, or even sitting comfortably.

Surgery vs. Non–Surgical Treatment: What Does Science Say?

There’s been a lot of debate about the best way to treat sciatica. Some people suggest surgery, while others believe in non–surgical treatments. A recent study tried to find out which approach is better. This study was a systematic review and meta–analysis, which means it looked at the results of many different studies to come to a conclusion.

The researchers found that a surgical procedure called discectomy, which involves removing the part of a disk in your spine that’s causing pressure and inflammation on a nerve, was better than non–surgical treatment or epidural steroid injections at reducing leg pain and disability in people with sciatica.

However, there’s a catch. The benefits of this surgery seemed to decrease over time. Plus, like all surgeries, discectomy comes with its own risks, including potential complications related to the surgery itself. The studies that were reviewed might not have been large enough to detect all the possible harms, especially those that don’t happen very often.

Physical Therapy: A Safer First Step

• Given the potential risks of surgery and the fact that its benefits might not last, it makes sense to consider non–surgical treatments first. One of these treatments is physical therapy.
• Physical therapy is a type of treatment that helps you improve your physical function and fitness level. Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who are trained to understand how the body works and how to get it moving again when something goes wrong. We can provide exercises and treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs, targeting the root cause of your sciatica pain.
• This approach not only helps to relieve your immediate pain but also gives you the tools and knowledge to manage your condition in the long term. This means you can continue to use what you’ve learned even after your therapy sessions have ended, helping to prevent future episodes of sciatica.

Your Next Step: See a Physical Therapist

Before you consider going under the knife, why not try physical therapy? It’s a safe, effective, and non–invasive way to treat sciatica. It can provide relief from pain and help you get back to your normal activities.

The best treatment for any condition is one that not only helps you feel better but also fits with your lifestyle, your budget, considers risks and side effects, and your personal preferences. So, if you’re dealing with sciatica, consider making an appointment with a physical therapist. It could be your first step towards living a life free from the pain of sciatica.