If sciatica pain slows you down, you’re not alone. That shooting pain from your lower back down your leg makes even simple movements feel impossible. But what kind of doctor treats sciatica?

You might wonder if you need a specialist, surgery, or medication. But before jumping to those options, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can be your best bet. Physical therapy treats the root cause of sciatica and helps you regain mobility without relying on painkillers or invasive procedures.

A DPT creates a personalized plan to ease pain, strengthen muscles, and prevent flare-ups. Through hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and movement corrections, you can improve flexibility and reduce nerve pressure. With the right guidance, lasting relief is possible.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica

Sciatica Pain and Treatment Plan with Physical Therapy

Understanding Sciatica And Its Impact

Sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, gets irritated or compressed. This can cause sciatic nerve pain that radiates from your lower back down your leg. You may feel numbness, muscle weakness, or even excruciating pain that makes standing, sitting, or walking difficult.

Common causes include a herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, bone spurs, or hip arthritis. In severe cases, conditions like cauda equina syndrome require immediate attention. Understanding what’s causing your sciatica pain is the first step to finding relief.

Why A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Is A Smart First Step

A doctor treats sciatica in different ways, but a physical therapist focuses on non-surgical treatment options to relieve pain and restore function. Physical therapy is a safe, effective approach that addresses the musculoskeletal system and promotes natural healing.

  • Thorough evaluation: Identifies what’s triggering your sciatic pain and whether nerve compression, spinal stenosis, or lumbar radiculopathy is involved.
  • Personalized treatment plan: Tailored exercises and hands-on techniques target the affected leg, lower back, and nerve roots to reduce symptoms.
  • Pain management strategies: Instead of relying on pain medicine, therapy helps strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and correct posture.

You don’t have to live with constant pain or fear movement. At Green Physical Therapy, we help you take control of your recovery so you can enjoy an active, fulfilling life again.

Schedule a consultation today! Speak with a PT today at 702-935-9740 to start your recovery.

Physical Therapy Techniques To Treat Sciatica

Your sciatica treatment plan will depend on your specific symptoms, but physical therapy often includes:

  • Stretching and mobility work: Helps reduce inflammation, relieve nerve compression, and restore flexibility.
  • Strengthening exercises: Focuses on your lower spine, spinal column, and core to stabilize the nervous system and prevent future pain.
  • Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques ease constant pain by improving blood flow and muscle function.
  • Posture training: Addresses misalignment that puts pressure on your sciatic nerve and worsens lower back pain.
  • Nerve glides: Specific movements help free the sciatica nerve from tight areas, reducing symptoms.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica

When To Seek Other Treatment Options

While physical therapy is highly effective, some cases require additional intervention. If you’re experiencing severe cases of sciatic pain, or if symptoms persist despite therapy, you may need:

  • Pain management specialists for options like nerve blocks or other pain management techniques.
  • Orthopedic surgeon consultation if symptoms indicate the need for surgical treatment like spinal fusion or a procedure to remove bone spurs.
  • Imaging tests like detailed images from an MRI or CT scan to assess underlying causes.

Preventing Sciatica Pain From Returning

Long-term relief comes from maintaining regular exercise, practicing proper movement, and addressing posture issues. Home exercises prescribed by your physical therapist can keep your sciatic nerve healthy and prevent future flare-ups.

By staying active and making small daily adjustments, you can avoid chronic pain and enjoy lasting comfort.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica

Green Physical Therapy for Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

A Personalized Approach To Lasting Sciatica Relief

At Green Physical Therapy in Summerlin, NV, we help active adults and athletes overcome sciatic nerve pain so you can return to the activities you love. You may have tried rest, medications, massages, or chiropractic treatments without long-term relief. If you’re worried that movement will make things worse, you’re not alone.

We take a hands-on, personalized approach to treating sciatica pain. Instead of masking symptoms, we focus on targeting the root cause to provide real, lasting relief.

Why Traditional Treatments Fall Short

Many people receive advice that doesn’t truly help. Have you been told to:

  • Rest and wait it out? This won’t resolve the underlying cause.
  • Accept sciatica pain as part of aging? Pain isn’t something you have to live with.
  • Rely on medications? These only mask pain and can lead to side effects.
  • Consider surgery or injections as the only options? Many cases improve without them.

At Green Physical Therapy, we know these approaches don’t get you back to an active, pain-free lifestyle. That’s why we focus on a customized treatment plan that works for your body and goals.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica

How We Treat Sciatica Without Surgery

Your treatment plan starts with a thorough evaluation to identify what’s causing your sciatic nerve pain. Then, we create a targeted program to restore movement and relieve nerve compression.

We use:

  • Manual therapy to release tight muscles and improve mobility.
  • Guided strengthening exercises to support your spinal column and prevent future pain.
  • Postural training to reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve and lower back.
  • Nerve gliding techniques to ease irritation and restore movement.

With the right plan, you can find relief and avoid the frustration of recurring sciatica pain.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica

Take The First Step Toward A Pain-Free Life

You don’t have to live with constant pain or fear movement. At Green Physical Therapy, we help you take control of your recovery so you can enjoy an active, fulfilling life again.

Schedule a consultation today! Speak with a PT today at 702-935-9740 to start your recovery.