Does a sharp, burning pain sometimes shoot from your lower back through your leg when you try to lift something at work? It could be sciatica, and if it started on the job, you might want to find out more about how our physical therapy in Queens, NY, can help. The following guide covers what physical therapy for sciatica involves and how, with the right rehabilitation plan, many people are able to return to their jobs safely.
What Is Sciatica From a Workplace Injury?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. When it becomes compressed or irritated somewhere along its path from your lower back through your hips and down each leg, you will feel it. According to EFORT Open Reviews, the lifetime prevalence of low back pain in adults may reach 84%. The same report shares that roughly 23% of adults worldwide go on to develop chronic low back pain, a category that can include sciatica-related symptoms.
A sudden strain from heavy lifting or a fall can compress the nerve. Repetitive motions and prolonged sitting or standing on the job can also contribute to the problem over time. Sciatica pain ranges from a dull ache to an intense burning, and some people also notice numbness or muscle weakness along the back of the thigh or calf.
Common Causes of Sciatica on the Job
When you need physical therapy for sciatica from work-related tasks, the sessions will often look at the risk factors in your role. A few common causes of sciatic nerve pain include:
- Prolonged sitting or standing: Jobs that require staying in one position for hours can create muscle imbalances that put pressure on the spine.
- Repetitive motions: Tasks like assembly line work or repeated bending and twisting can gradually wear down spinal structures.
- Poor ergonomic setups: Workstations that force awkward postures can contribute to chronic strain that eventually affects the sciatic nerve.
Recognizing these patterns early may help you and your employer address the underlying cause before symptoms worsen.
What an Evaluation Looks Like With Outpatient Physical Therapy in Queens, NY
In 2020, the World Health Organization reported that low back pain affected 619 million people worldwide, a number projected to climb to 843 million by 2050. Additionally, according to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, more than 16 million people (8% of all American adults) experience chronic back pain.
Physical therapy for sciatica typically begins with a thorough evaluation to understand the source of your pain. Your therapist will ask about your symptoms, your job duties, how the injury occurred, and other factors that affect your treatment plan. They will then assess your posture and range of motion to see what your body needs to begin healing.
What Treatment for Job-Related Sciatica Involves
Physical therapy for work-related sciatica generally combines several techniques rather than relying on just one approach. Your therapist may introduce backward and forward bending exercises to encourage healthy spine movement, along with nerve-gliding techniques that help the sciatic nerve move more freely within surrounding tissue. Strengthening exercises for the core, hips, and lower back are also common, since these muscles support the spine and help take pressure off your compressed nerve.
The progress of your sciatica rehabilitation after a workplace injury often depends on the severity of the nerve compression and how your body responds to treatment. Many people notice some improvement within the first four to six weeks of consistent therapy, which is part of why physical therapists recommend beginning treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Staying active during your recovery, rather than resting for extended periods, is also generally recommended to prevent muscle deconditioning.
When To Return to Work After Sciatica
Returning to work safely after sciatica involves more than just feeling better, as the symptoms can come and go. Physical therapy can help you build the specific strength and mobility your job requires. If your job involves lifting, for example, your therapist may guide you through proper mechanics so you can perform that motion without straining your back again.
Coordination between your employer and physical therapist can support a smoother transition back to your usual responsibilities. Since physical therapy for sciatica recovery also focuses on reducing the likelihood that the pain returns once you are back on the job, an at-home exercise program is also important to maintain the strength and flexibility you build in sessions.
JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., Helps Queens Workers Manage Sciatica and More To Support Recovery
A team that is experienced in physical therapy for workplace back injuries understands the added stress of these incidents, from missed workdays to navigating your claim. That’s why, if you are dealing with sciatica from a workplace injury, our physical therapist will always aim to offer a structured, non-invasive path toward relief. Individualized treatment plans will often combine manual therapy and targeted strengthening exercises with job-specific functional training to help get you back on track.
Call JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., today at (516) 689-9921 to schedule physical therapy in Queens, New York. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions about physical therapy and sciatica.
Can I Keep Working While Undergoing Physical Therapy for Sciatica?
Yes, if the pain is not incapacitating, many people continue working in a modified capacity during treatment. An employer and a physical therapist can coordinate on a gradual return-to-duty plan.
Is Bed Rest Recommended for Sciatica From a Workplace Injury?
Extended bed rest is generally not recommended for sciatica. Staying appropriately active tends to support a quicker return to normal work or daily life than prolonged inactivity.
What Does Physical Therapy for Sciatica Involve?
Physical therapy typically combines manual therapy, targeted strengthening and stretching exercises, nerve-gliding techniques, and posture re-education to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. A combination of techniques supports a safe return to daily activities.
