Sciatica treatment in Cañon City.
That sharp, shooting pain down your leg? That's sciatica — and it's one of the most treatable conditions we see. Physical therapy resolves most cases without medication, injections, or surgery.
What sciatica actually is.
Sciatica isn't a diagnosis — it's a symptom. The term describes pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg. When that nerve gets compressed or irritated, you feel it as that classic shooting, burning, or electric pain.
The most common cause is a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, but sciatic pain can also come from spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome (muscle compressing the nerve), or simple muscle tightness. The treatment depends on what's actually causing the nerve irritation — which is exactly what our evaluation determines.
The encouraging news: roughly 80–90% of sciatica resolves with conservative treatment. Most patients see meaningful relief within a few weeks of skilled physical therapy.
How sciatica typically feels.
- Sharp or burning pain radiating down one leg
- Pain that worsens with sitting or bending forward
- Pain that may extend to the foot
- Numbness or tingling along the leg
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that comes and goes
What's behind it.
- Herniated or bulging lumbar discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Muscle spasm pressing on the nerve
- Pregnancy-related compression
How we treat sciatica.
A targeted approach based on what's actually causing your nerve irritation.
Directional preference exercises
Specific movements that "centralize" pain — pulling it from the leg back into the spine, where it heals faster. Often dramatic relief in the first few sessions.
Manual therapy
Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, mobilize stiff spinal joints, and relieve pressure on the nerve.
Nerve gliding
Gentle techniques that help an irritated nerve move smoothly through surrounding tissues — like flossing for your nerves.
Core strengthening
Long-term protection against recurrence through deep core and hip strengthening that supports your spine.
Most sciatica patients see meaningful relief within 4 to 8 weeks.
Every recovery timeline is different, but here's what most patients can expect when they choose physical therapy for sciatica.
Frequently asked questions about sciatica.
How long does sciatica last?
Most cases resolve within 4–12 weeks with skilled physical therapy. Without treatment, sciatica can drag on for months or become chronic — so early intervention makes a big difference.
Should I get an MRI for sciatica?
Not usually. MRI findings often don't match symptoms — many people have disc problems on MRI without any pain at all. Imaging is reserved for severe cases, persistent symptoms, or signs of nerve damage. We can usually identify the source clinically.
Will I need surgery?
In about 80–90% of cases, no. Even severe sciatica often resolves with conservative care. Surgery is typically considered only when there's significant nerve damage, progressive weakness, or symptoms don't respond to 3–6 months of skilled therapy.
Can I exercise with sciatica?
Yes, but the type of exercise matters enormously. The wrong exercises can dramatically worsen sciatica, while the right ones can rapidly reduce pain. Your PT will identify which movements help and which to temporarily avoid.
Should I sit or stand more?
It depends on what's causing your sciatica. For disc-related sciatica, prolonged sitting often makes symptoms worse, so frequent movement breaks help. For stenosis-related sciatica, sitting often feels better than standing. Your evaluation will clarify this.
Is sciatica treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. Physical therapy for sciatica is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. We verify your benefits before your first appointment.