Sciatica is usually caused due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Seeing the signs of sciatica healing gives you hope to go on with your treatment.
An inflamed sciatic nerve is a very painful condition and can limit day to day activities as basic as sitting, walking, standing and even sleeping.
The pain in the sciatic nerve is a treatable condition and the earlier it is treated, the faster it tends to heal. Some sciatica can heal on its own as well, however, the majority require professional help to fully resolve.
In this article, we have discussed the signs of improvement in sciatica and the stages of it’s recovery.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Inflammation can result from sciatic nerve compression, irritation or an over stretched nerve from trauma or injury.
Sciatica may present with localized dull achy or sharp pain at the site of the injury but it may also refer down one or both legs as pain, numbness or tingling. In more severe instances, sciatica may even result in weakness and muscle atrophy.
Read More: Sciatica; the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
How to Distinguish When My Sciatica is Improving?
These 4 signs show you’re close to a full recovery of your sciatic nerve pain:
#1: Reduced nerve inflammation and irritation.
#2: Improved level of Oxygen supply.
#3: Improved sensation in previously numbness areas.
#4: Significant reduction of shooting pains in achy locations.
Sciatica goes through a series of healing stages that eventually result in its full recovery. The healing of sciatica always begins with reducing nerve inflammation and irritation first.
After the irritating mechanism is removed, the nerve starts to receive more Oxygen supply and it can start to regenerate nerve cells that have become hypoxic (lack of Oxygenation) from the injury.
The next stage of healing is when the numbness starts to dissipate and patients notice improved sensation in the areas that were numb before due to nerve cell regeneration.
Lastly, when full recovery has occurred, the patient no longer has numbness and or shooting pains and even the dull achy localized pain has resolved as well as a result of nerve desensitization.
Patients can return back to sports and other day to day activities with no issues.
The four stages of sciatica pain recovery are as follows:
Phase #1: Reducing Inflammation
The first phase of sciatica healing focuses on reducing inflammation along the sciatic nerve. This can be accomplished through a combination of rest, ice, pain relievers, and physical therapy.
During this phase, the patient’s movements may be significantly restricted, and they may experience trouble sleeping due to pain.
During this phase, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and symptoms.
Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and proper self-care are key factors in ensuring a successful recovery from sciatica.
Phase #2: Improving Oxygenation
As the inflammation subsides and the sciatic nerve begins to heal, the focus shifts to improving oxygen delivery to the nerve. This is essential for nerve cell regeneration and the restoration of normal nerve function.
During this phase, the patient may notice a gradual reduction in pain intensity and frequency. This is because as nerve cells regenerate, they become less sensitive to pain signals and send fewer of them to the brain. Additionally, the inflammation that was causing the nerve compression has subsided, allowing the nerve to function more freely.
As the pain eases, the patient may begin to regain some movement and mobility. This is because the nerve is no longer sending pain signals that restrict movement.
It is important to note that the timeline for healing from sciatica can vary from person to person. Some people may experience significant improvement in a few weeks, while others may take several months to fully heal.
Phase #3: Regeneration of Nerve Cells
This phase marks a significant milestone in the sciatica healing process, as it involves the actual repair and regeneration of damaged nerve cells within the sciatic nerve.
This phase typically begins after the inflammation has subsided and oxygenation has improved, allowing for the necessary conditions for nerve cell regeneration to take place.
During this phase, patients may experience further improvement in their mobility and range of motion. They may find it easier to bend, twist, and move their legs without experiencing pain or discomfort.
Additionally, the numbness or tingling sensations in the affected leg may gradually diminish, as the nerve fibers regain their ability to transmit sensory signals properly.
As the nerve cells regenerate, they begin to form new connections, restoring the nerve’s ability to transmit signals from the brain to the muscles and back.
This improved nerve function allows for greater control over the muscles in the leg, leading to enhanced mobility and reduced pain.
During this phase, it is still important to continue with conservative treatment measures, such as regular exercise, stretching, and strengthening exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist. These activities can further promote nerve regeneration and prevent re-injury.
Phase #4: Nerve Rehabilitation and Desensitization
This phase marks the completion of the sciatica healing process, as it involves restoring the full function and sensitivity of the sciatic nerve. This phase typically begins after the inflammation, oxygenation, and nerve cell regeneration phases have been successfully completed.
During this stage, patients may experience complete resolution of their pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. They should also regain full range of motion and strength in their legs. With proper nerve rehabilitation exercises, the nerve becomes desensitized to pain signals, so that it can function properly without experiencing pain.
To fully complete the healing process and prevent recurrence of sciatica, it is important to continue with nerve rehabilitation exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist or a chiropractor.
These exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility, which can help prevent future nerve compression.
Does Sciatica Get Worse Before Getting Better?
In some instances, it is possible that the sciatica gets worse for a few days after starting treatment.
This is typical as treatments will be working on hypersensitive nerves that are sending many pain signals to the brain. After these nerves are manipulated, the signals to the brain regarding pain can amplify.
However, this exacerbation often lasts between 1-7 days and patients typically start to feel significantly better once the body has had time to process the changes from the treatment and to reduce its inflammatory cascade to the area.
How Long Does Sciatica Pain Last?
Sciatica can be transitory lasting only a couple days or it can become more chronic such as more than 6 months if left untreated and ignored.
The duration of sciatica is case dependent.
Some have jobs or habits that may continuously aggravate the sciatic nerve without them being aware of it.
Seeking professional advice can help identify such habits and through elimination of aggravating activities, the sciatic nerve can actually start to heal by itself.
In other instances, treatments may be necessary to reduce the inflammation and to help the sciatic nerve’s healing with manual therapy (mostly physiotherapy) and proper exercise prescription.
Preventing Sciatica from Returning
To summarize, Sciatica may heal independently but most often requires a professional’s attention. Fulcrum Therapy healthcare professionals have the knowledge and ability to help you with sciatica treatment, either by manual therapy, exercise, or medication if required.
During the healing process of sciatica, nerve inflammation, and irritation are always reduced first. After this, the nerve can receive more oxygen and regenerate its cells, improving sensation in the numb areas.
Full recovery is achieved after the rehabilitation and desensitization stage. Patients should be ready to get back to full function and even back to their favorite sports and activities without recurrence of sciatica.
Sciatica treatments are customized to your condition. Book your appointment with us, and we will guide you through the treatment procedure.