Physical Therapy Solutions for Sciatica and Back Pain

How Can You Tell If You Have Sciatica?

Although sciatica is a commonly used term, it may also cause confusion because it is sometimes used to describe any type of back or leg pain. But “true” sciatica refers to pain that radiates downwards from the lower back/buttock region along the course of the nerve into the thigh and lower leg. Symptoms that extend below the knee and into the lower leg and foot are consistent with a true sciatica. 

Not all patients have pain. Some patients experience paresthesias (i.e. numbness and tingling) along the sciatic nerve’s path in the leg and foot. For some, the condition may include weakness in the muscles of the foot and lower leg. In serious cases, it can include changes to bowel and bladder function. 

While sciatica pain can be intense, it is treatable. For a lot of people, physical therapy can help to resolve sciatica without operation — often within just a few weeks. Even if you’ve suffered severe sciatica spawned from leg weakness, bladder changes or nerve issues, there’s still hope.

What Causes Sciatica?

In most cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated lumbar disc where the nerve root is irritated by disc material that has ruptured. Recent evidence suggests that sciatica is not because of “compression” but a combination of pressure, inflammation and immune system defenses.

In most cases, a physical therapist can help to identify what is causing the condition and how to successfully resolve it. The combination of education and activity modification can help set the stage for a successful outcome.

The Most Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica back pain is normally noticed as a pain radiating from the lower back/buttock down the leg below the knee and sometimes into the foot. The dominance of leg pain (more than back pain) is a classic characteristic of sciatica. 

The location of the leg pain (i.e. outer calf or back of calf); paraesthesia (i.e. numbness and/or tingling) or loss of sensation, along with weakness and/or reflex changes are all indications of sciatica. Another clear sign is increased leg pain with coughing, sneezing and/or taking a deep breath. If sciatica isn’t treated, it can hinder mobility altogether.

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Sciatica

If you’re experiencing sciatica, contact a physical therapist immediately. Your physical therapist will perform a thorough physical examination and based on the finding provide you with solutions that work. 

Education

Understanding exactly what sciatica is and how to manage it can help you be proactive and find a solution for your sciatica. Your therapist knows the solutions that work. Understanding what is going on, and more importantly, what you can do about it, has been shown to be one of the most effective solutions. It seems small but consistently it has been shown to help! 

Advice to stay active

It is especially important to stay active early, despite the intensity of the pain that can be associated with sciatica. We know that rest is not an effective solution. Your physical therapist can help you identify modifications to painful tasks and help you be safe and active.

Exercise therapy

Supervised exercises are vital to a successful outcome. A physical therapist will tailor your exercises, monitor you and progress you based on your individual needs. Supervised exercise therapy includes directional exercises, proper postural exercises, nerve mobilization, or strength exercises. 

The McKenzie Method is a technique that has been shown to be effective in identifying movements and positions to provide you with relief and is often used for home exercises. 

Spinal manual therapy

Physical therapists often use spinal manual therapy for their patients with sciatica. Manual therapies include a variety of techniques that move one or more joints within normal ranges of motion with the aim of improving spinal joint motion or function. It can also include soft tissue techniques that help to alleviate pain and allow for more mobility and improved function.

6 Tips For a Healthy Diet This Summer

Your diet affects many aspects of your well-being including your immune system, bone health, muscle function, inflammation and pain. Conditions including heart disease and diabetes are also impacted by dietary intake. In summer, it can be difficult to keep good nutrition at the forefront especially with barbeques and cookouts popping up everywhere you look! Here are 6 nutrition tips to help you maintain a healthy diet this season:

1. Swap out snacks for fruits and vegetables. Consume at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. If this sounds challenging, remember that fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or even juiced fruits and veggies are all options.

2. Replace steak with fish. Fish is a great source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. You should try to incorporate at least 2 servings of fish into your diet every week.

3. Reduce your saturated fat intake. Too much saturated fat can raise your blood cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of developing heart disease. Examples of food high in saturated fat includes fatty cuts of meat, sausages, butter, hard cheeses, cream, cakes and biscuits.

4. Cut down on sugary drinks. Drinks high in sugar contribute to obesity and tooth decay. Try opting for a cool, refreshing glass of water instead, or a tasty fruit smoothie!

5. Drink enough water. Proper hydration is always important, but even more so during hot weather. You should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

6. Don’t skip breakfast. A healthy breakfast sets the tone for your day and gives you the energy you need to make it to lunch! 

We hope these tips will help you navigate the season and prioritize your health this summer!