Sciatica is a common condition but the definition is very broad and misunderstood. The symptoms of sciatica are somewhat easy to identify, but the cause and proper course of treatment varies depending on the case.
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M A K I N G M O V E S T O U N D E R S TA N D SCIATICA BACK PAIN
Sciatica is a common condition but the definition is very broad and misunderstood. The symptoms of sciatica are somewhat easy to identify, but the cause and proper course of treatment varies depending on the case. What Is Sciatica? Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. This nerve, which branches from your lower back — spanning across your hips, buttocks and legs — can be injured or compressed in several ways and anywhere along its distribution. While sciatica pain can be intense, it is treatable. A lot of sciatica cases, in fact, can be resolved without operation — and within just a few weeks. Arguably the most important factor to getting better is finding a clinician that can identify the primary cause of your symptoms. The pain felt from irritation of the sciatic nerve is often a result of damage or pathology to another structure in close proximity to the nerve. What Causes Sciatica? In most cases, sciatica occurs when one of the back’s discs are herniated. It can also happen
if the spine narrows — an effect called spinal stenosis. If this is the case, both legs are often affected. The sciatic nerve is very long and branches off behind the knee to supply the lower leg. Because of its vast expansion and pathway throughout many structures in the leg, there are multiple culprits for compression or irritation. Alternatively, poor posture or positioning may lead to sciatic compression over time. This is not an exhaustive list of all sciatica causes. What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica? Sciaticapain isoftennoticedasapainradiating from the lower back. Often, this pain extends to the buttock, spiraling down the leg and extending to the calf. This, however, is only one presentation of the condition. Pain may be present anywhere along the nerve pathway and does not always originate at the spine. The pain may also be inconsistent, appearing and disappearing, increasing and decreasing depending on a multitude of factors. Thepain itselfcanbedull,achingorevensharp. Insomecases, thecompressednervemay feel like it burns. In other cases, the compressed nerve may simply issue a sharp jolt of pain. Some people experiencing sciatica may
experience leg numbness, tingling, weakness, or tightness and pulling in the back of the leg. If sciatica isn’t treated, it can hinder mobility altogether. How Physical Therapy Can Help with Sciatica If you think you may be experiencing sciatica, contact our clinic to schedule a visit with one of our licensed physical therapists. We will conduct a thorough examination to identify and treat the origin of your pain. Medical Over- the-counter painkillers may alleviate pain, but in-depth physical therapy is often needed, as the ultimate cause must be addressed in order toachieve lastingrelief.Physical therapy can reduce sciatica compression by carefully introducing exercises, utilizing appropriate manual therapy techniques, and providing insight on the origin of pain. If you are experiencing back pain, don’t wait. Call us at (214) 383-0623, and ask about our physical therapy options. Sources: medicinenet.com/sciatica/article.htm • mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms- causes/syc-20377435 • medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/7619.php
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Do you have back pain or leg pain with standing or walking? A 30-SECOND SELF-TEST FOR SCIATICA 1. Sit on a chair and keep good posture. 2 . Straighten one of your legs out in front of you while pointing your toes to the sky. Pay attention to how high your leg can go and if you have any pain, numbness, or tingling. 3. Place your leg back down to resting position, and repeat the same movement with the opposite leg. Do you have a shooting pain in your leg when you stand up?
Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or burning along the back of your leg? Take this 30-second self- test to see if you might have sciatica:
What Your Results Mean: If the leg with pain, numbness or tingling does not go up as high as the other leg, or your symptoms increase, you need to be assessed by a physical therapist. This test is a good start in realizing that there is a problem, but it is not specific enough to rule in sciatica with 100%certainty. The primary cause of your symptoms needs to be identified and treated. Give us a call today at (214) 383-0623 or visit our website at aaphysicaltherapy.com to find out more about how we can help.
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OUR SERV I CES • Aquatic Therapy • Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) • Concussion Therapy • Dance Injury Rehabilitation • Electrical Stimulation • Instrument Assisted Manual Therapy • Joint Mobilization • Kinesio Taping • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) • Manual Therapy • Therapeutic Exercise • Vertigo Treatment
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE? • Therapeutic exercise incorporates a wide range of activities that help you regain or maintain your strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, endurance, or stability. • Therapeutic exercises are typically performed as a part of a physical therapy treatment plan specific to each individual and often as a follow up to manual therapy techniques. THERAPY RESULTS • Increase Range of Motion and Muscle Performance • Promote better posture, balance, and coordination
ME E T THE T EAM
MONICA INFANTAS Office Administrator
Monica was born and raised in Plano, Texas. Although she initially went to a university in Chattanooga, Tennessee to pursue a nursing degree, she moved back to Texas after deciding she wanted to be a physical therapist instead. While at Texas Woman’s University, she was active in volleyball intramurals and the kinesiology club. Monica graduated in May of 2016. Monica has always had a desire to help those in need and she feels most fulfilled when she gets to do so. Growing up, she always thought that she would become a vet because she loves animals, but as she got older, a running injury made her realize that she wanted to help people instead. Monica loves being active by strength training and running. She enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports although her favorite pastime is hiking. Her main passion is to help others and when she can, she feeds the homeless and goes on mission trips with her church to other countries. We cannot thank Monica enough for all the hard work and care she puts into the clinic!
FREE HEADACHE & NECK PAIN WORKSHOP SEPT 12TH, 7-8 PM AT THE CLINIC brought pain free function back to reality. Thank you so much for your efforts in getting me back to where I wanted to be, as my health seals the happiness between God, myself and the people who love the game as much as I do! Keep shining!” - Kerri SPOTLIGHT PATIENT SUCCESS We will discuss how to differentiate between different types of headaches and what to do about nagging tension headaches. The first 3 people to RSVP will receive a FREE lacrosse ball, a great tool helpful in increasing mobility, loosening muscles, and reaching trigger points. CALL US at 214-383-0623 to RSVP for this event. “After a horrible car accident, I felt the normal activities of my life were no longer attainable. Finding Dr. Kirsten Trapp
Key Stats & Knowledge • B.S. in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University • Expert in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Enhance Your Mobility • Activity • Performance • Life Call (214) 383-0623 Today! NOW’ S YOUR MOMENT !
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