“Physical Therapy Helps Sciatica Pain!”
IS THAT THIGHPAIN REALLYSCIATICA?
One of the most common mistakes is to assume that all referred leg pain is caused by bulging discs in the low back. In addition, this type of pain is often incorrectly referred to as sciatica. The term sciatica is defined as pain running down the leg in the path of the sciatic nerve. It is best to understand the difference between referred leg pain, which “refers” from another area and nerve root pain, which originates in the spine. Irritation of any of the tissues in the back can cause pain down one or both legs. In addition, nearly seventy percent of patients with back pain have referred symptoms into their legs.This referred pain can be caused by irritated tissues, muscles, ligaments, joints, discs or other structures in the low back. The pain is typically a dull ache that spreads into the buttocks and thighs. In addition, it may affect both legs and usually does not go much below the knee. Referred pain is not caused by any structures pressing on a nerve, including the sciatic nerve. Irritation of the nerve root in the spine creates a very different type of pain that is typically sharp and specific to one area of your leg. Nerve root pain usually radiates to the foot or toes. Patients often describe the
symptoms with descriptors such as “pins and needles” or numbness. It also usually affects one leg only and is greater than the actual back pain. Nerve root pain is less common than referred leg pain. Furthermore, if you have only back pain and no leg pain or nerve symptoms, a nerve root problem is very unlikely. If you are having leg symptoms, our physical therapists can perform an evaluation to look for signs of nerve irritation or compression. Diagnosing nerve irritation is done with special tests that stretch or press on an irritated nerve root, causing pain. Our physical therapists at South Toledo PTperform several different tests to check for nerve involvement. A common test is performed by having a patient raise their leg straight in the air while laying on their back. If the patient has limited movement and radiating pain, the test is positive. Discover how our programs transform your back pain from a pressing problem to a distant memory, allowing you to live a happy, active, and pain-free life!
Healthy Recipe: TURKEY MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 large egg beaten • 1/4 cup shaved parmesan • 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp basil • 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 (24 oz) jar red pasta sauce • 1/2 lb whole grain spaghetti
DIRECTIONS Preheat broiler on high for 5 minutes. Combine all meatball ingredients in large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop 18 meatballs onto a rimmed cookie sheet. Broil on top rack for 5 minutes. In a large skillet, bring pasta sauce to a low simmer. Add in cooked meatballs and simmer together for 5-10 minutes or until meatballs are completely cooked through. Serve with your choice of pasta, fresh basil, more parmesan and enjoy!
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