SCIATICA CAN BE A REAL PAIN IN THE BUTT Physical Therapy Can Help
much rest can backfire, causing deconditioning and increasing the likelihood of reinjury. Further, too
If you’ve ever suffered from sciatica, you know that it can make every movement excruciating. The condition affects anywhere between 10%-40% of the population and is one of the most common causes of back and leg pain. But even though the discomfort can be unbearable, many people think they have no choice but to wait it out. Sciatica is not a diagnosis; it describes symptoms resulting from a pinched sciatic nerve, which travels down your lower back and through both legs. There are several causes, including a herniated disc, bone spur, complications from diabetes, and more. While the sciatic nerve exists on both sides, only one side usually becomes injured at a time. The pain can be present in the lower back, upper buttocks, or thighs. Although anyone can develop sciatica, older age, higher weight, preexisting conditions like diabetes, and lack of exercise increase the risk. You should always see a doctor if you develop the pain after an accident, begin experiencing sudden and severe pain, have difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder, and experience no improvement after a week. Meanwhile, mild sciatica usually resolves on its own, but many of the things people do at home to relieve their pain can make the problem worse. Too
much hot or cold therapy can negatively affect the healing process, and attempting to power through without proper guidance can exacerbate the condition.
Physical therapy is a much better choice. It can provide significant relief from symptoms while improving flexibility and mobility. Depending on the cause of the patient’s sciatica, a physical therapist may offer massage, hot or cold therapy, extension and strengthening exercises, hydrotherapy, dry needling, and other treatments. They will cater therapy to each individual depending on their needs and abilities, making most patients feel better faster. Even better, a physical therapist can often treat the underlying cause of your sciatica, reducing the risk of additional or repeat injury. And even when they cannot cure the condition, a physical therapist can typically provide treatment and techniques to minimize the impact of its symptoms on your life. If you’ve been suffering, it’s time to stop. Call Horizon Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment today!
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Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Marinade •
• • •
Juice of 1 lime
3/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt For the Skewers •
• • • •
2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp rice vinegar
•
3 tbsp honey
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides!
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