If so, you may be experiencing sciatica. Sciatica means irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, that runs from the lower back down the back of the leg to the knee where it splits into two nerves that run down to the foot. Irritation of the sciatic nerve results in pain radiating down the back of one leg, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, and back pain. People frequently have questions about what sciatica is, why it occurs, and how to find relief from the intense pain it can cause. The most important thing to know is that sciatica is a symptom rather than a condition and the cause of the nerve irritation is usually in the lumbar spine or the buttock.
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Do you experience pain that radiates down from your low back to your buttock, knee, or even your foot? If so, you may be experiencing sciatica. Sciatica means irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, that runs from the lower back down the back of the leg to the knee where it splits into two nerves that run down to the foot. Irritation of the sciatic nerve results in pain radiating down the back of one leg, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, and back pain. People frequently have questions about what sciatica is, why it occurs, and how to find relief from the intense pain it can cause. The most important thing to know is that sciatica is a symptom rather than a condition and the cause of the nerve irritation is usually in the lumbar spine or the buttock. If you are suffering from sciatica, it is important to find its root cause. Many people often think an x-ray or expensive MRI is first needed to figure out what is causing their pain. Having a lot of scans doesn’t mean you will find its root cause because some causes don’t show up easily on these scans and any findings can only be assumed as the cause. On the other hand, physical therapists use a series of clinical tests to determine the source of the pain with the patient’s real-time feedback. A common saying in physical therapy
is, ‘if your pain is reproducible, it’s reducible’ which means the clinical test which provokes your symptoms will confirm the source; something a scan can’t do. These clinical tests differentiate whether the nerve is compressed by the lumbar spine or the piriformis muscle in the buttock. In about 25% of the general population, the sciatic nerve pierces through the piriformis muscle which makes it susceptible to abnormal pressure and irritation. Why Does Sciatica Occur? If there are changes in posture, muscular activation, or strength, the sciatic nerve can get compressed by either the lumbar spine or piriformis muscle leading to the quite common lower back and radiating nerve pains. There is also the possibility of the nerve being irritated anywhere along its path from the lower back down to the foot if it adheres to the soft tissue around it, such as the hamstring muscles. If you’ve ever thought you had tight hamstrings, it could actually be sciatic nerve tension. If you or someone you care about is suffering from sciatica, give us a call today to find how treatment will target the exact source of the problem.
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SEEKANATURALTREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN
Bad Habits Can Increase Your Pain Some seemingly harmless habits can also contribute to the irritation of the sciatic nerve. A frequent bad habit is crossing of the legs for extended periods, which puts pressure on the nerve. Sitting is not bad for you, it’s staying in any one static position, whether it’s sitting, standing, or lying down for long periods that aggravates the nerves, joints, and muscles. It is possible to prevent or relieve sciatica simply by improving your static postures and moving more. Physical Therapy Relieves Sciatica TheDoctorsofPhysicalTherapyatAscentPhysicalTherapyplayacrucial role in evaluating and treating sciatica, as well as other common back problems. Our therapists have years of training to evaluate your back problem and find the root cause of your sciatica. An individualized treatment plan is created to guide you through the recovery process and maximize your success. At Ascent Physical Therapy, our friendly and knowledgeable physical therapists spend time with you to understand your story. We train you on specific exercises that will relieve pain, activate sluggish muscles, and strengthen movements meaningful to you. In addition, our specialized hands-on therapy helps to gently loosen tight muscles and joints in your spine and legs. We want to quickly relieve your pain and restore your flexibility so you can feel like yourself again. Our cutting-edge treatments will be specifically designed for you to reach your healthcare goals.
Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain . BRACE MARCHING While lying on your back with your knees bent, slowly raise up one foot a few inches and then set it back down. Next, perform on your other leg. Use your stomach muscles to keep your spine from moving. Repeat 10 times. HelpsWith Back Pain Identifying the positions, movements, and activities that relieve and aggravate your pain will provide your physical therapist with useful information and give you a head start in warding off painful sciatica. Call 503.427.0118 today. Journal of neurosurgery: Spine Feb, 2005 Volume 2, Number 2. Aaron G. Filler, M.D., Ph.D., Jodean Haynes, B.A., Sheldon E. Jordan, M.D., Joshua Prager, M.D., J. Pablo Villablanca, M.D., Keyvan Farahani, Ph.D., Duncan Q. Mcbride, M.D., Jay S.Tsuruda, M.D., Brannon Morisoli, B.A., Ulrich Batzdorf, M.D., and J. Patrick Johnson, M.D.
Healthy Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Sriracha Slaw
Ingredients •
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro Juice of 3 limes, divided
• • • • • • • • •
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
1/4 c. mayonnaise 1 tbsp. sriracha 4 medium tortillas
Directions 1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cilantro, and 1/3 of the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Add shrimp to a baking dish and pour over mixture.Toss until completely coated and let marinate 20 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, make slaw: In a large bowl, toss cabbage with mayo, remaining lime juice and Sriracha. Season with salt. 4. Heat grill to high. Skewer shrimp and grill until charred, 3 minutes per side. 5. Grill tortillas until charred, 1 minute per side. 6. Serve shrimp in tortillas with slaw.
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Patient Success Spotlight
Staff Spotlight
Patrick Webinger, DPT, graduated from the University of Montana Physical Therapy Program and practices outpatient orthopedic physical therapy in Happy Valley. Patrick received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Portland and then commissioned as an active duty Army officer. It was in the Army that Patrick truly discovered the impact that physical therapy could have on someone’s life.
Patrick resides in Happy Valley with his wife, daughter, and puggle. In his spare time he enjoys exploring local treasures and adventuring into Portland for unique foods and experiences with his family.
Random fun facts:
FREEWORKSHOPS You Are Invited To Our “I was experiencing symptoms of sciatica with pain down my leg. The pain lasted all day and interrupted my sleep and prevented me from playing tennis. The exercises that I learned at Ascent helped to reduce my symptoms dramatically and are easy to continue at home or in the gym. I noticed an incredible improvement in a relatively short period of time and am now back to playing tennis. My experience was outstanding and I would recommend Ascent Physical Therapy to all my friends and family as well as to my Doctor for other patient’s care.” – Scott A. “I noticed an incredible improvement in a relatively short period of time...” BACK PAIN WORKSHOP 16126 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr #200 Happy Valley, OR 97086 Tuesday, June 19th 5:30 - 6:00 PM First 7 to register will receive a gift. Workshop is free but spots are limited to the first 20 to register. CALL TO REGISTER 503.427.0118
Patrick loves to bbq and recently was given a Traegger as a gift.
He loves participating in a variety of resistance and fitness regimens including CrossFit and traditional strength training. If you see him in Premier Sport and Fitness or Bfit, come say hi! He participates in his yearly high school alumni basketball game in Spokane, WA. Patrick and his family got to star as “extras” in a recent zombie horror film in Portland!
Has Your Pain Come Back?
1. Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist . 2. Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home. 3. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment.
Call To Talk to Your Therapist Today 503.427.0118
FREEWORKSHOP INFO INSIDE
16126 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr #200 Happy Valley, OR 97086 Phone: 503.427.0118 Fax: 503.427.0279
www.ascentptnw.com
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