N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y
SEPTEMBER 2019
WWW.USPTREHAB.COM
UNDERSTANDING SCIATICA PAIN
If you’ve experienced back pain, and even leg pain, you might have a deeper issue. Your minor aches and pinched nerves could be symptomatic of sciatica. While “sciatica” may sound serious, it’s entirely curable. What Is Sciatica? Sciatica is pain that radiates alongside the sciatic nerve. This nerve, which branches from your lower back — spanning across your hips, buttocks and legs — can be injured or stressed in several ways. The most common cause of sciatica-related pain is inflammation along the spine, where compressed nerves are aggravated. While sciatica pain can be intense, it is treatable. A lot of sciatica cases, in fact, can be resolved without operation — and within justa fewweeks.Even ifyou’vesufferedsevere sciatica spawned from leg weakness, bladder changes or nerve issues, there’s still hope. 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. As we age, our backs undergo a lot of stress. This stress takes a toll, causing inflammation in several areas. If this inflammation reaches a certain point, it may compress these nerves — resulting in pain. What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica? Sciaticabackpain isnormallynoticedasapain radiating from the lower back. Often, this pain extends to the buttock, spiraling down the leg and extending to the calf. If you’re suffering from sciatica, you might feel the discomfort anywhere along this nerve pathway. The pain itself can be dull, aching or even sharp. In some cases, the compressed nerve may 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 or weakness. Ifsciatica isn’t treated, itcanhinder mobility altogether. How Physical Therapy Can Help with Sciatica If you’re experiencing sciatica, contact a physician immediately. Medical News Today
asserts that over-the-counter painkillers may alleviate pain, but in-depth physical therapy is often needed. Physical therapy can reduce sciatica compression by carefully introducing exercises and relaxing treatments. These treatments, hand-picked by professionals, can completely eliminate sciatica over time. If you’re experiencing back pain, don’t wait. Call one of our professionals today, and ask about physical therapy options. Your mobility is important, and your back can be healed. To find out more about physical therapy options for sciatica & back pain and how you can find relief, call us at 844-369-9955 or visit us online at www.usptrehab.com. Sources: •webmd.com/back-pain/what-is-sciatica#1•medicinenet. com/sciatica/article.htm • mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435 • medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7619.php
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