Suffering from Sciatica? Physical Therapy Has Solutions
Are you dealing with burning, shooting pain that radiates from your lower back into your foot? This is the hallmark of sciatica, an often misunderstood nerve condition. While sciatica can be extremely painful–and often debilitating–you don’t need to despair. Physical therapy at Shoreline Physical Therapy has solutions to help you find relief.
Sciatica is named for the sciatic nerve, one of the primary nerves in your body. Its roots are located in your lower back, and the nerve runs through the buttocks and down the back of the leg into the foot. While some people will refer to any pain in the lower extremities as sciatica, the term only refers to symptoms that stem from the sciatic nerve.
To help you better understand sciatica and what physical therapy can do to help, we want to share a case study of one of our patients, a 55-year-old woman we’ll call Sally. If you suspect you may have sciatica, schedule an appointment with us today!
Exploring Sally’s Symptoms
Sally’s pain was quite severe. She mostly felt it in her right leg–a shooting, electric pain that seemed to split down the back of her calf muscle. Occasionally, she felt a dull ache in her lower back, but her leg pain caused her the most trouble. It was worse when she was lying down or had to be on her feet for long periods.
The other issue–and the reason she ultimately found her way to our clinic–was that she also experienced a persistent pins and needles sensation down the back of her leg, which alarmed her. As her leg began to feel weak and heavy, she knew her symptoms weren’t going away on their own.
Identifying the Root Cause
Our physical therapists listened to Sally explain her symptoms and then performed a comprehensive physical evaluation to assess her strength, range of motion, and key areas. We also took a complete health history.
While we could confidently say Sally had sciatica, it was more important for us to determine why she had it. The truth is that sciatica isn’t so much a condition in and of itself as a sign that something is wrong with the sciatic nerve–usually that it’s been compressed or irritated.
So we dug a little deeper and confirmed what we suspected: Sally had developed a herniated disc. Herniated discs occur when the cushiony material between the spine’s vertebrae bulges outward. In Sally’s case, that bulging disc was pressing against her right sciatic nerve root, sending symptoms radiating down the nerve itself.
Addressing the Issue
Once we knew Sally’s sciatica had developed due to a herniated disc, we were able to create a personalized treatment plan to address it. Fortunately for Sally, physical therapy is an excellent way of resolving pain from a herniated disc.
We began with acute pain management, particularly through manual therapy techniques like spinal mobilizations (guiding the back through its current range of motion) or soft tissue manipulation (a massage-like manipulation of the muscles and other tissue).
These techniques offered acute pain relief so Sally could begin working on a personalized exercise program. At first, we focused on gentle back stretches and encouraged Sally to walk around her block a few times a week.
But as she improved, we began incorporating core strengthening exercises, too. Why core strength? Well, your core muscles support and stabilize the spine; the stronger they are, the more support they offer the lower back. We guided her through a progressive series of exercises, increasing the intensity as she got stronger.
Finally, we gave Sally the tools she needed to prevent future herniated discs. Namely, we encouraged her to stay active, maintain her spine mobility, and continue strengthening her core. We also showed her proper lifting technique so she would be less likely to injure herself.
No Referral? No Problem!
Did you know? You have the right to choose your physical therapy clinic! Many doctors refer to in-house clinics, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best fit for you. Take control of your care and choose the experts who put you first!
Find Your Own Sciatica Relief Today
If you have sciatica symptoms, you don’t have to suffer! The team at Shoreline Physical Therapy can help you pinpoint the cause of your sciatica and find a solution that works for you. Call us today to get started.
Exercise of the Month
Bird Dog
(Core, Lower Back, Glutes)
Start on your hands and knees on a mat or table. Brace your abdominals and keep your back flat. Slowly raise one arm straight out in front of you while simultaneously raising your opposite leg back behind you until both limbs are straight and parallel with the ground. Lower them back down and repeat with your other limbs. 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Exploring the Other Causes of Sciatica
While a herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica, it’s by no means the only one. Here are some additional sciatica causes to be aware of:
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, entrapping the spinal cord and nerve roots. If a narrowed spine presses against the sciatic nerve root, it can lead to sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis
This refers to a condition in which your spinal vertebrae slip out of place, running into the vertebra beneath it. That slipped disc can press into the sciatic nerve root, leading to sciatica symptoms.
Piriformis Syndrome
Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat. It doesn’t cause sciatica per se, but it does cause sciatica-like symptoms.
The piriformis muscle is a flat, narrow muscle that runs from the lower spine (i.e., sacrum) through the buttocks and ends at the top of the thigh. The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis. Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis presses against the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatic-like pain..
No Matter the Cause, We’ll Help You Find Relief
If you’re experiencing sharp, shooting pain in your leg, the team at Shoreline Physical Therapy is here to help. We’ll determine the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it. Call us today to get started!
“Had a bi-level laminectomy for my March birthday. The staff at Shoreline came recommended by one of my basketball buddies. Getting a 73-year-old back on the court required an understanding that merely being able to do ADLs was not the goal. Bottom line is the staff challenged and supported me. I’m playing again. Great job by my surgeon and the rehab group.” — Mike F.
Naturally Relieve Your Aches & Pains Today With Our Free Ebooks!
Looking for ways to relieve your pain before seeing one of our physical therapists?
How Manual Therapy Can Help You Move Pain-Free!
Sciatica can be a real pain—literally! This common condition, caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, can lead to sharp pain, tingling, or numbness radiating from your lower back down to your legs. If you’ve been struggling to find relief, Shoreline Physical Therapy is here to help with manual therapy, a hands-on approach designed to address the root cause of your discomfort.
Our skilled therapists use targeted techniques like soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. By relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and enhancing overall function, manual therapy offers a safe, non-invasive solution for lasting relief.
Don’t let sciatica slow you down! Call us today at (910) 604-6226 to schedule your personalized evaluation and take the first step toward pain-free living.
The Importance of Rest and Relaxation for Your Physical Health
Did you know that August 15th is National Relaxation Day? At Shoreline Physical Therapy, we want to highlight the importance of rest and relaxation for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here are some ways to celebrate National Relaxation Day:
- Take a Breath: Deep breathing isn’t just calming; it significantly reduces stress and enhances mental clarity. It’s a powerful tool for mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
- Get Some Sleep: Adequate sleep is more than rest. It’s a critical period for muscle recovery and overall health maintenance.
- Digital Detox: Unplugging from electronic devices is proven to reduce mental fatigue and boost overall mood.
This National Relaxation Day, remember that taking time to relax is not just a luxury but a key element in maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle!
No-Bake Caramel Brownies Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Brownies
- 1 ½ c pitted medjool dates
- 1 c walnuts
- ½ c hazelnuts
- ⅓ c cocoa powder
- Salted Caramel
- ½ c almond butter
- ¼ c maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Brownie: Combine all ingredients in a food processor until it reaches a brownie consistency. Press down into lined loaf pan.
Salted Caramel: Stir together all ingredients until smooth and pour over top of brownie layer. Place in the freezer to firm (about 1hr.)
Once set, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, slice into 10-12 squares, and enjoy! Best stored in the freezer.
Free Consultation
Not sure if physical therapy at Shoreline Physical Therapy is right for you? We offer a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit for you! Schedule your appointment today!
