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Sciatica Pain Relief

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Back pain and sciatica are often related. Sciatica causes pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates along the sciatic nerve down the legs. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels the full length of the lower body, originating in the lumbar region of the back and ending in the feet. Pain typically begins in the lower back and oftentimes travels down to the buttocks and legs and into the feet. Most sciatica symptoms are a direct result of lower back abnormalities between the L4 and S1 vertebrae. It is important to note that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying problem, and not a diagnosis in itself. Contact South Toledo Physical Therapy today!

Causes of Sciatica

There can be a variety of root causes of sciatica, such as a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, facet joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis, and more. The center of a lumbar disc is filled with a jelly-like substance that can break through the outer layer and press on a nearby nerve root. This nerve compression can cause nerve root pain in the back. Keep in mind that the disc walls are abundant with nerve fibers. Any tear through the wall can cause severe pain. As people age, the lumbar discs lose hydration and wear down, making them have less cushion for any impact. Tears can also develop and cause pain. This condition is known as degenerative disc disease.

Facet joint dysfunction can also cause back pain and sciatica. If the cartilage of these joints is damaged or not functioning properly, the end result can be back pain or sciatica. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging. It is a condition that gradually progresses. The discs and facet joints are worn down, causing back pain, swelling, and instability. In addition, any trauma can result in sciatica, such as a car accident or a fall.

Physical Therapy Services for Sciatica Pain Relief Toledo, OH  

A physical therapist uses many techniques and forms of treatment to help a patient gain relief from sciatica pain.  Treatment may include mobilizations, McKenzie-based therapy, manual therapy, spinal stabilization, core strengthening exercises, traction, or nerve glides. These are active types of physical therapy treatment. Passive types of physical therapy treatment include ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, massage,  and heat or cold therapy. Deep tissue massage targets muscle tension that may be compressing the sciatic nerve. Ultrasound treatment sends sound waves into muscle tissues to increase circulation and reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. Heat therapy helps increase blood flow to the area, allowing oxygen and nutrients to move through blood vessels, essential to the regrowth of damaged tissue. Cold therapy helps restrict blood flow to the area and reduces inflammation. The goal of physical therapists is to help manage and eliminate pain from sciatica, while improving flexibility, improving range of motion, and restoring the patient back to normal function. In many cases, physical therapy will result in effective and long-lasting sciatica pain relief and back pain relief.

Get back pain relief today with the help of a physical therapist. For more information, contact us at Toledo, OH center.

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY STARTS TODAY!