Addressing Sciatic Pain: Start Early for Best Results
Lower back pain is bad enough. Now imagine that pain radiating down through your buttocks and into your leg. Maybe your leg becomes numb. Maybe the pain is so bad that you can barely walk!
For people with sciatica, this nightmare scenario is a reality. Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy (i.e., nerve pain) resulting from damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down the back of your leg. It affects between 1% – 5% of the population.
Sciatica can be debilitating. In addition to intense pain, it severely limits your mobility — some people may struggle to get around at all. And because it results from nerve damage, it can also cause numbness, tingling, and other sensations in the leg.
The good news is that physical therapy at ARC Physical Therapy is one of the best treatment options for addressing sciatic pain. Unlike pain medication, it doesn’t simply mask the symptoms — it seeks to resolve the underlying cause of your sciatic pain so that you have lasting relief.
Are you ready to say goodbye to sciatic pain for good? Call us to set up your initial evaluation today — and let us get to the root of your sciatica!
When Should I See a Physical Therapist About Sciatica?
As with most musculoskeletal pains, sooner is better! Many people try to ride out sciatic pain by taking pain medication and resting — which can actually be counterproductive and further worsen the underlying cause of your sciatica. By seeking out an early intervention, you can start feeling better faster.
You should also pay attention to changes in the severity of your pain or shifting sensations in your back and leg. Because sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, these changing symptoms can indicate something is happening to the nerve.
What are some of the specific symptoms of sciatica you should watch out for?
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. (Sciatica usually only affects one leg at a time.) This pain might be dull, throbbing, aching, shooting, sharp, etc. Remember to pay attention to changes in sensation!
- Numbness or tingling in the back, buttocks, or leg
- Restricted range of motion in the back. You might struggle to twist, bend, or stand up straight
- Walking with a limp
- Increased pain in the morning or after remaining in one position for an extended period
One symptom you absolutely shouldn’t ignore is any kind of incontinence when paired with sciatic pain. This indicates a serious medical emergency that may require surgical intervention — but our physical therapists will be here waiting to help you with rehabilitation!
Fortunately, such incidents are rare. In most cases, regular physical therapy is enough to resolve sciatic pain.
Physical Therapy: Frontline Treatment for Sciatica
One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective for sciatic pain is that it focuses on resolving the underlying cause. When you come in for your appointment, our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us determine what might be irritating, pinching, or compressing your sciatica nerve.
We’ll ask you to share details about your symptoms, such as when they started and the exact sensations you’re experiencing (i.e., dull pain, shooting pain, numbness). We’ll also perform several movement screens that give us a complete picture of your situation. We might check the following:
- Overall mobility
- Muscle weakness and activity
- Nerve activity
- Posture
- Balance and gait
Once we understand what’s causing your sciatic pain, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan to address that cause. The most common cause of sciatica is a lumbar herniated disc.
Nestled between each vertebra in your spine is a vertebral disc, a soft cushion of cartilage that protects the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. If one of those discs becomes damaged — either because of a sudden injury or age-related degeneration — they can rupture or bulge, irritating the nearby sciatic nerve.
By addressing your herniated disc, you can resolve your sciatica. For most people, that means a targeted, progressive therapeutic exercise program paired with pain management techniques such as manual therapy.
Don’t Let That Sciatic Pain Linger:
Make Your Appointment Today!
Sciatica can dramatically impact your overall quality of life. Early intervention with ARC Physical Therapy
will ensure you say goodbye to sciatic pain for good.
If you’re experiencing any possible sciatica symptoms, call today to make your appointment!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/, https://www.apta.org/article/2020/10/08/sciatica-study, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sciatica
The Power of a Strong Core in Alleviating Sciatica
If you’ve ever felt shooting pain from your lower back down to your leg, you’re familiar with the discomfort of sciatica. It’s more than just a pain; it can disrupt your entire life. One effective but often overlooked approach to manage and potentially reduce this nagging issue is strengthening your core muscles. At ARC Physical Therapy, we’re experts in guiding you through core-focused exercises to find much-needed relief.
Why a Strong Core Matters
A strong core is not just about having “abs”; it includes muscles in your back, pelvis, hips, and even your buttocks. When these muscles are in tip-top shape, they help keep everything in the proper position and working correctly, minimizing the stress on the sciatic nerve and helping you feel less pain and more comfort.
Three Common Core Exercises
- Planks: This is a fundamental core exercise that works your abdomen and the muscles in your back and shoulders. Holding a plank position for several seconds engages multiple muscle groups, enhancing spinal stability.
- Bridge Exercise: Ideal for working your glutes, lower back, and hamstrings. By lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and lifting your hips towards the ceiling, you strengthen the muscles that support your back.
- Dead Bug Exercise: This low-impact exercise engages the core without straining the lower back. Perform by lying on your back with arms extended upwards and knees bent above hips. Lower your right arm above your head while extending your left leg out, return to the starting position, and repeat.
Discover the Path to Relief at ARC Physical Therapy
With a strong core, you’re not just building muscle; you’re creating a support system for your spine. This can lead to better posture, less pain, and improved quality of life. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a more comfortable, active life.
Exercise of the Month
Thoracic Mobility Exercise
For this exercise, you will need a rolled-up towel or something of similar size. Place it on the ground and lie back over it with your hands clasped behind your head. Gently arch your upper back over the towel to stretch your chest and improve the mobility of your thoracic spine. Thoracic spine and rib mobility are vital for proper body mechanics. This exercise is especially beneficial for throwers, golfers, and tennis or pickleball players.
Explore Fitness Options at The
Medical Gym at ARC!
The Medical Gym at ARC offers a variety of workshops, small group training, one-on-one sessions, and monthly membership options!
Check out our current schedule with more to come — and lots of fun!
For more information, contact Alex Bohnstedt, exercise physiologist, at 630-323-8646 or by email at abohnstedt@arc-rehab.com
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Wow wow wow! These Gochujang Chicken Burgers are next-level good. And a perfectly sweet-spicy kimchi bacon jam piled high on top? Yes, please!
Ingredients
Gochujang Chicken Burgers
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- avocado oil or olive oil for frying
Kimchi Bacon Jam
- 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 cups kimchi, cut into small shredded pieces
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Burger Extras
- Buns
- Cheese (optional)
- Cilantro or greens
- Mayo
- Cucumber slices
Instructions
Step 1: Kimchi Bacon Jam. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Fry until golden and crispy and fat has rendered. Drain off some of the oil and add the kimchi and brown sugar to the pan. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until caramelized and bubbly.
Step 2: Chicken Burgers. Mix the chicken, panko, gochujang, garlic powder, and salt until well-combined. Form into 4-5 burger patties.
Step 3: Make the Burgers. Transfer burgers to a large skillet. Add a swish of avocado oil and pan-fry until golden on the exterior and 165 degrees on the interior.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers. Toast your buns on the skillet; serve burgers on toasted buns with a layer of kimchi bacon jam, greens of choice, and mayo.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
