AgeWell: Back Pain Or Sciatica

I S YOUR PA I N SC I AT I CA?

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 deeper is- sues. You might be facing sciatica. While “sciatica” may sound serious, it’s entirely curable. Below, we’ll cover sciatica back pain.

I N S I D E WHAT IS SCIATICA? HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP! EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

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N E W S L E T T E R

WHAT I S SCIAT ICA? G E T TO T H E BOT TOM O F T H E PA I N

(Continued from outside) 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. Mayo Clinic has pinpointed the most common cause of sciatica-related pain: inflammation along the spine, where compressed nerves are aggravated.

What Causes Sciatica? In most cases, sciatica occurs when one of the back’s disks is 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? Sciatica back pain is normally noticed as a pain radiating from the lower back. Often, this pain extends to the buttock, spiraling down the leg. If you’re suffering from sciatica, you might feel the discomfort anywhere along this nerve pathway. The pain can even extend to the calf. The pain itself can be dull, aching or even sharp. In

WHILE SCIATICA PAIN CAN BE SEVERE, IT CAN BE TREATED, USUALLY WITHOUT OPERATION.

While sciatica pain can be great, it can be treated. A lot of sciatica cases, in fact, can be resolved without operation — and in a fewweeks. Even if you’ve suffered severe sciatica spawned from leg weakness, bladder changes or nerve issues, there’s still hope. some cases, the compressed nerve may feel like it burns, causing considerable pain. In other cases, the compressed nerve may simply issue a sharp jolt of pain. Some people experiencing sciatica may even have leg numbness, tingling or weakness. If sciatica isn’t treated, it can hinder mobility altogether. Get Moving Today with AgeWell Physical Therapy! • Call 516.488.8808 to talk with your physical therapist!

BACK PA I N SO LU T I ONS WE HAV E YOUR BACK !

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 medical 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 absolutely be healed. Sources https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-is-sciatica#1 https://www.medicinenet.com/sciatica/article.htm https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7619.php Call AgeWell Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment to help relieve your Sciatica pain.

S E L F -T E S T F OR SC I AT I CA

WHAT IT MEANS: If the leg with pain, numbness or tingling does not go up as high as the other leg, you likely have sciatica. Your next step is to see what is causing the pressure on your sciatic nerve. FOLLOW THESE STEPS: 1. Sitting on a chair, look down. 2.Straightenoneleg,withtoes intheair. 3. Repeat for the other side.

E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S

1.

TRY THIS EXERCISE FOR SCIATICA PAIN RELIEF

Start on hands and knees. Arch your back up to the ceiling as high as you comfortably can, and hold. Then, arch your back the opposite direction as low as you comfortably can, and hold. Repeat 6 times. T RUNK F L E X I ON & E X T ENS I ON

2.

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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

Camille D is has been a nurse for over 20 years. She is also a dancer in ballet, jazz and swing and has been a competitive ballroom dancer for over 12 years all over the world. The physical demands from her busy lifestyle resulted in advanced hip arthritis. This past May, Camille underwent a total hip replacement. She has been doing her rehab at AgeWell PT and doing remarkably well. She will be leaving us soon and is looking forward to returning to her nursing career and her competitive dancing passion. WHAT OUR PAT I ENT S AR E SAY I NG

NCS & EMG T EST I NG

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyagraphy (EMG) are used together to assess nerve health and help therapists detect and diagnose nerve and muscle disorders.

T URK E Y ME AT BA L L S R E C I P E

ULTRASOUND D I AGNOST I C

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 large egg beaten • 1/4 cup shaved parmesan

• 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 (24 oz) jar red pasta sauce • 1/2 lb whole grain spaghetti

• 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp basil

Ultrasound imaging is a safe, advanced, non-invasive technology used by your physical therapist to assist in assessing your condition more effectively and guide your therapist to design the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Barry Broder has been working at AgeWell PT since 2008 and his wife Mickey since 2016. Barry recently celebrated a milestone birthday and to celebrate, the Broders treated their family of 20 to an all expense paid cruise. AgeWell is very appreciative to work with the Broders. They both are very sincere and caring, hard working and dependable. They are constantly INSTRUCTIONS Preheat broiler on high for 5 minutes. Combine all meatball ingredients in large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop 18 meatballs onto a rimmed cookie sheet. Broil on top rack for 5 minutes. In a large skillet, bring pasta sauce to a low simmer. Add in cooked meatballs and simmer together for 5-10 minutes or until meatballs are completely cooked through. Serve with your choice of pasta, fresh basil, more parmesan and enjoy! S TA F F SPOT L I GH T

AVA I L ABL E TO YOU !

These valuable tests are available for AgeWell clients and the local community. These tests are expertly done, promptly

written and available to be shared with your doctor.

going above and beyond; it is their nature to care for and do thoughtful things for our staff and clients daily. They are part of the AgeWell PT family and loved by all. Many of the staff often wish the Broders would adopt them and not just so they could go on the cruise.

www.agewellpt.com