Clinton County PT: Sciatica Back Pain

Clinton County PT: Sciatica Back Pain

N E W S L E T T E R Stop Sciatica In Its Tracks

See Inside

• Stop Sciatica In Its Tracks! • Self-Test for Sciatica • A Stretch for Relieving Sciatica Pain • Seasonal Recipe

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N E W S L E T T E R

Stop Sciatica In Its Tracks

this inflammation reaches a certain point, it may compress these nerves — resulting in pain. 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. What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica? The pain itself can be dull, aching or even sharp. In 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.

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 issues. You might be facing sciatica. While “sciatica” may sound serious, it’s entirely curable. Below, we’ll cover sciatica back pain. 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. We’ve pinpointed the most common cause of sciatica-related pain: inflammation along the spine, where compressed nerves are aggravated. 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 few weeks. Even if you’ve suffered severe 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 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

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

If you’re suffering from back pain, call us at 989.224.3000 (ext. 625) or visit clintoncountymedicalcenter.com today!

Sciatica: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Self-Test for 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 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. Are you letting back pain hold you back? Call Clinton County Physical Therapy to schedule your appointment today!

1. Sitting on a chair, look down. 2. Straighten one leg, with toes in the air. 3. Repeat for the other side. Follow these steps:

What it means: If the leg with pain, numbness or tinglingdoesnotgoupashighas the other leg,you likelyhavesciatica.Your nextstep istoseewhat iscausingthe pressure on your sciatic nerve.

STAF F SPOT L I GHT

Kim Hayes PTA Kim attended Davenport University and graduated from the Physical Therapy Assistant program. She has been treating patients since 1997 in areas such as outpatient, inpatient and aquatic therapy. Kim was raised in Ithaca, MI, and enjoys working in the community. When she’s not at work, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, and her three children. Kim also actively participates in church activities, stays active by walking, biking and strength training.

REFER A FRIEND!

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Do you know anyone that needs our help?

� Sit for longperiods comfortably � Walk for longdistances � Liveanactive&healthy life

� Movewithoutpain � Bendandmove freely � Balanceconfidently andsecurely

Call us at 989.224.3000 (EXT.625) or visit clintoncountymedicalcenter.com

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Try this exercise to relieve sciatica pain.

Time is Running Out! It’s almost the end of the year, meaning now is the time to take advantage of your health benefits. If you’ve met your yearly insurance deductible, use those benefits to receive physical therapy at no cost to you!

SUCCESS STORIES Hear What Our Patients Are Saying

Four Point Trunk Flexion & Extension 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.

SEASONAL REC I PE “I was experiencing pain from a previous accident which led me to CCMC. The treatments were very refreshing and stress relieving, and I would recommend CCMC physical therapy for everyone’s good health.” - Glenn H. “I went to CCMC for back pain and recovery from a knee replacement, and it changed my life. Kevin and Lance are very knowledgeable and knew how to ensure I was doing everything necessary to get better. I have already recommended CCMC to my friends needing physical therapy.” - Cease C.

If you’re suffering from back pain, call 989.224.3000 (ext. 625) or visit clintoncountymedicalcenter.com today!

Peppermint Cheesecake Bites

INGREDIENTS • 1½ cups butter, softened

• 2½ tsp peppermint extract, or to taste • 1 candy cane (optional) • red food coloring (optional)

• 20 oz cream cheese, softened • 1½ cups of Splenda or Swerve

Directions Line an 8x8 pan with waxed or parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging on both sides. Mix all ingredients together in a food processor until smooth. Feel free to addmore peppermint extract for desired taste. Pour cheesecakemixture into lined pan. For red swirls, put 3-5 drops of red food coloring on the top of the cheesecake and swirl using a knife. To decorate, break the candy cane and sprinkle it over the cheesecake. Chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. Use the hanging paper to lift the cheesecake and then peel paper off. Cut cheesecake into 8 bars. Source: https://the-lowcarb-diet.com/peppermint-cheesecake-bars/