Discussing Sciatica & Back Pain

Discussing Sciatica & Back Pain

Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“Don’t Let Back Pain Distract You From Accomplishing Your Goals! ”

Discussing Sciatica & Back Pain

Do you experience pain in the buttock, leg, or even your foot? If so, you may be experiencing sciatica. Sciatica is a common formof back and leg pain that is often misunderstood by sufferers. People frequently have questions about what sciatica is, why it occurs and how to find relief from the intense pain it can cause from the low back down to the feet. If you are suffering from sciatica, it is important to find its root cause. Many people often think an x-ray or expensive MRI is first needed to figure out what is causing pain. Having (continued inside)

Inside:

• Discussing Sciatica & Back Pain • How Should I Take Care of My Back • Exercise Essentials • Patient Spotlight

Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“I Am Not Going To Allow Sciatic Pain To Control My Life! ” Discussing Sciatica & Back Pain

a lot of tests doesn’t mean you will find its root cause. Recent studies show that nearly 1 million of MRIs done for sciatica fail to find a treatable cause. With a new imaging technique called magnetic resonance neurography, 69% of the patients were found to have a trapped sciatic nerve deep in the buttock by a muscle called the piriformis. It is known that in about 25% of the general population, the sciatic nerve pierces through the piriformis muscle and can be susceptible to abnormal pressure and irritation. WHY DOES SCIATICA OCCUR? If there are changes in posture, muscle strength or pelvic alignment, the nerve can be compressed which leads to the quite common low back and sciatic nerve pains. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in your body. It even reaches down to the foot and therefore, can be irritated anywhere along its path. With sciatica, the consequent ache can be felt anywhere from the base of the spine, the buttocks or the back of the thigh and legs. Even tingling sensations in the toes can be attributed at times to the impingement of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: • Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs) • Pain that is worse when sitting • Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or searing (versus a dull ache) • Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes • A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk • Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes (it rarely occurs only in the foot) Sciaticpaincanvaryfrom infrequentand irritatingtoconstantand incapacitating. Symptoms are usually based on the location of the pinched nerve. While symptoms can be painful and potentially debilitating, it is rare that permanent sciatic nerve damage (tissue damage) will result, and spinal cord involvement is possible but rare.

“ Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. ” - National Institute of Health, Jan. 2010

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“HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SCIATICA PAIN.”

Bad Habits Can Increase Your Pain Some seemingly harmless habits can also contribute to the irritation of the sciatic nerve. A frequent bad habit is crossing of the legs for extended periods, which puts pressure on the nerve. In addition, sitting for long periods is bad for your spine. It is possible for you to prevent or relieve sciatica simply by improving your posture. Physical Therapy Relieves Sciatica The specialists at Family Physical Therapy play a crucial role in evaluating and treating sciatica, as well as other common back problems. Our physical therapists are medical experts with years of training to evaluate your back problem, finding the root cause of your sciatica. An individualized treatment plan is created to guide you through the recovery process and maximize your success.

When coming to Family Physical Therapy, our friendly and knowledgeable therapists spend time with you. We train you on specific and easy exercises that will relieve the pain in your back and legs. In addition, our specialized hands-on therapy helps to gently loosen tight muscles and joints in your spine and legs. Your pain is quickly relieved and your flexibility restored, so you can feel like yourself again. Our cutting-edge treatments are doctor recommended and are specifically designed for you to reach your healthcare goals. Knowing all this should give you a headstart in warding off painful sciatica. After all, it may be as simple as learning to stand tall. Journal of neurosurgery: Spine Feb, 2005 Volume 2, Number 2. Aaron G. Filler, M.D., Ph.D., Jodean Haynes,B.A.,SheldonE.Jordan,M.D.,JoshuaPrager,M.D.,J.PabloVillablanca,M.D.,KeyvanFarahani, Ph.D.,DuncanQ.Mcbride,M.D.,JayS.Tsuruda,M.D.,BrannonMorisoli,B.A.,UlrichBatzdorf,M.D.,and J.PatrickJohnson,M.D.

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Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain.

LUMBAR EXTENSION PRONE Lie on stomach, hands beside your shoulders. Push with your arms up on to your elbows. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Good For Low Back www.simpleset.net

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Patient Success Spotlight

Refer a Friend

Thank you for giving me my life back!

Do You Have Friends or Family Who Can’t: � Move without pain

“I have always been an outdoor adventure enthusiast. As I got older I was suffering from chronic back pain and rapidly losing what I loved to do and who I am. Nothing was appearing on my x-rays. I figured out my first session, that it wasn’t my back per se, but an asymmetry frame. I did a ton of manual work and PT Tony designed a program for me in which, gave me individual attention. Family PT did so much! They didn’t just help with my back, but in a holistic approach to healing, helped me lose 30 pounds! I earned my skydivers A License, can do adventure races and in the fall will either do a half or whole marathon. Now if I can just learn to land the parachute, I can stop giving you repeat business! Thank you for giving me my life back!” – Greg

� Sit for long periods comfortably � Walk for long distances � Live an active and healthy lifestyle

� Bend and move freely � Balance confidently and securely

If you know someone suffering with aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Family Physical Therapy today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly to schedule an evaluation!

Family Physical Therapy offers patients an easy way to give back! Simply log into Facebook, post a positive experience with Family PT, and tag our location onto your post. For every check in during the month of March we will be donating a $1 equivalency in non perishable items and toiletries to food bank. DONATING IS JUST A CLICK AWAY!

Attention Back Pain Sufferers!

Michelle Maiorino, DPT Specialties: Manual Therapy Orthopedics

Do You Suffer From Chronic Pain?

Mention or Bring in This Coupon Today For A $5 Off Pain Balm Cream Regular price $15 discounted to $10

Staff Spotlight

“I became interested in physical therapy because I have always been involved inathleticsandwanted to learnmoreabouthow thebodyworked.” MichellestartedatFamilyPhysicalTherapy inNovemberof2011. Michelle loves working with patients and using different manual techniques in conjunction with exercise to help them reach their goals. While Michelle isn’t in the office, she enjoys playing soccer and softball, cooking, and spending time with her husband and son.

VISIT OUR OFFICES TODAY TO PURCHASE YOUR PAIN BALM! Offer validuntil3.31.17

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