Diane N.
Carlos
Steven A.
Back Pain and Sciatica Relief
Book a Physical Therapy Appointment Today!
Are you or someone you care for experiencing lower back pain? What about numbness, tingling, sharp acute pain, or dull continuous pain? Whether you have dealt with lower back pain for years, endured a lower back injury, or recently began experiencing any of the above symptoms, relief is only an appointment away. Hands-On physical therapists are certified and trained to provide safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for patients of all ages. Contact us today to book an appointment and discuss the best treatment option for your symptoms.
Keep reading to learn more about sciatica, common symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and Hands-On patient’s FAQ’s.
Understanding the Science, Symptoms, and Causes of Sciatica
The first step to treating your lower back pain is understanding what exactly is happening in your body to cause this pain and discomfort. “Sciatica” is a term for intense and long-lasting pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, originating in the lower back and extending down each leg. More specifically, the sciatic nerve originates from the spinal cord’s lumbar and sacral regions (the lowest two sections of the spine, just above the tailbone) and connects to various muscles and skin in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, influencing movement and sensation.
The Most Common Symptoms of Sciatica
If the sciatic nerve is disturbed, it can cause pain that travels from the lower back down through the legs and feet. Because the sciatic nerve begins in the lower spine, many feel pain, burning, or tingling in their lower back. Some people with this condition also feel discomfort in their legs. Additionally, some patients find their pain heightened in the morning and after long periods of standing or sitting.
Are you experiencing any of the following sciatica symptoms? If so, connect with one of Hands-On’s physical therapists by filling out the form at the bottom of the page, or clicking here!
Common Symptoms:
- Shooting pain or a burning sensation radiating from the buttocks, down into the back of the leg and sometimes into the feet, depending on the affected nerve roots.
- Numbness and tingling (also known as “paresthesia”) accompanying pain. This may indicate nerve irritation or compression. Some describe the sensation as pins and needles or a feeling or electric shock.
- Weakness in the legs, affecting the ability to stand, walk, or perform routine tasks. This results from the interruption of nerve signals when a nerve is compressed.
Secondary Symptoms:
- Back stiffness.
- Decreased reflexes in the legs.
- Decreased range of motion in the hips.
- Muscle tenderness.
- Muscle spasms.
What Underlying Issues and Injuries Cause Sciatica?
Sciatica often results from a compressed nerve in the lower spine, commonly due to spinal disc injuries. These injuries may stem from everyday wear and tear (i.e., regular shifts at a job which require you to stand or walk for long periods of time), repetitive stress on the lower back (i.e., lifting heavy boxes when moving to a new house), or sudden trauma (i.e., a sport-related accident).
Other contributing factors may include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, as described below), osteoarthritis, and, though rare, bony tumors. The following are the top three causes and underlying issues resulting in sciatica:
- Disc Herniation: Occurs when the soft gel-like substance (called the “nucleus”) inside a spinal disc leaks out. When the nucleus presses on nearby nerves, this causes sciatic symptoms, like those described in the previous section. Herniated discs are also referred to as “slipped discs” or “ruptured discs.”
- Spinal Stenosis: Occurs when spaces in the spine narrow and create pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, contributing to sciatica. Reduced space within the spinal canal can lead to irritation and compression of the sciatic nerve. This is often caused by standing or walking for long periods of time, creating a natural (but intense) pressure on the spine.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Describes when the piriformis muscle, a flat, narrow muscle located in the buttocks, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve, causing inflammation.
Do these causes and explanations not fit your symptoms or circumstance? Connect with one of our certified physical therapists to uncover the underlying issues behind your back pain and find the right physical therapy treatment for you.
Diagnosing Your Back Pain
Although Hands-On Physical Therapy treatments are tailored to the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, diagnosis follows a precise process, ensuring all factors are taken into account before treatment begins. Patients undergo a medical history analysis, including the nature, duration, severity, and history of symptoms, followed by a physical examination of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
If necessary, patients may undergo imaging scans to identify structural issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis muscle abnormalities. Imaging allows Hands-On physical therapists to visualize the spine’s condition and assess any abnormalities affecting the sciatic nerve. Finally, Hands-On Physical Therapy utilizes a series of advanced diagnostic tests, detailed in the following section.
Hands-On’s Advanced Diagnostic Testing
At Hands-On Physical Therapy, we use advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the cause of your back pain and determine the best services for a quick resolution. Diagnostic testing offers several benefits, saving you time and money. Before starting treatment, we identify the issue, allowing us to determine if physical therapy is the solution or if other medical services are needed.
Our diagnostic approach ensures accuracy, setting us apart from clinics without testing. These tests help us efficiently target the source of your pain, a unique advantage in the industry. Most importantly, diagnostic testing provides clarity, assuring you that we understand the problem and have a plan to help.
Use the links below to learn more about diagnostic tests!
- EMG (Electromyogram)
- NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies)
- SSEP (Somato-Sensory Evoked Potentials)
- VEP (Visual Evoked Potentials)
- BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses)
- MSKUS (musculoskeletal ultrasound)
- VNG (Videonystagmography)
Preparing for Your Back Pain Diagnostic Testing
Your Hands-On physical therapist will inquire about the nature, duration, and severity of your sciatic symptoms, as well as relevant medical history. Prepare for your appointment by providing a brief of your medical history, including:
- Current Symptoms: A detailed account of the current symptoms, including the onset, duration, and any specific triggers or patterns.
- Previous Symptoms: Information about any previous episodes of sciatica or related back issues.
- Past Treatments: Other relevant medical conditions, surgeries, or treatments.
- Medications: List of current medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins.
- Reports: Any previous diagnostic reports or images related to your sciatica symptoms, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Drug-Free Relief from Sciatica and Low Back Pain
Opt for a drug-free approach to pain relief through our non-invasive physical therapy treatments, proven to accelerate natural healing. Unlike mere symptom management, our physical therapy focuses on reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve, ensuring enduring relief. Physical therapy involves exercises and specific stretches designed to strengthen the core and back muscles, improving posture and relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve. Hands-On physical therapists curate a treatment program specifically tailored to every individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Discover the science behind our method and experience lasting relief from lower back pain and sciatica. Contact Hands-On Physical Therapy today for more information and be sure to schedule an initial consultation using the form at the bottom of this page.
At-Home Remedies Before Your Appointment
Once your appointment is scheduled and prior to meeting your Hands-On physical therapist, consider these at-home remedies to ease your symptoms. It’s important to note that these home remedies are not substitutes for professional medical advice, but are safe, easy methods to improve your comfort until your treatment begins.
- Cold Compresses: Use a cloth or towel to protect the skin and apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Heat Therapy: While cold compresses help reduce inflammation, heat therapy can relax muscles and improve blood flow. Use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or warm towel on the affected area.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if there are concerns about medication interactions.
- Rest and Posture: Allow the affected area to rest by avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Consider using a cushion or lumbar roll to support the lower back while sitting in a supportive chair.
Elevate the Legs: Especially while lying down, elevating the legs slightly from the horizontal line of the spine with a pillow reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve.
FAQs for Back Pain Relief
It all comes back to how the injury was sustained and how long and quickly you received treatment. Acute pain is usually severe but lasts a short amount of time, while chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts at least three months. We determine the severity by how much the pain affects your daily life. Are you unable to perform basic daily tasks? Has the pain suddenly worsened? Or, has it lasted longer than three months? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, we would consider your symptoms severe and suggest contacting a Hands-On physical therapist immediately.
Physical therapy is a proven effective treatment for back pain! Our certified physical therapists know this better than anyone! Our approach effectively targets back pain by testing your range of motion, exercising muscles in the impacted areas, and massaging the areas to alleviate tension. Best of all, physical therapy is proven to decrease the need for more invasive interventions, like surgical procedures.
Your physical therapist will tailor your treatment to you! Your treatment plan will aim to alleviate pain, support the healing process, and increase function and mobility in the affected areas of your back. Starting with a thorough assessment, your physical therapist will choose the best treatments for your condition, like ice and heat therapy, manual techniques, posture improvements, and specific exercises.
Some drugs are helpful in reducing pain and discomfort, but are they worth the risks? In low doses and for a short period of time, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, some drugs can cause side effects and may lead to dependency. For example, NSAIDs may risk blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes, while corticosteroids may cause cataracts, high blood sugar, and bone loss.
Luckily, there is physical therapy! A safe, drug-free, and proven effective alternative. Your physical therapist will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and pain areas during the first visit to create a tailored plan for lasting relief.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Relief is only an appointment away! Fill out the form below, schedule an appointment, and a Hands-On certified physical therapist will create a treatment program specifically tailored to your symptoms. Visit any one of our four convenient locations in Astoria, Queens Village, Bronx, and Hicksville!
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