Is Your Sciatica Causing You Discomfort? Here are 3 Indicators that Physical Therapy is Needed

Did You Know Physical Therapy Is Proven to Help with Sciatica?

Each of your sciatic nerves runs from either side of your lower back down to each of your legs. That’s why a classic sign of sciatica is having a shooting pain on one side only.

While compression of one of your sciatic nerves can literally be a “pain in the butt,” it doesn’t always require medical attention.

Yet sometimes physical therapy is your best bet to banish sciatica symptoms. So how can you tell when to go it alone, and when to call a physical therapist? These guidelines below will explain what exactly sciatica is and how physical therapy can help you find relief.

Sciatica, explained

As stated by Move Forward Physical Therapy,

“Lumbar radiculopathy (also known as sciatica or radiculitis) is a condition that occurs when a nerve in your low back is injured, pinched, or compressed, causing pain or other symptoms that can extend from the low back to the hip, leg, or foot. Lumbar radiculopathy can be caused by sudden trauma or by long-term stress affecting structures in the back. It most often affects people aged 30 to 50 years. Risk factors for lumbar radiculopathy include repeated lifting, participating in weight-bearing sports, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor posture. The majority of lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica cases recover without surgery, and respond well to physical therapy. Physical therapists design individualized treatment programs to help people with lumbar radiculopathy reduce their pain, regain normal movement, and get back to their normal activities.”

To learn more about how to recognize when your sciatica is in need of physical therapy intervention, continue reading below.

1. When the pain is a response to an injury

Mild sciatica can build up over time, and it may even go away on its own. But when you have an onset of classic sciatica symptoms following a car accident, serious fall or sports injury, contact a doctor and a physical therapist.

The symptoms are more likely to be severe because of the greater impact on the area surrounding the sciatic nerve. It’s important to determine the severity of nerve damage. Your medical team needs to evaluate the need for surgery, steroid injections or prescription drugs.

Of course, even if your injury requires more aggressive treatment, physical therapy is often recommended as part of the recovery plan. Your physical therapist can help you with surgery rehab. He or She can also focus on extending the benefits of your injections and sciatica medication.

For many people with persistent or severe sciatica, physical therapy can be a lifeline. You’ll be taught targeted moves that strengthen your lower back. Strong muscles support the area around your sciatic nerve and can prevent future injuries. You’ll also work on improving your posture to keep sciatica symptoms at bay. Increasing range of motion is also part of physical therapy for sciatica.

2. When your symptoms begin to become severe

If your sciatic nerve becomes seriously compressed, the resulting symptoms can go from uncomfortable to quite painful – and even embarrassing.

You may become weak and numb on one side. Sometimes, even getting your leg or foot to move becomes impossible. If the pain hits you suddenly, and with great intensity, it’s probably time to visit a physical therapist to begin easing the pain.

Another telltale sign? The sciatic nerve can become compressed in the area that controls bladder and/or bowel function.

If you lose control of either or both of these functions, you’ll obviously want to get professional help. Visit a doctor to rule out other problems. She will likely run tests, as well as refer you to a physical therapist.

3. When your home remedies fail to work

There are plenty of things you can do at home to ease a mild sciatica flare-up. Alternating with cold and heat is a classic treatment for sciatica symptoms. Use an ice pack, followed by a heating pad, for about 15 minutes per application.

Sleeping with a pillow between your knees can also help. If you can’t get comfortable during the day or at night, try a reclining chair to redirect the pressure from your lower back. Going for walks often helps ease sciatica pain, because “babying” your condition can actually make it worse.

Yet while these methods may help with mild sciatica, there are times when a physical therapy session is a far better strategy. One sign that you should consult a physical therapist is if your home treatments are having little or no effect in reducing the pain and restricted motion.

Another is if the symptoms persist for at least a week. Of course, the worsening of pain is the most important sign that physical therapy is needed.

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to speak with an experienced physical therapist about how to manage – and even banish – painful sciatica flare-ups.

Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?

Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?

One of the most common causes of pain among adults in the United States is back pain.

Back pain is not something you want to ignore for long, and it can develop for any number of endless reasons. Once it does develop, making it go away can truly be an uphill battle that you can’t fight alone.

When pain in the back lingers well beyond the time that an injury would traditionally take to heal it is called chronic pain. Chronic back pain is incredibly difficult to cope with. This sort of pain will interfere with your ability to sleep comfortably, to move freely, or to feel energized throughout the day. It can also cause a person to slip into a depressive state as well because they are unable to enjoy life as they did before.

Eliminating back pain is difficult to do on your own. Taking over the counter medication isn’t going to help the back pain go away either; it’s just a temporary fix for a long-term problem. Instead, many sources of back pain can be best addressed through physical therapy. One of the most common causes of back pain is disc herniation. In this blog, you’ll learn more about what a herniated disc is, how to tell if you may have one, and how physical therapy at Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine can help alleviate your pain.

What is a herniated disc?

There are a few signs that can help you determine whether or not your back pain may be the result of a herniated disc or not. A herniated disc develops when the rubbery cushions (or discs) between the vertebrae of the back becomes dislodged or ruptured.

When this happens, the bones of the vertebrae along the spine begin to rub against one another, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. The most frequent symptoms of a herniated disc include:

  • Numbness and tingling in your extremities or back. Since a herniated disc is located along the spinal cord, the development of this pain may cause numbness or tingling throughout other parts of the body associated with the afflicted nerves.
  • Arm and leg pain.The exact location of where the pain will feel most severe depends on where the herniated disc develops along the spine. Pain associated with a herniated disc is frequently shooting pain, and can be the most intense and uncomfortable after movement, or following a cough or sneeze.
  • Weakness, especially in the legs or grip. A herniated disc will compromise the comfort and strength of the spine, and therefore may impair your ability to comfortably hold items, or may cause you to stumble frequently.

If you are noticing any of these symptoms in yourself, or a loved one has been experiencing them, contacting a physical therapy clinic for an appointment is a wise move!

What will a physical therapist do to alleviate herniated disc pain?

The best way to determine if the pain that you are experiencing in your back is the result of a herniated disc is to consult with a physical therapist.

In many situations, a physical therapist will use a combination of a physical examination and imaging techniques to properly diagnose the cause of the pain and then will work with you to develop a personalized program of treatment that addresses your particular issues with pain. Remember that no two patients are the same, and neither are their treatment methods! If you have a friend or family member who has undergone physical therapy treatment, he or she might tell you that their experience was different from yours, and that’s okay.

Many physical therapy programs for treating back pain associated with a herniated disc include a combination of targeted massage therapy, guided stretching and yoga techniques, and additional pain management strategies like hot and cold therapy.

Although it is not common, if at any time during your treatment, something causes you to feel uncomfortable or your pain worsens, tell your therapist immediately. The goal of therapy is always to have you feeling better when you leave than when you arrived at the office. Your therapist can switch up your exercises and stretches to make sure you’re able to perform them without discomfort.

Take control of your pain today

Relying on pain medication to cope with back pain is not healthy, nor it is an ideal coping mechanism. If you are struggling with chronic back pain as a result of a herniated disc, then physical therapy may be the most effective form of therapy in alleviating your discomfort. For more information about treating back pain associated with a herniated disc, contact our office today to speak with a trained movement specialist!

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Kiss Lower Back Pain Goodbye: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Many people suffer from lower back pain and have no idea how to find lasting relief. Dealing with this kind of pain can take time away from relaxing, working, spending time with family, and enjoying life overall. Not to mention it can keep a person feeling extremely irritable, stressed out, and can lead to a variety of other health issues!

The World Health Organization estimates that in the United States, 149 million days of work are lost due to low back pain. Lower back pain is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout much of the world, imposing a high economic burden on individuals, families, communities, industry, and governments.

If you’re dealing with this kind of pain, there’s no question about it: you want relief and you want it now. A licensed physical therapist can help guide you through the necessary treatment to get back to your daily life, without pain. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to learn more!

Types of Physical Therapy Treatment

Physical therapy is a specific type of treatment that targets the management of disabilities and injuries. A physical therapist is skilled at alleviating all kinds of pain, including back pain. Physical therapy encourages healing and is a great treatment option to restore range of motion and functional mobility. These types of therapists are trained and knowledgeable regarding conservative management techniques including the rehabilitation of patients with neurologic, cardiovascular, and orthopedic conditions.

There are typically two main parts of every physical therapy program — passive physical therapy and active physical therapy — even though each patient receives a customized treatment plan specific to their condition. Passive physical therapy reduces a patient’s pain levels and makes them more manageable. Active physical therapy involves exercises that patients do independently.

How Does Passive Physical Therapy Benefit You?

Lower back pain can be so debilitating that you can’t be as active as you normally are. It can get in the way of literally everything! Because of this, it is imperative for a physical therapist to decrease your pain as much as possible so that you can start participating in your treatment.

These techniques and tools are commonly referred to as passive therapy because they are done to a patient by a physical therapist.

  • Manual therapies
  • Massage
  • Electrical stimulation, such as TENS Units
  • Heat/ice packs
  • Ultrasound
  • Iontophoresis
  • Dry needling
  • Hydrotherapy

Some of these methods (such as hot/cold packs and massage therapy) are used to improve blood flow and restore circulation to the affected area, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

Physical therapists also often use electrical stimulation therapy. This is a non-invasive, painless treatment that delivers electrical waves through your nervous system to reduce muscle spasms, and encourage your body to produce pain-relieving hormones.

Physical therapy also includes hydrotherapy treatment. This kind of treatment involves performing low-intensity movements in water to relieve pressure on muscles. Water allows you to move your joints without discomfort.

How Does Active Physical Therapy Benefit You?

Active physical therapy is different from passive because it involves exercises the patient must do, instead of actions being performed on the patient by the therapist. These exercises are normally utilized later in treatment, once your lower back pain has been decreased enough for you to do them without experiencing too much discomfort.

There are tons of exercises that your physical therapist might recommend. Many of them involve targeted stretches, stability training, and strength training. Some of these exercises can improve your range of motion, and others can build up and restore the muscles around affected areas to provide those parts of the body with proper support.

What to Expect During Your Physical Therapy Appointment

Upon your first visit to our clinic, your physical therapist will ask you many health related questions about your medical history and lower back pain. Allowing them to have this information will help your therapist provide you with the best treatment plan so that you experience long-lasting results.

Your therapist will also conduct a thorough examination of your body. Depending on your symptoms, your physical therapist might assess your flexibility, strength, balance, posture, coordination, blood pressure, and heart and respiration rates. They might use their hands to touch and evaluate your back and surrounding areas to check for tightness. They will also visually assess your mobility.

During your treatment, your physical therapist will provide you with special exercises to perform at home so that you can minimize pain, avoid re-injury, lessen strain, and speed up your recovery time. They may also recommend certain technology or equipment that can aid you in recovery, and spend time educating you about where your source of pain is coming from, as well as pain management strategies.

If you’re ready to alleviate (or even eliminate!) your pain, contact Rehab Advantage to learn more about how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free life.

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Stand Up to Your Back Pain with Physical Therapy Relief

Most Americans will suffer temporary back pain at some point in their lives. When back pain is not temporary, however, it becomes a major quality of life issue. The good news is that you don’t have to live with back pain permanently. Taking a proactive approach like working with a physical therapist can help you find back pain relief at long last. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine for more information on how physical therapy can relieve your back pain.

Types of Back Pain

There are three main types of back pain:

  • Acute Back Pain: Acute back pain is the most common type. This is a temporary pain that goes away in less than three months.
  • Recurrent Back Pain: This occurs when acute back pain goes away for a while, but then comes back periodically.
  • Chronic Back Pain: If back pain lasts longer than three months without subsiding, it is classified as chronic.

Back pain is usually not serious and will resolve on its own. Recurring pain and chronic pain, however, can be a sign of a more serious health problem. There is a broad range of potential physical conditions that could be causing your back pain, which include osteoporosis, degenerative disk disease, a herniated disk, fractures or lumbar spinal stenosis.

Diagnosing Back Pain with a Physical Therapist

Your journey with a physical therapist will start with a discussion of your symptoms. Your therapist will also review your medical history for any past injuries or illnesses that could be contributing to your current pain. Your physical therapist will also conduct an exam to assess how you are able to move and function as a result of your back pain.

The diagnosis phase will also involve some tests to find symptoms of more serious conditions. If your physical therapist suspects that there is a serious health condition contributing to your back pain, you will likely be referred to a specialist for more testing. In most cases, this will not be necessary.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Once your back pain has been diagnosed, a personalized course of physical therapy will be outlined for you. Treatments for back pain will vary based on the diagnosis, your age, weight, physical ability and other factors. Your course of treatment may include any of the following:

  • Stretching and strength-building exercises
  • Manual therapy and spinal manipulation to improve joint mobility and relieve tissue pain
  • Education on how to take better care of your back, such as proper methods of lifting, bending, sitting and sleep positions
  • Hot or cold treatments, or electrical stimulation, for pain relief
  • Posture work to provide better support for your back

Physical Therapy Strategies for Back Pain

Over the course of your work with a physical therapist, your progress will be monitored to ensure that you are recovering. The goal is to eliminate the back pain so that you can live a normal life. A big part of working with a physical therapist is that you will learn strategies for movement and carrying out daily tasks in ways that will prevent the pain from recurring.

For example, your therapist will show you proper posture techniques while you are at home, at work or enjoying leisure activities. You will also learn how to keep up a regular exercise regimen to keep your supportive muscles strong, which will prevent the back pain from coming back. If your weight is contributing to your back pain, you will learn nutritional advice in addition to exercise to control your weight and keep back pain at bay.

The key is to be proactive in standing up to your back pain. If the pain lasts longer than three months, it probably won’t go away on its own. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to schedule your first appointment with a physical therapist.

So You’ve Been Having Back Pain… Could it be Caused by a Herniated Disc?

If you’ve been experiencing back pain, it just may be a herniated disc. A herniated disc can put extra pressure on the muscles and nerves around the spinal column. Symptoms may include, pain on one side of the body, pain that radiates to the arms or legs, aching, burning sensations in the affected area and pain with certain movements.

What is a Herniated Disc?

The spinal column is comprised of a series of bones. “The cervical spine has seven bones, the lumbar spine has five bones and the thoracic spine has 12.” Each disc has a gelatinous inner section and a tough outer ring. When the disc protrudes through the outer ring, it is known as a herniated disc. This can cause numbness, pain and discomfort.

There are a number of factors that can cause a herniated disc. Certain motions like turning or twisting can cause a herniated disc. Lifting heavy objects is another culprit. Being overweight can cause a herniated disc, too. This is because the discs have to support more weight. Older people are at risk for a herniated disc. As we age, the discs begin to lose some of their protective water content. This causes the disc to slip more easily out of place.

“Studies have indicated that genetic factors influence many, if not most of the diseases commonly encountered in clinical practice by physical therapists, such as herniated disc. Genetics has been shown to play a role in end-plate herniations at 40-49 years of age.”

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for a Herniated Disc

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovering from a herniated disc. A physical therapist implements different techniques for pain relief and healing. Passive treatments like deep tissue massage, electric stimulation and hot and cold therapy are a few examples of passive treatments. Deep tissue massage uses pressure to relieve spasms and deep muscle tension due to a herniated disc. Hot therapy increases blood flow to the affected area and enhances healing. Cold therapy reduces inflammation. Electric nerve stimulation reduces muscle spasm by sending a tiny electric current to the nerve pathway.

Active treatments by a physical therapist address joint movement, stability, flexibility, strength and posture. A physical therapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises to strengthen the back muscles. You’ll also engage in body muscle exercises to strengthen and condition your body. In addition, a physical therapist will teach you flexibility techniques and proper stretching techniques.

If you have back pain, turn to physical therapy for help. Physical Therapists–like Rehab Advantage and Sports Medicine–will do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to determine if you have a herniated disc. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a physical therapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area. The goal of physical therapy is to help you attain an active and pain-free life. It’s helped thousands of others and can help you, too. Contact us today, and get on the road to recovery from a herniated disc.

So You’ve Been Having Back Pain… Could it be Caused by a Herniated Disc?

Do you wince when you bend over to tie your shoes? Is your back stiff, sore, and achy, especially in the morning? Do you notice numbness, tingling, and pain in an arm or leg?

If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s possible you have a herniated disc. We encourage you to contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine to see how an experienced physical therapist can provide non-invasive, drug-free relief and help you avoid recurring pain.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Between the 33 vertebral bones in your spine are small cushion-like structures called spinal discs. These discs improve mobility and shock absorption in the spinal column.1

Sometimes, the outer layer of a spinal disc, called the annulus fibrosis, tears. If this happens, the disc’s inner gel-like core, called the nucleus pulposus, can leak through this ruptured tissue. The now “herniated” disc can alter the adjacent joint mechanics and compress and irritate nearby spinal nerve roots.2

Herniated discs are often incorrectly called “slipped discs.” As you can see, a disc doesn’t “slip” so much as it ruptures and encroaches onto surrounding tissues.

A related disc condition is called a bulging disc. In this case, the outer layer of a disc remains intact, but the inner gel-core still protrudes and presses out abnormally.

Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs can occur anywhere in the spine, but they’re the most common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).3 The leading causes and risk factors include3:

  • Male gender (men are two times as likely to be diagnosed with a herniated disc than women)
  • Advancing age, especially ages 30-50 (discs tend to lose fluid and elasticity as we get older, and become more susceptible to damage)
  • Repetitive heavy lifting, bending, and/or twisting
  • Poor posture
  • Sitting too much
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Family history
  • Trauma, such as a car accident or slip and fall

Sometimes herniated discs present with no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe and vary depending on where the herniated disc occurs. Signs and symptoms often include:

  • Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and/or abnormal reflexes in an arm or leg
  • Clumsiness, limping, or tripping due to a weakened hand or foot
  • Stiffness and reduced mobility in the spine
  • Pain that worsens in the morning
  • Pain that worsens or moves further down an arm or leg (peripheralizes) when a person bends forward, coughs, sneezes, or sits for a long time
  • Pain that improves or move up an arm or leg (centralizes) when a person extends their spine, lies on their stomach, or leans to one side

How Physical Therapy Can Treat Herniated Disc

Research shows that except in extreme cases, conservative treatment like physical therapy is more effective at treating a herniated disc than surgery and pain medications.3 At our clinic, our physical therapist can help you find relief by:

  • Diagnosing your condition: we use physical examination tests and personal/medical history to diagnose a herniated disc and rule out other conditions
  • Treating your condition: initial treatment goals focus on relieving pain and inflammation, healing the injured disc, alleviating compressed nerves, and restoring normal mobility in your spine. This is possible through a variety of physical therapy techniques including joint mobilizations, stretches and massage, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like cold laser therapy and electrical stimulation.
  • Preventing recurring problems: we’ll teach you how to improve your posture and body mechanics, improve the strength and conditioning of your core, and enhance spinal health through healthy lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, improved nutrition, etc.).

Our overall mission is two-fold: to help you feel better and address the root cause of your disc herniation so you can avoid chronic pain and dysfunction!

Could your symptoms be caused by a herniated disc? Find out and get help with our physical therapy team by giving us a call and arranging an appointment today.

Sources:
  1. Herniated disk. (2018, March 06). Retrieved from
  2. Herniated nucleus pulposus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image. (n.d.). Retrieved from
  3. Bise, C. (2016, December 01). Herniated Disk. Retrieved July 9, 2019, from

Stand Up to Your Back Pain with Physical Therapy Relief

Do you find walking, playing sports, or even sitting and standing a challenge because of back pain? If so, you may be miserable, but you’re hardly alone. It’s estimated that up to 80 percent of Americans has struggled, or will struggle, with this debilitating symptom. For many, the only thing worse than the back pain itself is the nightmarish prospect of having to undergo major surgery to relieve it. So you’ll be happy to know that there are non-invasive options to help you stand up to your back pain — including physical therapy. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine physical therapist and discover this form of relief for yourself!

What Is Back Pain?

Back pain is one of those symptoms that can plague for 24/7 or some and go seemingly at will. It can take the form of a vague ache, sharp or “electric” pain sensations, stabbing agony or a burning feeling. It can occur in your upper back, middle back, or lower back. But with all of these variations, back pain falls into one of two principal categories:

  • Acute back pain – Acute back pain seems to attack you suddenly, even if shock or other circumstances actually delays its initial onset for hours or days. It is associated with acute injuries, infections, or other sudden-onset conditions. Thankfully, acute back pain fade as away on its own once the underlying injury has healed itself (with or without physical therapy and other forms of care).
  • Chronic back pain – Unlike acute back pain, chronic back pain refuses to go away for good. Any back pain that continues to bother after 3 months can be considered chronic in nature. You may experience bouts of pain interrupted by periods of relief, or you may suffer from unremitting pain.

What’s Causing Your Back Pain?

Acute back pain can be caused by a violent disc herniation, ruptured ligament, muscle tear, infected tissue, or vertebral subluxation (a subtle kind of joint dislocation). The underlying cause is usually easy to determine. Chronic back pain can be more puzzling, if only because it has so many possible causes, such as:

  • Strain or arthritis in the facet joints, which connect and articulate the spinal vertebrae
  • Chronic muscle strain due to alignment problems, poor posture or muscle weakness
  • Repetitive motion strain due to uncomfortable workplace ergonomics or athletic overuse
  • Obesity, which stresses the back muscles
    Age-related bulging discs, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.

How Does Physical Therapy Help Back Pain?

Physical therapy could be just what the doctor (or physical therapist) ordered for your back pain issues. Our physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation that takes your spinal alignment, any obvious injuries, baseline back strength, range of motion, age, weight, workplace ergonomics, and other factors into consideration. This thorough approach enables us to prescribe a multi-modal physical therapy program to help you overcome your back pain without surgery. Your back may benefit from:

  • Strength training and neuromuscular education to help you maintain a straighter, healthier back
  • Stretches and other flexibility exercises to make back motion easier and less painful
  • Recommendations for ergonomic changes in your workplace, which can reduce awkward twisting, stooping or stretching
  • Recommendations for changing how you play or train for your favorite sport, as a means of avoiding repetitive motion injuries or acute sports injuries.

We can implement your physical therapy program alongside other safe, natural treatment methods from your chiropractor or family doctor. The first step, however, is yours to take. Contact our physical therapist today to learn more about how we can help you conquer back pain!

Is a Herniated Disc The Culprit of Your Back Pain?

One of the most common reasons people visit our physical therapist each day is to get relief from chronic back pain. In fact, it is the most commonly reported source of pain across the nation. While back pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, in many cases it is the result of a herniated disc. It is estimated that about 60-80% of people will experience some level of lower back pain in their lives, and many may experience the issue due to a herniated disc.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine; however, they typically affect the lower back area. Physical therapy patients may also be familiar with other terms used to describe a herniated disc, such as “protruding disc,” “ruptured disc,” or “bulging disc.” Nevertheless, the treatment for a herniated disc remains the same. While they can be very painful our licensed physical therapists can help patients of all ages find fast relief and learn to manage their pain with regular physical therapy appointments.

What are some common symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms associated with a herniated disc may vary, depending on where the injured disc is located. Some of the most common symptoms people experience with a herniated disc include:

  • Pain when bending or twisting.
  • Pain that intensifies when bending, sitting, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.
  • Weakness in the legs.

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, you may have a herniated disc. Fortunately, physical therapy can help relieve pain due to a herniated disc or any other back pain issues. We recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our physical therapists as soon as possible, in order to treat the pain before it intensifies.

Why do herniated discs develop?

Spinal discs are soft and rubbery pads located between the bony vertebrae that help make up the spinal column. They are made of a thick outer ring of cartilage and an inner gel-like substance, designed to work as shock absorbers. Your spinal discs work to allow the back to bend with ease and they help protect your spinal cord and the delicate nerves on your back.

If the cartilage in your spinal disc somehow tears or develops a defect, the inner gel-like substance, also known as the “nucleus,” can breakthrough. This bulging or herniation can then put pressure on the nerves, resulting in intense pain. In fact, even small amounts of pressure on your spinal nerves can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Herniated discs in the lower back can be particularly painful because they put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can result in sciatica. The sciatic nerve is actually made up of several spinal nerve branches that travel from the spine down to the leg. If the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, pain can radiate from the buttocks area, down throughout the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot. Luckily, physical therapy can work to reduce the pain caused by this condition.

When you are young, your spinal discs have a high water content level, made up of almost 80% water. However, as you age, the water content in your spinal discs lowers. This causes the discs to become less pliable, thus increasing the risk of tears or other defects. Some of the other common causes of herniated discs include:

  • Traumatic injury.
  • Repetitive twisting movements.
  • Heavy or incorrect lifting.
  • Excessive body weight or obesity.
  • High-impact sports.

How Can Physical Therapy Help Lower Back Pain?

Physical therapy is a safe and non-invasive pain treatment option, designed to help patients of all ages heal from the inside out. By using targeted physical therapy treatments, our skilled physical therapists can work to relieve back pain, reduce inflammation, stimulate blood flow, and restore your range of motion.

Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and highly-trained physical therapists, and learn more about how our services can benefit you.

3 Simple Ways to Reduce Lower Back Pain

Are you suffering from lower back pain? If so, you know how debilitating it can be. It seems easy enough to take medication to ease the pain, but with over-dependence on prescription medication becoming a national epidemic, many people with lower back pain are looking for a simpler solution. According to a study published in BMC Health Services, physical therapy has been known to prevent habit-forming dependencies on prescription medication, and to reduce the overall health cost that a patient will have to pay for pain relief.

In fact, your physical therapist at Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine will not only help relieve your lower back pain during your sessions, but they can also provide simple pain-relief strategies that you can carry into your daily life. Some of the best pain-reducing techniques that you can undertake both at home and during physical therapy include:

1. Find a natural balance between your rest and activity.

Bed rest is a common initial prescription for lower back pain in some cases. It is especially true if your pain comes from an injury or re-injury. In fact, resting while applying ice packs is a time-honored way of reducing swelling in the first day or two. However, for chronic lower back pain, moving around is a much better medicine than lying around. Physical activity releases your natural endorphins, which have both mood-lifting and pain-killing properties.

Of course, it is important not to overdo your workouts before consulting with your physical therapist. Keep it simple by taking a light walk or getting some household chores done, in order to limber up your back and release those helpful endorphins. If a brace helps in relieving your pain, wear it to support your lower back as you move.

Physical therapy is an important exercise option. It delivers both the benefit of exercise and the watchful eye of a professional to make sure you are using proper technique and remaining sage. Your physical therapist can warn you about moves that risk re-injury and will work with you on both flexibility and strengthening moves. These exercises are meant to build up the muscles that support your spine, in order to ease pain on your lower back. They also help provide greater range-of-motion as you work through that back stiffness.

2. Focus on your hamstrings.

While it is not something that back pain sufferers always consider, your hamstring muscles can play a key role in whether or not your lower back joints become over-stressed. When the backs of your upper thighs are too tight, your lower back has to work in overtime, in order to compensate. Stretching your hamstrings helps to lengthen those muscles, which can help to soothe your lower back — especially when it’s in spasm.

A physical therapy session can help you identify specific stretches for your hamstring muscles, and will help in explaining how the two muscles affect one another. In the meantime, try bending over and reaching for your toes twice a day. Don’t strain as you reach down, and try not to lock your knees. If you feel any pain at the outset, discontinue the exercise, and talk to your physical therapist about alternative hamstring lengthening exercises.

3. Alternate between ice and heat remedies.

Alternating hot and cold compresses or packs on your lower back can help in providing significant pain relief. If you prefer one remedy over the other, it is not necessary to alternate every time, but often alternating the two extremes can help provide a fuller range of benefits.

Heat works to increase your circulation, and when your body experiences that extra blood flow, your healing properties are initiated in your bloodstream. Hot compresses and packs also ease pain by blocking the painful “signals” that run from the nerves in your lower back to your brain. However, cold packs can also come to the rescue with their ability to numb pain, halt spasms, and reduce swelling in the affected area.

During physical therapy, you’ll receive expert applications of these ice and heat therapies. Your physical therapist can also recommend the best types of hot or cold remedies for your specific condition. As a general rule, ice packs and heating pads are good all-around options, as both are effective, inexpensive, and readily available.

Contact us for assistance:

If you are unsure where to begin when it comes to treating your lower back pain, contact our Dublin, GA office today to schedule a consultation. During your first session, you can get started on learning how to make simple changes that will decrease the severity and frequency of your lower back pain episodes. Our dedicated physical therapists will be here to assist you every step of the way, and will help you reach each of your goals on your journey toward long-lasting pain relief!

Ached by Lower Back Pain? Stand up Straighter with Physical Therapy

You have more options than ever for the day to day aches and pains of arthritis inå the current generation of medicine. When combined with professionally monitored physical therapy, you can use all of the following tips to relieve the symptoms of arthritis while improving the strength and the mobility of your muscles.

Lower back pain is a sensation all too familiar to millions of people. This ache can hinder many aspects of your life: working, spending time with friends and family, partaking in the activities you enjoy, and even just relaxing. The World Health Organization estimates that in the United States, 149 million days of work are lost due to low back pain. It is the leading cause of inactivity among adults, and it can result in other health issues if left untreated. It is also extremely common, appearing in 60-70% of people across industrialized nations.

If lower back pain is plaguing your everyday life, it is important that you find relief as soon as you can. For more information on how we can help get you back to a pain-free life, call our office today.

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapists focus specifically on pain and injury to help their patients regain function, comfort, and mobility. Physical therapy treatments are used to alleviate pain, promote healing, and bring restored function and movement to the painful area. When you come in for a consultation, your physical therapist will provide you with an extensive evaluation, discovering what form of treatment will be best for whatever orthopedic, neurologic, or cardiovascular condition you are facing.

Physical therapy also consists of two categorized types of treatments: passive physical therapy and active physical therapy:

  • Passive physical therapy

The purpose of passive physical therapy is to help pain become more manageable, and hopefully to alleviate it altogether. Lower back pain can be a debilitating condition, impeding your physical abilities. Because of this, physical therapists work hard to reduce pain as much as possible. Passive physical therapy can include any combination of these specialty treatments, as deemed fit by your physical therapist:

Some of these methods are used to reduce pain and swelling, such as heat/ice packs and massage therapy. Electrical stimulation, while it sounds intimidating, is a painless treatment that delivers minuscule waves of electricity throughout your nervous system. This also helps with pain relief, and it can also help in decreasing muscle spasms, as well as encouraging your body to produce pain-relieving hormones. Hydrotherapy is an aquatic-based treatment, in which patients will perform low-intensity movements in water, thus relieving any muscle pressure they may be experiencing and allowing their joints to move freely and comfortably. These techniques are more commonly used for the treatment of lower back pain than others, although any could be prescribed based on your physical therapist’s discretion.

  • Active physical therapy

The purpose of active physical therapy is to provide exercises that the patient can do on their own in the later stages of their physical therapy treatment. Once your lower back pain has subsided enough that your physical therapist believes you are ready for active physical therapy, he or she will set up and exercise schedule specific to your needs. This can include any combination of stretching, strength training, and stability training, and it is all geared toward helping you gain back your flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength. These exercises will help provide support to the painful area and will guide you further in your recovery process.

What will my visits look like?

At your initial consultation, your physical therapist will ask you several questions regarding your medical history, lifestyle, and painful area(s). This information will assist your physical therapist in creating the best treatment plan for you and your specific needs, so you can be provided with long-term results.

After your consultation, your evaluation process will begin. Your physical therapist will examine you by assessing your posture, coordination, strength, balance, flexibility, blood pressure, and/or heart rate, depending on your pain and symptoms. This evaluation will be both manual and visual.

When you’ve completed your thorough evaluation, your physical therapist will then create your treatment plan, beginning with passive physical therapy and leading into active physical therapy. You may also be given exercises to do at home, during your time away from treatments. This is all done in order to reduce pain, avoid further injury, and provide you with the quickest recovery time possible.

If you believe your lower back pain could benefit from our physical therapy services, give our office a call today to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll help you stand up to your back pain!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/physical-therapy-and-back-pain

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/LowBackPain