Seeking Relief from Back Pain or Sciatica? Discover the Benefits of Physical Therapy

Imagine waking up without that nagging ache in your back or feeling restricted in your daily activities. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, back pain affects a significant portion of the population, with one in four Americans experiencing it in the past three months alone. If you’re tired of dealing with back pain or sciatica physical therapy might just be the solution you've been looking for! Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

What exactly is the difference between back pain and sciatica?

While back pain focuses on the upper, middle, or lower back, sciatica is a more widespread pain that radiates down the buttock, thigh, and leg. It's crucial to know the distinction, as you may experience radiculopathy, a numbing or tingling sensation in a specific part of your leg. This often happens due to a herniated disc or nerve entrapment as it exits the spine.

How do you treat back pain and sciatica?

If you're seeking relief from back pain or sciatica, relying on medications to mask the symptoms won't get to the root cause. Physical therapy is your go-to treatment option. Not only does it eliminate the need for harmful painkillers like opioids, but it may also help you avoid invasive surgical procedures in the future.

How does back pain or sciatica occur?

Generally, back pain develops from injuries caused by repetitive straining motions or sudden traumas like motor vehicle accidents. Underlying conditions like herniated discs can also be to blame. On the other hand, sciatica, also known as "lumbar radiculopathy," tends to affect individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It can be caused by various injuries, including arthritis or bone spurs, affecting the sciatic nerve.

 Don't let back pain or sciatica hold you back! Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a pain-free life with the help of physical therapy. Let's get started on your journey to recovery and regain your flexibility. Remember, your body deserves the best care, so make physical therapy your top choice for treatment.

How to tell the difference between back pain and sciatica?

Back Pain:

Back pain can stem from various causes, such as poor posture, accidents, or lifting injuries. When you visit our Plano, TX physical therapist, they will analyze your condition, considering its origin, location, and your medical history. It's essential to understand that back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting three months or longer).

Sciatica:

Sciatica is a specific type of back pain that targets the sciatic nerve, the body's largest nerve. Starting from your lower back and extending down to your buttocks, legs, and feet, the sciatic nerve can become compressed or irritated, resulting in a sharp, stinging, or burning sensation. Luckily, sciatica is relatively easy to diagnose.

Other conditions associated with back pain include:

• Sprain / Strain

• Sciatica and Radiating Pain

• Spinal Arthritis

• Spinal Stenosis

• Herniated or Bulging Disc

• Osteoporosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Degenerative Diseases

• Compression Fractures

• Post-surgery Rehab

Relieve Back Pain and Sciatica Today:

Most people experience periods of back pain that come and go. However, it's crucial to address underlying issues like poor joint movement, core weakness, and muscle coordination to prevent future and potentially worse injuries. At our Plano, TX clinic, we offer effective physical therapy treatments for both back pain and sciatica.

Our customized treatment plans focus on providing quick pain relief, gradually progressing to strengthen your core muscles through therapeutic exercises and stretches. The goal is to improve your strength and range of motion, reducing the risk of re-injury. Additionally, we teach you about ergonomics and proper spinal care to prevent future problems.

 If you're dealing with sciatica, our physical therapists will include leg stretches in your treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and restore the natural health of the sciatic nerve. Don't let back pain or sciatica hold you back. Request an appointment with one of our physical therapy specialists at Fit to Move Physical Therapy and Wellness today!