Addressing Sciatic Pain: Start Early for Best Results
Lower back pain is bad enough. Now imagine that pain radiating down through your buttocks and into your leg. Maybe your leg becomes numb. Maybe the pain is so bad that you can barely walk!
For people with sciatica, this nightmare scenario is a reality. Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy (i.e., nerve pain) resulting from damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down the back of your leg. It affects between 1% – 5% of the population.
Sciatica can be debilitating. In addition to intense pain, it severely limits your mobility — some people may struggle to get around at all. And because it results from nerve damage, it can also cause numbness, tingling, and other sensations in the leg.
The good news is that physical therapy at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy is one of the best treatment options for addressing sciatic pain. Unlike pain medication, it doesn’t simply mask the symptoms — it seeks to resolve the underlying cause of your sciatic pain so that you have lasting relief.
Are you ready to say goodbye to sciatic pain for good? Call us to set up your initial evaluation today — and let us get to the root of your sciatica!
When Should I See a Physical Therapist About Sciatica?
As with most musculoskeletal pains, sooner is better! Many people try to ride out sciatic pain by taking pain medication and resting — which can actually be counterproductive and further worsen the underlying cause of your sciatica. By seeking out an early intervention, you can start feeling better faster.
You should also pay attention to changes in the severity of your pain or shifting sensations in your back and leg. Because sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, these changing symptoms can indicate something is happening to the nerve.
What are some of the specific symptoms of sciatica you should watch out for?
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. (Sciatica usually only affects one leg at a time.) This pain might be dull, throbbing, aching, shooting, sharp, etc. Remember to pay attention to changes in sensation!
- Numbness or tingling in the back, buttocks, or leg
- Restricted range of motion in the back. You might struggle to twist, bend, or stand up straight.
- Walking with a limp
- Increased pain in the morning or after remaining in one position for an extended period
One symptom you absolutely shouldn’t ignore is any kind of incontinence when paired with sciatic pain. This indicates a serious medical emergency that may require surgical intervention — but our physical therapists will be here waiting to help you with rehabilitation!
Fortunately, such incidents are rare. In most cases, regular physical therapy is enough to resolve sciatic pain.
Physical Therapy: Frontline Treatment for Sciatica
One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective for sciatic pain is that it focuses on resolving the underlying cause. When you come in for your appointment, our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us determine what might be irritating, pinching, or compressing your sciatica nerve.
We’ll ask you to share details about your symptoms, such as when they started and the exact sensations you’re experiencing (i.e., dull pain, shooting pain, numbness). We’ll also perform several movement screens that give us a complete picture of your situation. We might check the following:
- Overall mobility
- Muscle weakness and activity
- Nerve activity
- Posture
- Balance and gait
Once we understand what’s causing your sciatic pain, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan to address that cause. The most common cause of sciatica is a lumbar herniated disc.
Nestled between each vertebra in your spine is a vertebral disc, a soft cushion of cartilage that protects the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. If one of those discs becomes damaged — either because of a sudden injury or age-related degeneration — they can rupture or bulge, irritating the nearby sciatic nerve.
By addressing your herniated disc, you can resolve your sciatica. For most people, that means a targeted, progressive therapeutic exercise program paired with pain management techniques such as manual therapy.
Don’t Let That Sciatic Pain Linger: Make Your Appointment Today!
Sciatica can dramatically impact your overall quality of life. Early intervention with Kleinpeter Physical Therapy will ensure you say goodbye to sciatic pain for good.
If you’re experiencing any possible sciatica symptoms, call today to make your appointment!
Bounce Back Strong with Physical Therapy
Don’t let pain dictate your life’s story. Reach out to Kleinpeter Physical Therapy to learn how physical therapy can be the first step towards a pain-free life!
How To Have a Great Summer–PT Style!
The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and school is winding down. That means one thing: summer is on its way! Here are some tips to ensure a healthy summer for you and your family:
- Drink plenty of water. While you should strive to stay hydrated all year round, it’s particularly important in warmer weather.
- Ease back into summer activities gradually. Whether you’re hitting the pool more frequently or taking more evening walks thanks to the later sunsets, avoid doing too much too soon. Start slow, don’t push too hard, and remember to warm up first.
- Don’t skip your PT sessions. We know summer’s busy. But keeping up with your physical therapy will help you stay active and pain-free throughout the season–and beyond!
Ready to make the most of the summer months? Schedule an appointment with Kleinpeter Physical Therapy today!
Fresh, light, and packed with flavor, these Smoked Salmon, Avocado, and Cucumber Bites are the perfect refreshing snack or appetizer. Each bite delivers a delicious balance of creamy, crisp, and savory goodness you’ll love.
Enjoy This Seasonal Recipe!
Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Cucumber Bites
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 large avocado, peeled and pit removed
- 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- 6 oz smoked salmon
- chives, for garnish
- black pepper, for garnish
Slice the cucumber approximately 1/4-inch thick and lay flat on a serving plate. Add the avocado and lime juice to a bowl and use a fork to mash until creamy. Assemble the bites by spreading a small amount of avocado on each cucumber, then topping with a thin slice of smoked salmon. Garnish each bite with finely chopped chives and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
May Word Scramble
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Answer Key
dandelion
fishing
taurus
spring
basket
lavender
Direct Access
Did You Know You Have Direct Access To Physical Therapy?
Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or want to improve your health, a physician referral is not needed. In the state of Louisiana, you have direct access to physical therapy!
You have the power to choose. Just as you can fill a prescription for medication at a pharmacy of your choice, you can choose where to receive physical therapy as well.
Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your healthcare, so remember that regardless of which physician you see, you have a choice when it comes to physical therapy.
Minor aches and pains are warning signals from your body to let you know something is not working properly. Don’t put off the pain until it’s too late. Come in today for a “Tune-Up.”
Exercise of the Month
SEATED SCIATIC NERVE TENSIONER
Sit in a chair with one foot flat on the ground and the foot on the side you want to work flexed with your toes pointing towards your face. Lift one lower leg by lightly contracting the upper thigh while simultaneously lowering your head, slowly tucking your chin towards your chest and exhaling. Slowly return to start.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair)
Patient Success Story!
“I had an excellent experience with the team at Kleinpeter PT in Zachary. I can’t imagine anyone providing better treatment and highly recommend!”
-Ian E.
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Our purpose at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
