Sciatica is a condition that often gets misunderstood. In its truest sense, it’s not just back pain but pain that radiates down the leg due to a pinched nerve. Here are three main reasons for this chronic discomfort:
- Mechanical Pinch—a misaligned vertebra may pinch the nerve
- Degenerative Change—arthritis may narrow the nerve tunnel, leading to compression
- Discogenic Pain—disc inflammation exerts pressure on the nerve, causing pain to travel down the leg
At Bissell Clinic, we identify the specific cause of each patient’s sciatica to tailor our care accordingly. This often begins with diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the root cause of your pain.
Changing Lifestyle and Aggravating Habits
Lifestyle and habits can play a significant role in exacerbating sciatica. Excess weight, typically 20-30 pounds or more, can intensify the load on the spine and force the body into a compromised position. Weight management is, therefore, crucial.
Additionally, tight hip flexors and quadriceps may pull the body out of alignment and overload the spine. Stretching and balance-restoring exercises are instrumental in reducing unnecessary strain on the spine.
Lifestyle changes may also encompass dietary adjustments, as inflammation-inducing foods can contribute to the condition.
Adding Physical Therapy to the Plan
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in alleviating sciatic pain. However, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. At Bissell Clinic, we design customized exercises and therapies based on each patient’s unique needs.
Our approach focuses on three critical aspects of care:
- Identifying and Reducing Pain—Initially, we aim to identify and eliminate the pain’s cause, work on reducing inflammation, and relieve discomfort
- Muscle Lengthening—by addressing muscle imbalances, targeting tight muscles and lengthening them, we eliminate the forces that pull the body into a compromised position
- Strength Building—the most crucial phase is strengthening weakened areas to enhance stability and strength, making patients less vulnerable to recurrence
The key to effective care and successful outcomes lies with our personalized approach. At Bissell Clinic, we’re dedicated to helping our patients understand and overcome sciatic pain.
Ready to Get Relief?
Contact our team today if you’re ready to take the guesswork out of sciatica and experience lasting relief. Your journey to a pain-free life begins here. Call to book today!