Back pain can affect anyone and it can come in numerous forms. Whether it comes on out of nowhere, is the result of an accident or injury, or is chronic and something you’ve been dealing with over time, physical therapy is a great option for people seeking sciatica treatment in Saint Charles, Missouri.
At Excel Sports & Physical Therapy our physical therapists are well-versed in treating sciatica. We will first get to know your background, how long you have been experiencing pain and any injuries, and work with you to determine the cause.
Typically, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. This occurs when the tissue surrounding your spine’s vertebrae is under too much pressure, whether it’s from a sudden injury or overuse, and pushes out from the spine. If you are experiencing pain from your lower back to the back of your legs, then you are very likely suffering from sciatica. Other signs include sharp pain, numbness and tingling. It’s an extremely painful injury that should be addressed immediately.
The treatment plan your physical therapist will create with you will most likely consist of two categories: active exercises and passive modalities.
Active exercises
Sciatica is the result of straining the sciatic nerve that runs down your back. This is most likely caused by an overexertion of the back muscles, without the support of the rest of the body. In physical therapy for sciatica treatment, you’ll work on exercises that strengthen your core in order to alleviate some of the stress from your back muscles. You’ll also learn how to properly stretch and condition your muscles in order to help avoid recurring pain or to be able to manage it if it does come back.
Passive modalities
Passive modalities can be a very effective sciatica treatment option. It involves the application of heat and cold, as well as ultrasound technology and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) units. The process of alternating heat and cold can help with reducing inflammation and pain, loosening muscles and lowering the chance of back spasms. The ultrasound technology uses sound waves with heat to get deep into the soft tissues to help speed up recovery. The TENS unit is used to combat the pain signals sent to the brain. All of these techniques can help create a successful sciatica treatment plan.
If you are suffering from back pain or sciatica, contact us today with any questions and to schedule your initial appointment.
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