Battle Back Pain and Sciatica with Expert Physical Therapy Today!
Struggling with morning backaches or pain in your buttocks and thighs? Does the fear of throwing out your back dominate your daily life? You're not alone. The American Physical Therapy Association states most Americans report back pain, with 1 in 4 suffering in the last three months.
Back pain differs from sciatica, which causes widespread pain down your leg, but people often confuse them. Radiculopathy can also occur, a condition causing numbness, tingling, or sharp pain in your leg, usually due to a herniated disc or nerve entrapment when exiting the spine. Seek relief not from medication, which only covers up the pain, but from physical therapy - it tackles the root cause, avoids risky painkillers, and could help you dodge surgery.
What's the cause of my back pain or sciatica?
Put a stop to the constant battle against back pain, a nemesis that doesn't discriminate, assaulting our comfort unexpectedly with a sudden turn or as a result of troubling conditions such as herniated discs. This unwelcome intruder overshadows even the most basic joys of life, including the ability to simply stroll around. When the cushions between our vertebrae deteriorate, tasks that once seemed mundane now present themselves as herculean undertakings.
The period between your 30s and 50s is particularly critical, as this is when you should be on high alert for sciatica, a condition that doesn't necessarily emerge due to an injury. It could stealthily arise from other issues like arthritis or declining mobility, which in turn puts pressure on your spine and the extensive sciatic nerve. Embark on a journey to learn empowering strategies that help restore your body's natural balance and effectively shield against the pervasive disruption caused by back pain.
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How can I tell the difference between back pain and sciatica?
Back pain
Say goodbye to back pain with our Stride physical therapist's personalized treatment plans. Suffering from a car accident, a lifting mishap, or chronic poor posture? We'll create a specific strategy that addresses your distinct pain and personal health history. Experience the relief with a tailored approach to alleviate your acute or chronic pain, crafted just for your recovery.
Sciatica
Sciatica isn't just any back pain—it's a uniquely intense discomfort that's immediately recognizable. Luckily, it's straightforward to pinpoint. Those suffering from sciatica feel a distinctive pang tracing the path of the sciatic nerve, the body's most extensive nervous expressway.
Experience the jolt of sciatic nerve pain? Originating in the lower back, the majestic sciatic nerve branches out from the spine's base, meandering down through your buttocks to legs, and reaching the feet's very ends. But when compressed or inflamed, it fires up a sensation that zings like lightning – a searing ‘shooting,’ a fierce ‘stinging,’ or an intense ‘burning’ in your lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Relieve your back pain or sciatica today:
Don't let back pain become your norm! Unbeknownst to many, those occasional aches are warning signs. Hidden beneath are culprits like stubborn joint movement, core vulnerability, and unruly muscle coordination. Neglect them, and you're setting the stage for a back injury that hits harder. Time to safeguard your future wellbeing!
Banish back pain and sciatic woes with expert physical therapy at Stride! Our dedicated therapists tailor a treatment blueprint just for you, anchored in your unique diagnosis. Dive into physical therapy that zeroes in on swift pain alleviation right from the get-go.
Watch as your discomfort melts away—our expert physical therapists will steadily enhance your core's power through targeted healing exercises and stretches. Our mission: bolster your strength and flexibility, forge a shield against spinal re-injuries. Plus, we’ll empower you with ergonomic wisdom and spine-care strategies to fend off any potential troubles ahead.
Find fast relief from sciatica with our professional physical therapists. They’ll expertly tailor leg stretches specifically for you, helping soothe your sciatic nerve and rapidly reduce pain.
Suffering from back or sciatica nerve pain? Request an Appointment with Stride Physical Therapy Freehold, NJ's expert physical therapists now! Our promise: no matter the intensity of your pain, we'll fast-track your journey to relief and recovery.
Health Blog
Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?
Struggling with Persistent Back Pain? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
If you're dealing with unusual back or neck pain, or even numbness in your limbs, it could be due to a herniated disc. These issues can cause a range of confusing symptoms, but you don’t have to face them alone!
Our physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy are here to help you understand herniated discs, their symptoms, and how we can help relieve your pain through targeted treatment.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s outer layer weakens and allows the inner fluid to push outward. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock to keep the spine stable. But over time, wear and tear or sudden injuries can cause these discs to bulge or tear, leading to a herniation. Common causes include aging, accidents, or even heavy lifting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Not all herniated discs cause pain, but if they press on nearby nerves, you might experience:
Pain that increases with movement, like standing up or sitting down
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Discomfort in the lower back, especially after bending or twisting
Neck pain (if the affected disc is in the cervical area)
Symptoms following an accident or physical stress, like lifting a heavy object
If you find that heat, cold, or massage brings relief, it could be a strain rather than a disc issue. For accurate diagnosis, imaging such as an X-ray is often the best approach, as it can reveal whether a disc is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy offers effective relief and can help you regain strength and mobility without invasive measures. Our therapists will begin with a full assessment, pinpointing the exact cause of your pain to create a personalized recovery plan. Your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
Ice and heat therapies for pain management
Traction to gently relieve pressure on spinal discs
Advanced techniques like Class IV laser therapy or TENS for targeted relief
Education on posture and safe lifting to prevent future injuries
Our goal is to help you heal naturally, minimizing the need for medications or surgery. Physical therapy is a holistic approach designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support your body’s healing process.
Ready to Feel Better?
A herniated disc can be painful, but recovery is within reach. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy, even avoiding surgery. We’re here to strengthen your back or neck, support your recovery, and help you avoid future injury.
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your back pain and get you back to doing the things you love.
