Back Pain and Sciatica Treatment Specialists

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is estimated to affect 60-70% of people at some point in their lives. Sciatica, which is a type of back pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, is also common and affects approximately 40% of people who experience low back pain.

Back Pain can be cause by a variety of factors including:

1. Muscle or ligament strain - Overuse or injury to the muscles and ligaments supporting the back can cause strain and result in back pain.
2. Herniated disk - A herniated disk occurs when the inner part of a disk bulges out and presses on a nerve, causing back pain.
3. Degenerative disk disease - Age-related wear and tear on the disks in the spine can cause the disks to break down and result in back pain.
4. Osteoarthritis - Arthritis in the joints of the spine can cause pain and stiffness in the back.
5. Spinal stenosis - This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves, causing back pain.
6. Spinal arthritis - Arthritis in the spine can lead to inflammation, narrowing of the spinal canal, and pressure on the nerves, causing back pain.
7. Fractured vertebrae - A fracture in one of the vertebrae can cause back pain.
8. Scoliosis - An abnormal curvature of the spine can put pressure on the back muscles and nerves and cause pain.
9. Poor posture - Prolonged sitting or standing in a slouched position can put stress on the back and result in pain.

Back Pain vs Sciatica

Back pain refers to pain felt in the lower, middle, or upper back and can be caused by a variety of factors such as muscle strain, herniated disk, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, and others.

Sciatica refers to a specific type of back pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down the legs. Sciatica can cause a sharp, shooting pain in the lower back and legs and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

While back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, sciatica is always the result of a problem with the sciatic nerve. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of the pain and the appropriate treatment.

Physical therapy can be a highly effective way to manage and relieve back pain and sciatic pain. Here are several ways that we can help you at Strive PT & Wellness.

1. Pain relief - Physical therapists can use hands-on techniques and exercises to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the back. We also use techniques such as cupping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to help alleviate muscle tension to relieve symptoms and allow for greater participation in your therapy session.
2. Strengthen muscles - Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles supporting the lower back and legs, which can help prevent future episodes of pain.
3. Improve flexibility - Physical therapy can improve flexibility in the lower back and legs, which can help reduce back pain. If you have sciatic pain, this can often help decrease the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
4. Relieve nerve compression - Physical therapists can use manual therapy techniques, such as massage, stretching, or joint mobilization, to relieve nerve compression and reduce sciatic pain.
5. Posture improvement - Physical therapists can teach you proper posture and body mechanics to help reduce the strain on your back and prevent further injury.
6. Manual therapy - Physical therapists may use manual therapy techniques, such as massage, stretching, or joint mobilization, to reduce pain and improve mobility.
7. Core stabilization exercises - Physical therapists can develop a personalized exercise program to target specific muscle groups and help improve stability in the back.
8. Education and self-care - Physical therapists can educate you on the causes of your back pain, provide you with self-care techniques to manage symptoms, and empower you with the tools you need to maintain a healthy back.

At Strive PT & Wellness we can provide a comprehensive approach to managing back pain, combining hands-on care, targeted exercises, and patient education to help you achieve lasting pain relief and improved function.

Contact Strive Today