Physical Therapy Rehabilitation – A Non-Surgical Intervention for the Treatment of Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy

Low Back, Buttock, & Hip Pain

Over the past 17 years we have seen so many patients come in to Balance Solutions because they are experiencing sharp shooting pain in the lower back radiating to the buttock region and/or lower extremity.  This type of severe low back pain can be debilitating and result in loss of work, decreased quality of life, difficulty sleeping, and inability to perform simple tasks of daily living.  Physical therapy can provide severe low back pain relief, especially in the acute stages of the condition.

Lower back, hip and leg pain can be caused by several aggravating factors which are typically mechanical in nature, and other than being extremely painful are not serious.  Less than 10% of low back pain cases are more serious and may be caused by disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, compression fractures or other more serious conditions. Compression or irritation to a spinal nerve or the sciatic nerve in the spine, sacroiliac, pelvis or hip region can result in pain which radiates down the leg, often referred to as a “radiculopathy” or “sciatica”.

Radiculopathy & Sciatica – Pain Radiating or Shooting Down Your Leg

If you experience pain that is radiating down your leg, or you are experiencing lower extremity numbness and tingling, then you have some degree of nerve irritation or compression.  Nerve compression can occur from simply having a tight muscle in the hip/buttock region (most commonly the piriformis muscle), from having an impingement or vertebral rotation in the lumbar spine, or from mal alignment of the pelvis…that’s just to name a few common issues.

It’s time to be concerned that you may have a more serious condition if you are experiencing lower extremity weakness with loss of strength in your foot or ankle or if you have a change in bowel or bladder function. If you notice these symptoms, you should consult your physician immediately as this can be associated with more serious conditions and may lead to permanent nerve damage or may require more invasive medical attention.

Localized Pain in the Lower Back, Buttock or Hip Region

If the pain is localized to the lower back, buttock and/or hip regions you may experience pain due to irritation and/or inflammation of sensitive structures such as joint capsules, ligaments, tendons, bursas, and muscles. Irritation to these structures is usually mechanical in nature and can occur due to acute lumbar strains, mal alignment of the pelvis and sacroiliac joint, impingement or rotation of the vertebra in the lumbar spine, or simply restrictions in hip joint mobility. Irritation of these structures can often lead to muscle guarding and spasm, further exacerbating pain.

 

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Services

If you are searching for relief of lower back pain, sciatica or radicular nerve pain then skilled Physical Therapy intervention is a highly effective non-surgical treatment option to improve or resolve your condition. Physical therapists are like body mechanics and can help to find the mechanical cause of your pain. A skilled therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess all factors contributing to your condition.

It’s time to act and reduce or eliminate your pain, call to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist today. Your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your evaluation findings to target your specific needs. Balance Solutions Physical Therapy is here to help, offering advanced physical therapy and manual therapy intervention for low back pain relief.

Balance Solutions Physical Therapy is located at Commerce Park in Beachwood Ohio, just on the outskirts of Cleveland. Services offered include physical therapy, massage, myofascial release, Integrative Dry Needling, as well as Pilates mat and reformer private and class lessons.

 

References

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