How To Find Relief From Sciatica
Frank’s pain was the worst he’d ever felt. It started in his lower back but then radiated down the back of his leg all the way to his toes. Sometimes, he felt numbness or tingling in his leg, which he found especially concerning. But worst of all, this radiating pain made it almost impossible for him to get around.
Eventually, Frank visited his physical therapist, where he learned this pain had a specific term: sciatica. Its name comes from the fact that it affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down into the foot.
Frank also learned that his sciatica, like most people’s, came courtesy of a herniated disc in his lumbar spine. Fortunately, physical therapy is a frontline treatment for herniated discs, and with a month of regular PT sessions, Frank resolved his pain.
Are you experiencing radiating leg pain like Frank? If so, reach out to us at Nestor Physical Therapy. We can help you know for certain if your pain is sciatica or another similar condition — and we can help you find relief with a customized treatment plan.
Call today to schedule your initial consultation!
What Is Sciatica? Symptoms and Causes
Sciatica is a somewhat misunderstood condition. Many people refer to any radiating pain in the back and legs as “sciatica.” In reality, sciatica only refers to pain that stems from pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica’s main symptom is pain that starts in the lower back, radiates into the buttocks, and then runs down the back of one leg into the foot, following the path of the affected sciatic nerve. Often, the leg pain will be worse than the back pain.
However, other symptoms often indicate sciatica, including the following:
- Muscle spasms in the back
- “Pins and needles” sensations in the leg and/or foot
- Numbness in the leg and/or foot
- Shooting or burning pain deep in the buttocks or legs
- Weakness in the affected leg
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, compressed, or irritated in some way. But what causes that nerve irritation in the first place?
For most people, as it was for Frank, the answer is a herniated disc. Your spinal vertebrae are cushioned and protected by flexible cartilage discs (spinal discs). If one of these discs bulges or ruptures so that it irritates or pinches the sciatic nerve, you’ll experience sciatica pain.
Other medical issues (such as a bone spur, inflammation related to pregnancy, or a tumor) can also cause sciatica, but these conditions are much more rare. If you have sciatica, the chances are good you have a herniated disc — and that’s something physical therapy can help resolve!
How Physical Therapy Can Help With Sciatic Pain
When treating a herniated disc (and, by extension, sciatica), our therapists will move through the following steps:
- Manage Pain: We’ll develop a plan to address your acute pain, pulling from several options. Gentle spinal mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation of your back muscles, and pain relieving modalities such as TENS or hot and cold therapy can all help.
- Improve Mobility: Movement is crucial in addressing sciatica. Spinal mobilizations play an essential role here, allowing you to move the joint without exerting effort. We’ll also incorporate active stretches and mobility work to help ease range of motion restrictions and prepare your body for the next phase of treatment.
- Strengthen Your Back and Core: As your pain lessens, we’ll begin working to build strength in your core muscles, which stabilize and support your spine. By strengthening these muscles, you can alleviate the pressure on your lumbar spine that contributes to sciatic pain and a herniated disc.
- Educate to Prevent Future Pain: Finally, we can provide the tools to prevent a future bout of sciatica. We might help you develop a home exercise program to keep your spine healthy or show you how to properly lift heavy objects to avoid injury.
Find Sciatica Relief at Nestor Physical Therapy
Sciatic pain can be incredibly intense and often debilitating. Regular physical therapy will help you resolve that pain — and the underlying cause — so you can get back to living a full, healthy life.
To get started with your own personalized sciatica treatment plan, call to schedule an appointment today!
Get Started with PT Now!
Return to Nestor Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Foot Study Sign Up
Nestor Physical Therapy is participating in nationwide clinical research! We are testing a device to correct hallux valgus deformity…otherwise known as Bunions!!
Do you suffer from foot or toe pain?
Do you have trouble finding comfortable shoes or finding shoes that fit?
Do you have difficulty walking?
Do you have to have to limit or stop your regular activities due to toe or foot pain?
Do you have to stay in bed because your feet hurt?
If you answered YES to any of the questions above, you might be the perfect candidate for our research.
If you can sit in a chair for 20-30 minutes twice a week you can participate in the project.
Ask us how we can relieve your pain!
Vanilla Bean French Toast
I have never made French toast, but I like to order it when I go out to breakfast. I was recently in California at the Alisal Ranch helping my friend Steven Raichlen with his Barbecue University. One morning I ordered vanilla bean French toast. The custard for the French toast was made with fresh vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. It was delicious.
I returned home and decided to make my own version of the vanilla bean French toast, but of course I made it on my grill.
Here is how it all came together when I made my own vanilla bean French toast. Flat top grills have become popular the last few years. I do not have a flat top grill, so I used a plancha (flat piece of cast iron) to replicate a flat top grill. There are other grill toppers made of porcelain or steel that can be used instead of a plancha.
I started by placing the plancha on my gas grill and heating it to medium high. While the grill and plancha heated up, I prepared the custard for the French toast. To make the custard I whisked together three eggs, one cup of milk, 2 tbsp of sugar, ¾ tsp of cinnamon, ¾ tsp of Kosher salt, and the insides of one vanilla bean. Next, I sliced one-inch slices from a loaf of brioche bread.
I dropped the bread slices into custard for thirty seconds on each side. Then I melted 2 tbsp of butter with 2 tbsp of oil on the grill topper. Each piece of French toast cooked for 3 minutes on each side. To accompany the French toast, I cooked breakfast sausages on the grill topper. To boost the vanilla flavor, I placed the used vanilla bean in the maple syrup I heated on the side burner.
I topped the French toast with vanilla infused syrup and garnished it with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The French toast developed a crusty exterior and the interior was light and airy. I enjoyed the sweet aroma of the French toast. The sausages were crispy due to the heat of the grill topper. The vanilla infused maple syrup was next level and tied the whole meal together. Enjoy!
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a great time to review your health insurance benefits, especially if you’ve already met your deductible. Many insurance plans reset on January 1st, which means that any benefits remaining for this year may be lost if not used.
At Nestor Physical Therapy, we want to remind you to make the most of your insurance coverage. If your deductible has been met, now is the perfect opportunity to schedule any remaining physical therapy sessions you may need. Whether you’re continuing treatment for an existing condition or looking to address new aches and pains, utilizing your benefits now can save you money and help you achieve your health goals.
Why It Matters
Meeting your deductible means that your insurance company will cover more (or even all) of the cost for your remaining appointments this year. This is a significant advantage for you, as it can lower your out-of-pocket expenses while ensuring you receive the care you need to stay active and healthy.
Many patients delay or avoid scheduling appointments due to concerns about cost. However, if your deductible is met, you can access physical therapy services at little to no additional expense. This is the time to prioritize your health, whether it’s recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or enhancing your mobility.
What to Do Next
If you’re unsure whether you’ve met your deductible or have questions about your insurance benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you in understanding your coverage and planning your care. We can help you verify your benefits and schedule appointments before the year ends.
Taking action now ensures you won’t miss out on the opportunity to fully utilize your insurance benefits. Contact Nestor Physical Therapy today to schedule your next appointment and take advantage of your met deductible. Let us help you finish the year strong and set the foundation for a healthier, more active you in the new year.
Thank You’s:
High Fives all around to all Nestor Physical Therapy patients and
friends who participated in our “Refer a Friend” program last month!
Sheila Hopkins, Elaine Wojicik, Kim and Rick Lacouture
Patient Success Spotlights
“After three weeks of great instruction and exercises with Dr. Nestor and Dave my arm and shoulder feel 100%”
“I was referred to Nestor PT for soreness and decreased movement in my left shoulder. After three weeks of great instruction and exercises with Dr. Nestor and Dave my arm and shoulder feel 100%. Thank You”
-Greg J.
“Now I am able to take long walks and hikes pain free!”
“When I first started therapy, I could barely walk, stand or sit upright without severe back spasms. I honestly thought I would never be able to lead a normal life again. With the help and patience of Dr. Nestor and his team, they have me stretches and exercises to rebuild my back muscles. Now I am able to take long walks and hikes pain free! Thank you for all your work and patience.”
-Linda G.
Back Pain Workshop
Join us at Nestor Physical Therapy for our Back Pain Workshop, where you’ll discover practical strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve your daily mobility. Led by our experienced therapists, this workshop will explore the common causes of back pain, introduce you to safe and effective exercises, and provide personalized advice to help you stay pain-free. Whether you’re dealing with occasional aches or chronic back issues, our team is here to guide you on your path to relief. Don’t miss this chance to take control of your back health—sign up today!
November 20th 6pm
Do You Or A Friend Need Our Help This Fall?
At Nestor PT, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy this season regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. However, if you’re experiencing aches and pains, it might feel like fall fun is totally out of your reach.
Research shows that individuals who seek physical therapy soon after developing pain or sustaining an injury have better outcomes.
So what are you waiting for?
Physical therapy is a safe, natural, and effective strategy for pain relief. And the best part is, it works without relying on prescription drugs or invasive surgeries!
Fall is here, and you don’t want to miss it. Are you ready to feel better? Contact Nestor PT to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated therapists today!
