Everything you need to know about Sciatica

Sciatica can put a strain on the body and make everyday functions seem impossible. Luckily, a registered physiotherapist will be able to help identify the root cause of your symptoms and help you along the path to recovery. A pinched sciatic nerve will cause pain in the lower back and in one of your legs. Although most cases of sciatica go away on their own, physiotherapy treatment can help relieve pain while you heal. With the right combination of physiotherapy treatments, you’ll be back to normal in no time.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is an ailment characterized by pain shooting down the leg. In general, sciatica is an indication of a related condition that might be undiagnosed. The most common cause of sciatica is spinal disk herniation, usually due to heavy lifting. Pregnancy may also cause sciatica, particularly as the due date draws nearer. Symptoms typically occur on only one side of the body and can result in numbness in the leg. This asymmetrical numbness can make simple tasks like walking painful and uncomfortable, symptoms a physiotherapist can help you address.

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?

If you think you might have sciatica, your best bet is to speak to a physiotherapist. Sciatica can be a symptom of a separate spinal disorder, so the root cause of your sciatica will need to be identified. Through examining the medical history and current symptoms, a physiotherapist will attempt to identify what is causing your sciatica. In some cases, imaging tests may also be required in order to diagnose sciatica.

Usually, sciatica will heal on its own in about six weeks. In severe cases, however, untreated sciatica can lead to a loss of bladder or bowel control. If the condition is longstanding, pain medication and surgery may be required. Speaking to a registered physiotherapist will help determine what steps to take to ensure your sciatica doesn’t cause lasting damage.

Six weeks may seem manageable, but when you’ve got intense lower back pain and numbness in one leg, it can be hard to focus on anything else. Luckily, here are some options recommended by physiotherapists to help relieve your symptoms in the meantime.

How to Treat Sciatica

Keep Moving

When you’re experiencing back pain, even the smallest movements can be painful. It may seem counterintuitive, but warming up your muscles by staying active can provide effective sciatica pain relief. That said, if you feel your sciatica acting up while you are being active, don’t push yourself. Your registered physiotherapist will be able to recommend specific exercises or stretches that successfully target your pain points.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Sciatica sufferers may benefit from taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce symptoms. Talk to your physiotherapist for specific recommendations regarding medication to treat sciatica. In more serious cases, steroid injections can offer relief for months at a time.

Physical Therapy

Treatments like massage, acupuncture, and physiotherapy can be highly effective when it comes to treating sciatic nerve pain. Massage can ease the pressure on your nerves to release tension throughout your body. Switching between hot and cold therapies increases blood flow, resulting in improved circulation. Chiropractic adjustments can improve alignment in the spinal column and correct posture. An ideal physiotherapy treatment plan will combine a variety of these treatments to address your needs. You and your physiotherapist may need to try a few different approaches to find what works for you.

Surgery

If you have been suffering from sciatica for over six weeks without improvement, it may be time to consider a more permanent treatment. The specific surgery you receive will depend on the underlying cause of your sciatica. Surgery is a huge decision, so make sure to spend some time discussing your options with your physiotherapy team.

Whatever the cause of your sciatica, seeing a professional physiotherapist is the way to go. Our physiotherapy clinic in Mississauga specializes in creating individualized treatment plans that will offer sciatica pain relief in no time.

Tips on Selecting Physiotherapy Services Clinic in Mississauga

Mississauga, neighbouring Toronto, is the sixth largest city in Canada in terms of population, with a population density of over 2,400 people per square kilometre. Mississauga area has over 20 physiotherapy centers and the number keeps growing.  In such a big municipality, with so many alternatives available, a very confusing question to answer for a Mississaugan is, “Which is the best Physio clinic near me?” This is especially true for someone new to the area.

Often people ask their Family Physician (FP) for a suggestion. They may be better able to analyze the various therapy centers and give an unbiased professional opinion. However, in some case, various doctors have a partnership with the therapy clinic or get some kind of kickback for referring patients to the clinic, so it is advisable to take the suggestion of the FP with a pinch of salt. This article provides valuable tips on selecting the best physiotherapy services clinic in Mississauga.

Tip # 1: Ask More People

Asking your physician for opinion is not all that a bad idea, but one should try to find more family members, friends or co-workers who had previous experience at physio clinic. Since the person you already trust will normally give you the most unbiased opinion. However, be careful to take their word as final. Different people have different attitudes and different expectations. You should also ask Google before making a final decision. Check out our other tips and make an informed decision.

Tip # 2: Check if Their Working Hours are Convenient for You

A great clinic is of no benefit to you at all if it does not suit your timings. You probably also have a job, and if the timing of the clinic ends with your working hours, and there is no flexibility as well, then the clinic does not suit you at all. You don’t need to look into other factors.

Tip # 3: Consider the Services’ Accessibility or Mobility

These factors may be a little less important than timing, however, if you are already suffering from pain, travelling long distance can be a toll on your body. A convenience location should be a factor in decision making. However, if the location of the clinic not suitable for you, you should ask your therapy clinic if they can deliver services at your home or some other convenient location. Service mobility might solve the problem of accessibility completely.

Tip # 4: Look for Privacy and Comfortable Settings

If you think that the timing and location accessibility work fine enough for you, the next thing to consider is the privacy of the treatment rooms. Everyone at the clinic understands you are there for a therapy session, but you wouldn’t want at a place where others could watch. See if the clinic has made proper arrangements to ensure the patient’s privacy. Just curtains might not be enough for you. Ask the clinic before you sign up to let you see the treatment room if possible.

Tip # 5: Check the Credentials of Your Therapist

Perhaps the most important factor in evaluating your therapy clinic is the credentials of your therapist, after all, it is the therapist who is going to perform his/her magic on you. What are the qualifications of the therapists? Do they have a degree in the relevant field or they have got just a diploma certificate? Are they certified by a reputable health service organization and registered with the local authorities? How much experience do they have? Having clear answers to all these questions is vital to the evaluation process. Do not hesitate to ask, and if the organization hesitates in providing satisfying answers, you need to stay clear of that organization.

Tip # 6: Don’t Forget to Compare the Pricing

While we suggest that you should not price of the service the main focus, but it should be included in the overall decision process. Furthermore, price criteria should be considered at last. Once you have scrutinized the various clinics through the above criteria, you would be better able to compare their prices. You should convert the various rates given by the organizations on their website or over the telephonic inquiry into a common standard. That is, convert all rates into hourly or per session rates. Then compare the prices with the value provided by each program. If you follow this process, you can be sure that whatever decision you take would be the best one for you.

Bristol Rehab and Medical Clinic is located right at the heart of Mississauga and is accessible by most localities reasonably fine enough. We have flexible working hours and are willing to come to you if necessary. Our professionals are highly qualified and certified by the Ontario College of Physiotherapy. Having professional training, they are fully aware of the privacy needs of their patients. And you will find our prices reasonable. Talk to one of our experts today at + (905) 501-0035 or + (289) 981-2891 or email us at admin@bristolrehabclinic.ca