The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down both legs to the feet. When this nerve gets irritated or compressed, it can result in a painful condition called sciatica. You may also feel a tingling sensation, numbness, or weakness from your hip down to your foot. (Usually, only one side is affected in sciatica.)…
Ahlgren Spine
Classification of Orthopedic Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries which are purely orthopedic (musculoskeletal) rather than affecting the spinal cord can take many forms, from hairline vertebral fractures to herniated discs to arthritis. An orthopedic spinal injury can be minor to severe, with minor back injuries possibly needing only noninvasive treatment (such as physical therapy) whereas severe injuries may warrant back surgery…
Natural Treatments for Sciatica
Sciatica is a painful condition that affects the sciatic nerve, causing swelling and numbness in the leg. This nerve is located in the lower back and branches to the buttocks and down the legs. Sciatica is usually a symptom of other conditions like herniated disc, bone spur, and spinal stenosis. Fortunately, most cases of sciatica…
Spinal Stenosis: Treatment Options
Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves. It can produce symptoms that range from radiating pain, numbness, and weakness to gait problems, depending on the location of the narrowing. Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck region, while lumbar…
Recovering from Low-Back Surgery
Severe back pain is the number-one cause of work absenteeism worldwide – it is a truly debilitating condition. In the U.S., almost 20% of adults report having a recent episode of back pain, particularly in the lower back. If you are able to have surgery to alleviate your back pain, you may be curious about…
What to Expect from Physical Therapy
Physical therapy aims to help patients improve their strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility, and to reduce or eliminate their pain levels. Doctors and surgeons often recommend physical therapy to their patients who have an illness, have suffered an injury, or are recovering from surgery. On a proactive level, sports doctors recommend physical therapy to athletes…