Lumbar Spine Disc Injury / Sciatica

Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions presenting to physiotherapy.  A common presentation of lower back pain includes sciatica often caused by a lumbar spine disc injury.  These injuries are most common in people between the age of 35-60 years old.  Patients often complain of pain in the lower back, buttock, back of the thigh and calf.  People may often note pins and needles or tingling in a part of their lower leg or foot.  A lumbar spine disc injury can occur often with a bending, twisting or lifting injury or occasionally come on slowly over time. The pain is generally worse with sitting, driving and bending and improved with walking but an acute disc injury may be painful with all positions and activities.

As with most conditions the most important aspect of treatment is a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment to determine the exact nature of the injury.  Many lower back injuries and even sciatica can present differently and need a different treatment.  Your physiotherapist will perform a clinical exam and then explain the injury and course of treatment to you.  One of the most important aspects of the assessment will be to determine if you have a true compression on one of the nerves in the lower back.  If this is present it will affect your course of therapy and your doctor will be contacted. Treatment at Nose Creek Sport Physical Therapy may include manual therapy, education on what you can do yourself for your injury, anti-inflammatory modalities, traction and occasionally acupuncture or intramuscular stimulation.  The latter stages of rehabilitation include progressive strengthening of your lower back and abdominal muscles to prevent re-injury and help you return to your recreational or work activities depending on your goals.

For further information on the Nose Creek Sport Physical Therapy treatment for lumbar spine disc injuries feel free to contact us or arrange an appointment.