Low Back Pain & Sciatica

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Strained muscles are responsible for many cases of low back pain, especially in younger adults. As you get older, low back pain is more likely to arise from degenerative changes.

The most common causes of low back pain are:

• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis and subsequent bone spurs
• Injuries (sports, accident, overuse)
• Slipped disc (spondylolisthesis)
• Narrowing of spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
• Compression fracture due to osteoporosis
• Compressed nerves (sciatica, radiculopathy)

Back pain originates from spinal nerves that are inflamed and compressed and may cause different types of pain, from a burning ache to a sharp, disabling pain.

Our team at One Accord Physical Therapy knows that back pain is debilitating. Most of the patients who seek help have tried every other option, whether drugs, surgery, or both, without success. Your specialist provides effective therapies that get you off drugs, back on your feet, and back to the active, pain-free life you deserve.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that occurs anywhere along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve leaves the base of your spine, goes through your buttocks, and travels through your legs to your feet. When the nerve is compressed at the spine, you develop sciatica.

In addition to pain that radiates down your legs, sciatica may cause burning, tingling, or numbness anywhere along the nerve.

Common causes of sciatica include:

• Herniated disc (responsible for most cases of sciatica)
• Arthritis
• Slipped disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

Your risk of developing sciatica increases as you get older and when extra pressure is placed on your spine, such as during heavy lifting. Being overweight may also tax the spine and contribute to sciatica pain.

How are Low Back Pain and Sciatica Treated?

Hands-on manual therapy and a prescriptive exercise program are recommended treatments for low back pain and sciatica. These therapies strengthen muscles, improve your mobility, and reduce inflammation and pain.

At One Accord Physical Therapy, you’ll undergo a thorough examination so we can target the underlying cause of your pain.

As holistic practitioners, we listen to your concerns and treat you as an integral member of the treatment team and more -- you’re part of the family.

You are heard, you get answers, you receive the best treatment matched to the cause of your back pain, and you feel better faster.

You also have access to the most recent, evidence-based treatment available at One Accord Physical Therapy. As one of Arizona’s only teaching orthopedic clinics, we’re the experts you can count to help you get active and stay pain-free.

After your manual spine therapy specialist explains your options, you’ll work together to develop a treatment plan. These are a few of the potential manual therapies proven to alleviate low back pain and sciatica:

• Strain-counterstrain
• Joint mobilization
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Spinal manipulation techniques
• Dry needling
• Prescriptive exercises
• Therapeutic exercises

Once your therapy begins, you’ll have the same provider at every visit. This gives you exceptional continuity of care and provides access to a trusted professional who truly knows your personal challenges and degree of pain. In other words, you’ll receive truly customized care.

You don’t need to keep suffering from low back and sciatica pain: You have drugs, surgery, or One Accord Physical Therapy. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online.

Need help deciding if OneAccord is right for you?