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Sciatica is often characterized by pain the
shoots down the leg, with or without low back
pain associated with it. Sometimes there are
also symptoms of numbness and tingling in the
lower extremity. The pain is caused by
irritation of the main nerve into the leg, the
sciatic nerve. This pain tends to be caused
where the nerves pass through and emerge from
the lower bones of the spine (lumbar vertebrae)
or as they pass under a muscle called the
piriformis.
At Ability Physical Therapy a thorough
evaluation is performed on each individual
patient. From this evaluation a treatment
program and patient specific goals are set in a
team approach. The team approach includes the
patient as an active participant. The goals and
treatment program are chosen based on the
particular needs of the individual. Patients are
instructed in how to protect the spine with
activities they want to return to whether it be
mopping the floor or playing basketball. A
strengthening, flexibility, and overall
stabilization program is established with
emphasis on patient education and prevention. |
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