Low back pain can be caused by several factors such as overuse, injury, strain, aging, herniated disc, congenital spinal issues and more. Low back pain symptoms can range from dull to sharp and can affect a small or large area with muscle spasms, pain, numbness, and tingling in legs. Most low back pain is acute, but can become chronic with depression or stress. At Premier Care Physiotherapy, we do all it takes to prevent your back pain from being a part of your everyday life. Our physiotherapy for lower back pain and sciatica provides hands-on expertise with a goal to restore your mobility, provide guidance for overall health, and welcome the freedom of a pain free life of wellness.
What Is The Main Cause Of Sciatica?
This is a specific type of nerve pain that refers to leg pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling caused by injury or pressure on the sciatic nerve. It occurs from pressure/damage to the sciatic nerve which starts in the lower back and runs down the legs. This nerve controls muscles/sensations in the back of the knee, lower leg, thigh, and foot. Some common causes are a slipped/herniated disk, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pelvic injury/fracture, and tumors.
The pain varies from mild tingling to severe – often on one side – and sharp pain in one area while numbness in others. You may feel this pain on the back of the calf or sole of the foot, and your legs may feel weak resulting in difficulty walking.
Other Common Back Injuries
Low Back Muscle Strains: No heavy lifting or extreme sports required – everyday activities can cause strain. Low back muscles work non-stop and require breaks. Our physical therapists provide pain relief with acupuncture, laser, or other techniques. Strengthening the back & core muscles is crucial and our therapists tailor an exercise program for you that addresses your concerns.
Intervertebral Disc Irritation: The rubbery substance between vertebrae (spine bones) can become irritated due to injury or pressure. A small movement like bending can cause disc changes. Close proximity to the spinal nerve means disc injury can affect nerves leading to sciatica.
Impingement & Spinal Stenosis: Caused by narrowing of the canal or foramen where the low back nerves travel, due to injury, degeneration, inflammation or congenital factors. Can result in severe pain, leg weakness, missed work, sleep issues and in some cases, bladder/bowel control issues. Physical therapists may use joint mobilization, back traction, and exercises to improve mobility and overall function by freeing up the nervous tissue.
Why You Need Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an effective solution for sciatica and common low back injuries. Our physiotherapists may use manual therapy to loosen the sciatic nerve and provide specific exercises for you to do at home. These exercises aim to strengthen, improve, and increase flexibility in your back, legs, and core muscles to provide relief from sciatica pain. Our goal is to help you find relief and achieve optimal recovery. Premier Care physiotherapists will assess your range of motion and identify any mobility restrictions related to sciatica. A personalized treatment plan based on your examination results will help alleviate sciatica symptoms. You’ll be able to get back to your normal routine in no time.
The physical health care approach is for all ages and aims to improve physical function and daily living activities. Physiotherapists help pre/post-surgery and assist in recovery from acute and chronic conditions. We offer personalized care to diagnose and treat disabilities, injuries, and illnesses. Your doctor will assess your medical profile and create a tailored treatment plan, adjusting it as needed based on your progress. The advantages of physiotherapy are countless and at Premier Care we customize pain management plans for efficient recovery that is suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and ages. Our goal is to reduce risk of reinjury and recurring symptoms. Physiotherapy lowers likelihood of future sprains, breaks, strains and improves functional independence and mobility.
Premier Care Physiotherapy
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Mary Kazem will assess your medical history and current symptoms on your first visit. She will also perform an external examination of your spine, hips, sacroiliac joints, and pelvic region, as well as an internal examination of your pelvic floor muscles. After the exam, Mary will discuss her findings and customized treatment plan with you, which may include techniques such as soft tissue release, exercise, and muscle stimulation. Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapy services are provided by a highly trained therapist (Mary Kazem) and are covered by most extended health plans. Our Home Care Program offers tailored physiotherapy care for those who cannot visit a clinic for treatment or require a home safety assessment. We provide in-home physiotherapy for individuals recovering from joint replacements, fractures, heart surgeries, strokes, MS, and other mobility-limiting conditions.
At our Richmond Hill clinic, we offer a range of services for physiotherapy, RMT, sports injuries, pain relief, and MVA insurance claims rehabilitation. Conveniently located in the Yorkdale Group Building on Yonge Street, we are a multi-disciplinary facility with a team of qualified health professionals, including physiotherapists, RMTs, an acupuncture practitioner, and a chiropractor. Premier Care Physiotherapy provides personalized hands-on treatment to meet your specific needs. Call (905)237 7174 to address any lower back pain you’re experiencing.