Causes of Sciatica:

Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated or slipped disc in the spine, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Other causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, spondylolisthesis, which is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, and degenerative disc disease, which is the gradual deterioration of the discs in the spine. Additionally, pregnancy can also lead to sciatica due to the pressure on the sciatic nerve from the growing uterus.

A physical exam by your healthcare provider can help you determine if you have sciatica.

Treatment of Sciatica:

Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Most cases of sciatica can be treated with non-surgical methods such as:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected area and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Exercise and Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises and stretches can help improve flexibility and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
3. Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, prescription medications such as muscle relaxants or opioids may be needed.
4. Hot or Cold Compresses: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
5. Injections: Steroid injections into the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

In rare cases where non-surgical methods are not effective, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Physical Therapy in Everett, Snohomish County

Having a sciatica diagnoses doesn’t have to be scary or painful. At Everett Spine and Rehab, we will develop a treatment plan specifically for your condition which may include physical therapy or chiropractic care. If you think you might have sciatica, please schedule an appointment with us: 425-347-8614.

Sources:

1. Chat GPT https://openai.com/
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Sciatica. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Sciatica. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sciatica/

Although no two back surgeries are alike, there are things you can do to prepare before and after surgery to help ensure a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you heal after back surgery.

Why Do You Need Back Surgery?

One common reason for back surgery is a herniated disc, also known as a “slipped disc.” Herniated discs occur when the disc’s jelly-like soft center bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer, which inflames and irritates the nerves in your spine. Surgery like a microdiscectomy can remove the small fragments of disc, bone and ligament to free the nerve.

Another reason you may need back surgery is spinal stenosis, which is a condition that occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, causing the bones to press on the nerves. Spinal stenosis can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness. Surgery can widen the spaces in your spine, relieving the pressure on the nerves.

Have realistic expectations about your healing process.

If you’re expecting to go back to doing your everyday routine right after receiving back surgery, you’ll be disappointed to learn recovery is far longer. Sometimes, a full recovery can be up to three months. During that time; your goal is to strengthen your back muscles again, which means lots of walking and building of the spine muscles.

You will likely need to take some time off from work to recover. Depending on which type of back surgery you receive will determine how long it takes. For example, if the back surgery is a fusion and laminectomy, the total recovery time could be up to a year.

Your doctor may also have you referred to a physical therapist to put you on a physical therapy regimen.

Most people feel better after a few weeks and can return to normal activities from a few weeks to a few months. However, it is essential to remember that everybody heals differently. Some people may take longer to recover than others, and recovery times will vary depending on the type of surgery.

Be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal properly.

You may also need to modify your activities and how you do things to avoid putting too much strain on your back. For example, you must take it easy after back surgery and not push yourself too hard. Instead, focus on gentle activities that will help you regain strength and flexibility. Post-back surgery exercises include walking, swimming, or doing yoga.

Your doctor may also want you to try the following:

• Riding on a stationary bike with a straight spine between 20 to 30 minutes
• ball exercises
• squats

If you start to feel pain, stop what you’re doing and rest.

Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.

Your doctor will likely give you specific instructions on caring for your incision and what activities you should avoid in the first few weeks. You must follow these instructions. Additionally, you will need to take it easy for a few weeks and allow your body to heal, avoiding strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, and bending over.

You will likely have a follow-up appointment a few weeks after your surgery. At this appointment, your doctor will check on your healing and give you any additional instructions. You must attend this appointment so your doctor can ensure that you are healing correctly.

Conclusion

Recovering from back surgery can be a long and challenging process. However, you can do certain things to help ensure a successful recovery:

1. Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is essential.
2. Keep your back as mobile as possible, and do some gentle exercises to strengthen your back muscles.
3. Be patient and give yourself time to heal. Back surgery is a big deal.

Physical Therapy After Back Surgery in Everett, Wa

We offer physical therapy for back injury rehabilitation here in Everett. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about our therapy. We accept most insurance. Call 425-347-8614 for more information or to setup your appointment.

Causes of Middle Back Pain

A person’s poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over to look at a computer or phone screen for long periods, is often the cause of pain in the mid-back.

Also, if a person has repetitive activities that involve twisting or overextending the spine, muscle spasms in the mid-back area can lead to discomfort and pain.

Gallbladder issues can cause pain between the should blades or right shoulder.

Other possible causes of pain in the middle back include disc herniations, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, or degenerative disc disease. A professional specializing in back pain can determine the exact cause of your middle back pain before proceeding with any treatment plan.

Treatments for Middle Back Pain

Once a specialist identifies the underlying cause of your middle back pain, several treatment plans are available.

The most common treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cold/heat therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, exercise programs, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be necessary if other treatments do not relieve symptoms.

Chiropractic care or physical therapy can tailor specific exercise and lifestyle changes to relieve middle back pain. Chiropractors and physical therapists can help you develop posture and desk ergonomics when sitting at a workstation or using electronic devices, which can be a tremendous help.

Chiropractors may also use spinal manipulation to relieve a patient’s pain. During a spinal manipulation technique, a chiropractor will use their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to the joint or joints in your spine that may be causing the patient’s discomfort.

The theory of spinal manipulation is to properly align the body’s musculoskeletal structure so the body can heal itself. Patients often use chiropractic care along with conventional medical treatment.

Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling with an exercise treatment plan to relieve a patient’s pain. Using a more holistic approach to healing, a chiropractor will assess many different forms of pain relief for the patient.

Who is More Likely to Get Mid-Back Pain?

A patient at higher risk of suffering from middle-back pain is likely to be older, out-of-shape, overweight, have underlying conditions, and possibly a smoker. Increased coughing associated with smoking can sometimes misalign the middle back area.

Suppose you are experiencing any type of middle back pain. In that case, it is vital to seek advice from a qualified specialist to determine which treatment option would be best for your individual needs.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms and get on with life without the discomfort associated with middle back pain.

Everett Chiropractic Care in Snohomish County, Wa

Wherever your back pain may be, we are happy to help! Contact us here or call for an appointment at Everett Spine and Rehab.

There are many things that can contribute to shoulder pain. The pain could be temporary, or it might be there to stay. It’s important to know when you should seek help, and what treatments are available to you.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

There are many reasons why you may develop shoulder pain. Still, some conditions are more common than others.

Here are the four most common causes of shoulder pain:

• Arthritis
• Fracture
• Instability
• Tendon Inflammation or tear

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints which may cause swelling, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis is most common in the shoulders and occurs because of overuse. It usually appears during middle age, and it is slow to develop, gradually worsening over time.

A fracture is a broken bone. A broken shoulder is usually the result of a high-energy injury such as a vehicular accident or a sports injury. Shoulder fractures are also very common in the older population who is prone to falling.

Instability is another name for a dislocated shoulder. A dislocation occurs when the bone of the upper arm is forced out of the socket of the shoulder. Usually, this occurs because of an injury, but it may occur from overuse as well.

Tendon inflammation usually occurs because of repeated activity. It may also be the result of a degenerative condition like arthritis. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa sacs. These are fluid-filled sacs that surround the joint. Tendinitis is usually a result of inflammation in the tendon.

Here are some other things that may be causing you shoulder pain:

• Bone Spurs: calcium deposits located around joints that can cause pain and mobility issues
• Impingement Syndrome: the rotator cuff becomes caught between the acromium and the humeral head
• Acromium: the part of the scapula that covers the ball
• Humeral Head: the ball-shaped area of the humerus
• Injury: this may be the result of anything from a sports injury to a car accident
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): shoulder joint tissues become thicker, limiting your range of motion
• Heart Attack: blood flow to the heart becomes blocked or cut off
• Pinched Nerve: a compressed nerve caused when the bones, muscles, cartilage, or tendons apply too much pressure to the nerve
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: swollen tendons
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Torn Cartilage
• Torn Rotator Cuff: the rotator cuff consists of four tendons and muscles that stabilize the upper arm

How Do Doctors Diagnose Shoulder Pain?

There are so many different reasons why your shoulder may be causing you pain. So, it can make your doctor’s job a bit difficult.

First, they’ll start by examining your medical history. Then, they will complete a physical examination. They will test your shoulder and the surrounding areas to see if there is any swelling, or if you’re in any pain. They will also look to see if the pain has limited your range of motion.

Your doctor may also run some tests. The most common tests they will perform include X-rays or MRIs.

Treatments For Shoulder Pain

There are several treatments for shoulder pain. Treatment depends on what is causing your discomfort.

Changes In Activity

If your shoulder pain is a result of injury or overuse, your doctor may recommend altering your activities. You’ll want to prevent overexertion and not force your body to do the things it normally does to cause pain.

Massage Therapy

Researchers have found that utilizing massage therapy is effective for reducing pain short term. If you take advantage of massage therapy over a longer period of time, it may reduce your shoulder pain in the long term.

Medications

Medications are a common treatment for pain and inflammation. In more extreme cases, your doctor may provide numbing injections to relieve pain. They may also prescribe more powerful steroid medications.

Physical Therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to reduce your pain, increase your strength and mobility, and improve your quality of life. Your doctor should assess your shoulder injury to determine if physical therapy will be suitable for you.

Physical therapy exercises may include stretching, joint stabilization and mobilization, and muscle strengthening. They may also apply ice, heat, or electrical stimulation devices to relieve pain as well.

A study evaluated 66 individuals suffering from shoulder pain. Half of these individuals received physical therapy for a month, while the other half did not. The individuals who received therapy had noticeable improvements in their pain levels and mobility. Those who did not receive therapy continued to decline.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the last resort after all other treatments have failed. Yet, some conditions cannot be treated with physical therapy, rest, or medication.

Recurring dislocations and some rotator cuff tears may only be fixed with surgery. Shoulder surgeries may include reconstruction, removal of scar tissue, repair of torn tissues, or even full shoulder replacement.

Everett Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is common, especially in older populations. The most common causes of shoulder pain include arthritis, fractures, instability, and tendon inflammation.

Whatever is causing your shoulder pain, know that you don’t have to live with the pain forever. Speak with your doctor to talk about your treatment options. For those who are in Snohomish county or Everett, Washington, we are here for you! Reach out to us to schedule a physical therapy or massage therapy appointment.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve gets irritated. But how exactly does it get irritated? The most common cause of sciatic is a herniated or slipped disc. This very common condition occurs when a spinal disk that sits between your vertebrae, slips out of place. It may also be caused by degenerative disc disease (osteoarthritis of the spine) and lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

3D medical animation still showing back pain caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve. | Image Credit: http://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/ CC BY-SA 4.0

How Do I Know if I Have Sciatica?

At Everett Spine & Rehab, we will conduct a physical exam and take note of your health history, in order to diagnose you. We will develop a treatment plan specifically for you. If you think you have sciatica, or are experiencing pain, don’t wait–please schedule an appointment with us at (425) 347-8614.