Innsbrook, MO

Innsbrook, MO

Do not let another day go by with the pain of sciatica. Get quality care from Innsbrook area physical therapists now.

Sciatica in Innsbrook, MO. If you have ever known the pain associated with sciatica, you know how difficult it is to adequately express the intensity of pain that accompanies it and just how disabling it can become. If you have been diagnosed with or believe you suffer from sciatica, or a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, seek expert medical care right away.

Axes Physical Therapy is a network of fifteen Innsbrook, MO area physical therapy treatment clinics. These provider-owned and operated movement wellness offices bring you thoughtful, personalized, intelligent care for your sciatica or other movement complaints near Innsbrook, MO. Talk to a physical therapist in the Innsbrook area about your sciatica today or schedule an appointment online now.

What You Should Know About Sciatica

Sciatica describes the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the most extensive nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve originates from the nerve roots in the lower spine to the pelvis, where it then splits off to each buttock and runs down and through the back of each leg. People frequently mistaken low back pain for sciatica, but sciatica is distinct in that the pain because the pain from sciatica follows this precise nerve path.

Sciatica itself is not a diagnosis — contrary to popular assumption. In fact, sciatica is only a word used to describe a set of symptoms tied to the sciatic nerve that surface when an underlying medical condition causes the sciatic nerve to be irritated, inflamed, pinched, or compressed. Sciatica patients’ symptoms range greatly, but often consist of pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that can extend from the buttock all the way down the leg. Unlike low back pain, people with sciatica experience symptoms down into the glute area, hamstrings, calves, and feet and heels.

sciatica Innsbrook, MO | sciatic nerve pain near Innsbrook, MO

Symptoms of Sciatica

Each individual experiences sciatica symptoms differently. Your sciatica’s exact presentation depends on where the damage or pressure is along the nerve root. Symptoms that accompany sciatica include pain, loss of sensation, loss of muscle function, tingling, and pain that worsens when in certain positions.

The hallmark of sciatica is pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve from the low spine to the pelvis, buttocks, and legs. Typically, a patient with sciatica will experience symptoms only on one side — either down the right buttock and leg or the left buttock and leg. However, it is possible for a patient to experience sciatic pain and symptoms on both sides. This is determined by where on the sciatic nerve the irritation or compression occurs.

With sciatica comes undeniable pain for anyone with the condition in Innsbrook, MO. This nerve-related pain is described by patients as:

  • Sharp
  • Jolting
  • Shooting
  • Burning
  • Electric
  • Stabbing
  • Tingling

If you are suffering from the debilitating pain and other limiting symptoms of sciatica, get in touch with a medical professional with spine health expertise as soon as possible. The physical and occupational therapists of Axes Physical Therapy near Innsbrook, MO will lead you on your journey to a full recovery and craft a plan with the best chance of success of restoring your mobility and freedom from pain.

What Causes Sciatica?

For most individuals, their sciatica is caused by some form of irritation to or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve inflammation is easily resolved with physical therapy in the Innsbrook area designed to target the underlying cause of your sciatica symptoms, or may even resolve on their own over time with proper exercise and self-care. Other cases, when the sciatica is a result of direct compression of the sciatic nerve, may call for a more invasive treatment such as surgery.

Often, patients with conditions such as sciatica pain are not aware of what caused their condition. Whether you suffered an acute injury while playing sports or being active or woke up one day with sharp pains down your left leg that you can’t explain, our Innsbrook, MO area physical therapists are equipped to provide you with accessible, epirically-supported restorative care.

sciatica causes | sciatica pain treatment professional in Innsbrook, MO

Common Causes of Sciatica Pain

Are You at a Higher Risk of Developing Sciatica in Innsbrook, MO?

You may be at a higher risk of developing sciatica and other physical and neurological conditions based on your background and activities. You are more likely to suffer from sciatica based on the following risk factors:

  • Age. As we age, our bodies undergo natural wear and tear and the bone and soft tissue in joints including the spine can wear away and increase your risk of sciatica.
  • Weight. The back muscles in heavier individuals are forced to work harder to keep the body upright, and their spinal discs and other joints are under more pressure.
  • Other medical conditions. Diabetes causes a higher rate of nerve damage in patients, and joint-related diagnoses like osteoarthritis can cause pain and pressure on your spine and sciatic nerve.
  • Occupation/Daily activities. Occupations that require lifting heavy loads for long periods, frequent bending and twisting, or driving (causing the up-and-down movement and vibration of the body) can cause sciatica.
  • Lifestyle. Lifestyle habits like a sedentary lifestyle or smoking can cause inflammation and weakness.

What Sciatica Treatment Options Do I Have in Innsbrook, MO?

There are a variety of approaches that are commonly used for sciatica patients. Different treatment solutions, ranging from conservative recommendations like cold and heat applications to surgical operations, vary in their accepted level of efficacy. Regardless of their respective disciplines, medical providers who work with sciatica all recognize that being physically active is a critical component of managing and treating sciatica. This is contrary to outdated recommendations to confine sicatica patients to bed rest, which is no longer an accepted treatment fo sciatica as it does not improve disabiity or pain in patients.

Ultimately, you must consult with a licensed medical professional prior to taking any actions related to your medical care. The physical and occupational therapists of Axes Physical Therapy in the Innsbrook, MO area have dedicated our careers providing Innsbrook, MO with access to healthcare that maximizes movement health and quality of life. In your case, that includes examining your medical history, sciatica symptoms, and other key information. Your dedicated Axes Physical Therapy treatment provider near Innsbrook, MO will perform a complimentary screening prior to beginning any treatment so that we can truly understand your condition and formulate an individualized treatment plan for your needs.

In addition to specializing in treating Innsbrook, MO area sciatica patients, our skilled Innsbrook area practitioners have what it takes to give you the care you need. Our team of experts in many different areas of the body and joint, nerve, and muscle conditions offer access to the care you need, including the following

Types of Treatments for Sciatica in Innsbrook, MO

Healthcare professionals and especially those who are specialists in spinal care have found the following methods to be helpful in the treatment of sciatica for certain patients. Your primary care doctor, Innsbrook, MO Axes physical therapist, and any other necessary medical professionals will collectively to lay forth and carry out the most promising sciatica treatment plan for you.

  • Medications. There is some conflicting information about which drugs are recommended for treating sciatica, but just like with any other drug, pharmaceuticals come with potential risks. Largely used in reducing the experience of sciatica symptoms, some drugs that can be used for sciatca patients include:
    • Anti-inflammatories
    • Muscle relaxers
    • Antidepressants
    • Corticosteroids
    • Anticonvulsants
    • Opiod pain medications
  • Physical therapy. Physical therapy is an impactful sciatica care approach that should be included in most sciatica treatment plans. Your physical therapy will involve a wide range of treatment services that target comprehensive movement health and repair the root cause of your sciatica pain. Working with a physical therapist in the Innsbrook, MO area can help you obtain pain relief, improve your ability to move, become physically healthier, halt or prevent permanent damage and disability, and reduce the risk of future injuries or return of your sciatica. Your Innsbrook, MO physical therapist will provide care that works to improve your posture, bring your body into balance, increase flexibility, improve strength, and release pressure.
  • Injections. In some cases, your medical provider might try administering an injection or series of injections to the affected area. If you are considering injections for your sciatica, your options include nerve root blocks, which are used to inject the steroid and anesthetic combination directly to the affected sciatic nerve root, or epidural injections, which deliver the steroid and anesthetic to the epidural space enveloping the nerve. As a sciatica sufferer in Innsbrook, MO, you may use injections as a way to temporarily supress the irritation of the nerve to provide pain relief and maintain the ability to function. Injection treatment effects can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.
  • Surgery. Due to its risk and inherent invasive nature, surgery is usually reserved for patients with the most severe symptoms or those who have not successfully healed with more conservative approaches. There are a number of operations for sciatica depending on the cause of the condition, including a microdiscectomy to remove a herniated disc or a laminectomy where the surgeon removes part of the vertebral bones to remove direct pressure on your sicatic nerve. To maximize your chances of success, surgery should be proceeded and followed by pre- and post-operative physical therapy care.
    You should consider sciatica surgery if:

    • you experience incontinence
    • you have spinal stenosis, where bone spurs are putting direct pressure on your sciatic nerve
    • you have severe neurological dysfunction
    • you have not experienced or are no longer experiencing permanent relief or healing with other treatments

physical therapy for sciatica near Innsbrook, MO | Axes Physical Therapy sciatica treatment

Benefits of Innsbrook, MO Physical Therapy for Sciatica

The primary directive for sciatica patients is to stay active. Keeping an active lifestyle, stretching, and performing exercises that target the source of your sciatica are essential in the treatment of sciatica for anyone in the Innsbrook, MO area.

The physical therapy we offer to sciatica patients in the Innsbrook, MO area reflects the importance of movement. Your Axes physical therapist near Innsbrook, MO will guide you in activities and exercises that strengthen and mobilize tissues in the lower back, pelvis, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs and heal the source of your sciatica.

The benefits of physical therapy for someone with sciatica include the following:

  • Improve functional movement
  • Relieve sciatic nerve pain
  • Reduce muscle spasms
  • Restore function of the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint
  • Improve mobility of the lower body
  • Foster a better healing environment in the lower back
  • Restore overall balance and proper posture in the back and legs
  • Promote neurologic adaptations to reduce the perception of pain
  • Prevent future pain flareups and permanent nerve damage
  • Foster confidence in your ability to move pain-free

In order to restore your movement health and deliver you sustainable relief from sciatica pain, your Axes physical therapist in the Innsbrook, MO area might include a number of different treatment modalities in your sciatica treatment plan, such as:

  • Hot and cold therapies
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stiumlation
  • Ultrasound
  • Flexbiliby and strength exercises
  • Joint manipulation
  • Soft tissue mobilization
  • Dry needling
  • Education and training for posure, safe technique, and activity modifications

Trust your movement health care team at Axes Physical Therapy to identify the sciatica treatment modalities you would benefit from most and act as an integral player in your larger healthcare team to help you manage your sciatica symptoms, alleviate the underlying irritation of your sciatic nerve, and reclaim the strength, flexibility, and full range of motion of a healthy individual. Speak to a medical provider in Innsbrook, MO now to explore your sciatica treatment options, including a quality, tailored physical therapy plan.

Get Relief for your Sciatica in Innsbrook, MO Now

When the agonizing pain and alarming limitations of sciatica prevent you from doing the activities that are important to you, find a trustworthy sciatica treatment provider right away. Swift and proven physical therapy for your sciatica in the Innsbrook, MO area can relieve your pain and restore the mobility you require to go about your life.

Axes Physical Therapy offers accessible, convenient, and proven sciatica treatment near Innsbrook, MO. Our fifteen Missouri physical therapy locations make it possible for you to get the care you need. Find the location nearest you or request an appointment online right now.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Spine Specialty – Certified Manual Therapy, McKenzie
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Julie Freiner
OTR/L, CHT
Samantha Bixby
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Farren Holman
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Matt Williams
MS, OTR/L, ATC/L, CHT
Jeff Hunter
Clinic Director, PT, Cert. MDT, MBA
Bailey Zimmermann
Front Office Supervisor
Amanda Reynolds
Front Office

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.