Back pain and sciatica are common conditions that can disrupt your daily life. Back pain may stem from muscle strain, poor posture, or injury, while sciatica is a specific type of nerve pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. Both can range from mild to severe—but with the right treatment, relief is possible.
At PREP Performance Center in Chicago and Niles, IL, our expert physical therapists are here to help you understand what’s going on and guide you through a personalized plan for recovery.
Back pain can stem from a variety of sources, including:
Sciatica (or lumbar radiculopathy) usually occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Common causes include:
Back pain and sciatica can stem from many causes—muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, or pressure on the sciatic nerve. These conditions can limit your mobility and affect your quality of life.
At PREP Performance Center, our physical therapists are experts in identifying the root cause of your pain and developing personalized treatment plans to relieve discomfort, restore movement, and help you feel like yourself again. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain or shooting sciatic nerve pain, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Understanding and Treating Back Pain & Sciatica Back pain is a general term that covers a wide range of conditions. It can result from a lifting injury, poor posture, an accident, or other causes. Treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of the pain, as well as other individual factors. Back pain may be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than three months) and can affect the spinal structure or muscles in the back.
Sciatica is a more specific and often more intense form of back pain. It occurs when the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body—is irritated or compressed. This nerve starts in the lower back, splits near the base of the spine, and runs down to the bottoms of both feet. When pinched, it can cause a sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the buttocks down the leg. According to Medical News Today, anything that irritates this nerve can trigger symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Physical therapy is an effective, non-invasive way to relieve back pain and sciatica. Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis and current symptoms. In the early stages, your physical therapist may recommend pain-relief strategies like ice, light activity, and posture corrections to prevent further injury.
As healing progresses, treatment may include targeted stretches, strengthening exercises, and hands-on techniques. Aquatic therapy is often used in early recovery, allowing patients to stay active without straining the back. For sciatica, therapists will guide you through specific leg and core exercises to relieve nerve pressure. The ultimate goal is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you return to your daily activities safely and confidently.
Struggling with back pain or sciatica? Let the experienced team at PREP Performance Center help you get back on track. With convenient locations in Chicago and Niles, IL, we offer personalized physical therapy designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life.
Schedule your initial appointment today and take the first step toward feeling better, moving easier, and living pain-free!
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