"To Say Goodbye To Backpain and Stiffness Without Medication Or A GP Appointment"

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What are back pain and sciatica?

Back pain is a generalized term that covers a wide range of conditions. Back pain can be caused by a lifting injury, poor posture, an accident, or another cause. Your course of treatment with a physical therapist will depend on the type of back pain, its location, and a lot of other factors. Pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than three months), and it can impact the bones of the spinal structure or muscles in the back.

Sciatica is a specific type of back pain that is intensely painful and easy to diagnose. The pain from sciatica runs along the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body. This nerve extends from your lower back, splits near the base of your spine, and runs down to the bottom of each foot. When the sciatic nerve is “pinched,” it can send a constant, shooting, burning pain from your buttocks to the bottom of your foot. The fact this is also the same observation according to Medical News Today, anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain, ranging from mild to severe.

Causes of back pain and sciatica

Generalized back pain is usually caused by an injury. This can range from a strain or pull in your back muscles (such as bending over to pick up a toddler) to a more serious injury (such as one sustained in a car crash.) A herniated disc in the back is more serious and can lead to tremendous pain, including sciatica. Degenerative disc disease can be caused by obesity or poor posture, and it can lead to dull, aching in the lower back.

The longer technical name for sciatica is “lumbar radiculopathy.” It usually impacts people between 30 and 50 years of age. Sciatica can be caused by several different types of injuries, including bone spurs, arthritis, or an injury that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. A fall or a collision during sports, such as soccer or football, can lead to a case of sciatica. The condition can also generate slowly over time, as with the development of arthritis.

How physical therapy helps

Recovery from sciatica or other types of back pain is possible with the help of physical therapy. Your course of treatment with a physical therapist will largely depend on your diagnosis. In the early stages of sciatica, your physical therapist will make specific recommendations to help relieve pain. This can include applying ice packs to affected areas every few hours, going for short walks to remain active, and working on things like your posture to prevent the injury from worsening.

As your condition improves, your physical therapist will work with you on specific exercises, stretches, and treatments. For example, water exercises are a common “prescription” for many back injuries and sciatica, because they will allow you stay physically active. More intense exercises might not be possible during the early stages of recovery. Your physical therapist will prescribe specific leg exercises to relieve the pain from sciatica, so it's important to do these. The goal of physical therapy is to improve your range of motion, relieve the pain, and strengthen the body so you can ultimately return to your normal daily activities.

If you have been diagnosed with back pain or sciatica, contact PREP Performance Center in Lincoln Square, Irving Park, Lakeview, Horner Park, Roscoe Village & Ravenswood Chicago, IL centers today to schedule your initial appointment. We will get you started on your path toward recovery and long-lasting relief!


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What Our Patient's Say

What Other People Just Like You Are Saying About Prep Performance Physical Therapy Center In Chicago, Illinois
Audrey Maloney
Audrey Maloney
2023-03-02
During my college winter break, I came to PREP for help with a non-operative ACL tear, hoping to recover in time for my senior season. Working with Mary Kate was a game-changer. As a former college lacrosse player and skilled PT, Mary Kate's knowledge and ability to relate were unparalleled, and I loved every minute of working with her. Mary Kate's exceptional skill to identify the source of pain or discomfort and address it head-on has been invaluable. Her expertise and intuition helped me identify my areas of weakness and thanks to Mary Kate's guidance, I became more mindful and educated about my body, enabling me to take a more active role in my recovery. She has helped me come up with an individual treatment plan that suits my needs and concerns, equipped with exercises and tools that I could use at home. I highly recommend PREP Performance for any physical therapy needs. The entire staff at PREP is committed to taking care of and supporting their clients while providing individualized treatment. Scheduling was easy, and the environment was professional, friendly, and motivating. With Mary Kate and the PREP Performance team's support, I was able to return to the lacrosse field with confidence and am feeling great!
Samantha Korb
Samantha Korb
2023-02-14
As a hyper-flexible ex-gymnast of 16 years, I frequently experience daily back pain. Instead of just living with it, like I’ve been used to for so long, I now know I can count on Mary Kate’s expertise and magic hands to fix my ailments! Not only does she “fix me up,” but she also gives me tools and exercises to utilize at home since, unfortunately, I can’t take her home with me every day 🙂 I owe Mary Kate MUCH thanks for helping me live my life without back pain. DO NOT SLEEP ON MARY KATE @ PREP PERFORMANCE!!!
Rachel Lavin
Rachel Lavin
2023-02-14
As an older athlete, who practices martial arts and engages in other rigorous activities, I’ve learned over the years to identify the real deal. Mary Kate at prep performance center is the real deal and has become my go-to healer. Im so grateful for her expertise. If you have a physical problem she is definitely the one to see. One more thing, the whole environment at PREP is warm and friendly and welcoming. Yes, PREP Performance Center gets high marks from me! Rachel Lavin
Jane Thomsen
Jane Thomsen
2023-02-12
Dr MC is an outstanding Dr of Physical Therapy, extremely intuitive and she listens. Has helped me with various issues, resolving most in a short time
Grace Ronan
Grace Ronan
2023-02-02
Jack taught me how to do my favorite exercise- the paloof press- now i incorporate that into my daily workouts! If I could give 6 starts I would but there were only 5!
Meghan Keefer
Meghan Keefer
2022-11-22
After struggling for months with heel pain, I finally have my sanity back after just two visits with MK. Previous home therapies, a couple attempts at PT, a cortisone shot, and custom orthotics couldn’t fix what she tackled through targeted stretches, hands on manipulation, and dry needing. My only regret is not seeing her sooner!
Erin Purdue
Erin Purdue
2022-11-12
Mary Kate, Jack, and Nicoletta are so friendly and personable. Mary Kate is great at holding me accountable to doing exercises (and doing them correctly!) and challenging me in the midst of recovery so that I see results. The whole staff clearly care a lot about each patient and their progress.
Kristin l
Kristin l
2022-10-21
Mary Kate was incredible to work with! My daughter was having some leg pain…Mary Kate got to the bottom of it, was able to make resolve the issue and give her exercises, etc to prevent it from happening again! She is wonderful with children, so an added bonus. Highly recommend Mary Kate @ PPC.
Sidera Corry
Sidera Corry
2022-08-23
Prep Performance has done a great job of helping me regain strength after surgery and get to the position I need to be in for sports!
Joe Perez
Joe Perez
2022-08-11
As an athlete it is crucial to have a network and connection of professional physical therapist/performance enhancement specialist to help maintain an healthy physical condition. The entire staff at PREP Performance does an excellent job of taking care and assisting their clients. They are very meticulous on the details for their patients in assisting you for your recovery. Additionally they all have a great understanding that every client all have different needs for recovery and go above and beyond to help cater for each individual and not just putting together a universal plan that is sufficient for anyone. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.