Athletico Health Resources

Sciatica, a painful burning sensation from the buttock down the thigh, calf, or foot, is a common condition many experience. In any given year, 13-40% of the population may be affected by sciatica. The pain associated with sciatica can lead to lost workdays, lowered capacity for health through physical activity, and reduced quality of life. Despite sciatica affecting a significant portion of the population, inaccuracies and misconceptions persist about the condition. Let’s review a few of those misconceptions so you can take charge of your health!

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A robust and healthy spine is crucial for overall well-being, supporting mobility, posture, and daily functionality. As a physical therapist, I encounter numerous cases where preventive measures make a significant difference in maintaining spinal health. In this blog post, I’ll share five essential tips based on my experience and current research to ensure your spine stays strong and resilient. Let’s embark on a journey toward a healthier, happier back!

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There’s a good chance that you or someone you know has experienced “sciatica” issues. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 40% of the population in the U.S. will experience sciatica symptoms at some point in their life. The sciatic nerve is made up of multiple nerve roots that travel from the back into the lower leg. You have one sciatic nerve on each side of your body, making it common for people to have symptoms on one side and not the other. Since the nerve travels from the back and down into your leg, there can be multiple areas in which the nerve can be affected, causing similar symptoms. For this reason, it is important to identify the root of the problem causing the source of pain. Click here to learn more about the sciatic nerve and symptoms of sciatica.

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A compressed nerve, otherwise commonly called a pinched nerve, can be debilitating and, at the very least, frustrating. Knowing the root cause of the nerve injury, whether it be from an internal cause like scar tissue or an external cause like crutches/or hard surfaces, can help create a plan of action and care.

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Low back pain affects roughly 30% of the American population annually. Back pain is typically separated into discogenic pain (damage to the disc) and non-discogenic pain. However, many causes and other structures can be involved in low back pain. Identifying the root cause of discomfort can be a major step toward decreasing pain and improving function. Low back pain can have many causes:

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Back pain is a common ailment affecting millions worldwide, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. It is the single largest cause of disability worldwide. One frequently asked question is whether exercise can relieve this persistent discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between exercise and back pain, shedding light on how physical activity can be a powerful tool in managing and preventing this prevalent issue. Additionally, we’ll delve into the crucial role that physical therapists play in guiding individuals toward the right exercises for effective back pain relief.

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Do you ever wake up in the morning with a stiff neck or lower back? Maybe you can’t get comfortable in bed at night or “slept on your neck wrong”. Tightness in your neck or stiffness in your back is the last thing you want to start your day. You get up ready to go to work or school and your neck or back slows you down. Let’s look at four stretches you can do to start your day off right.

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Have you ever wondered about the connection between knee pain, back pain, and urinary leakage? The common denominator is your hips! The hip serves as a ball and socket joint, linking the pelvis with the femur’s head (thigh bone). Its primary role is to provide dynamic stability during weight-bearing activities like walking and jogging. Approximately twenty-five muscles attach to the hip. They can be divided up by their primary action: flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, external rotators and internal rotators.

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