Tag Archives: back pain

Back Pain, Ergonomics, Low back Pain, Physiotherapy, Posture

Prevent Back Injuries: How to Lift Safely

Leave a comment

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace complaints, especially in jobs that involve lifting, moving, or carrying heavy objects. Prevention of back injuries and being proactive can help reduce workplace stress, missed hours, and healthcare costs. While the human spine is incredibly strong and flexible, improper lifting techniques combined with repetitive strain can lead to painful conditions. This includes muscle strains, herniated discs, or even chronic lower back pain.

Why do back injuries happen during lifting?

Back injuries typically occur when:

  • You lift with poor posture (rounded back or twisted spine)
  • The load is too heavy or awkwardly shaped
  • You make sudden or jerky movements
  • You repeatedly strain the same muscles without rest or proper technique

The injury can happen to the muscles, ligaments, discs and more. The key to preventing these injuries lies in ergonomic/posture awareness, strength training, and practicing safe lifting mechanics.

How can I prevent back injuries?

1. Plan out your lift

Before grabbing any heavy item, pause and assess the situation. Ask yourself:

  • How heavy is it?
  • Can I lift it safely on my own or should i get help?
  • Is there a clear path to move it?
  • Do I need help or equipment (e.g., trolley, dolly)?

Rushing increases the risk of poor posture and injury. Take a couple extra seconds to setup the lift and carry properly to save yourself a lot of pain and effort! Preventing back injuries is better than treating them!

2. Get into the proper position

Start with the right stance:

  • Feet shoulder-width apart for balance
  • One foot slightly ahead of the other
  • Stand as close to the object as possible
  • Keep your back straight and chest up
  • Avoid twisting your spine

This phase all occurs before the weight is even being picked up. A proper starting position is essential to starting the lift.

3. Start the lift with your legs, not your back

We’ve all heard this statement before, this is the golden rule for lifting.

As you now initiate the lift:

  • Bend at the knees and hips, not your waist
  • Keep the object close to your torso the entire time
  • Tighten your core muscles before lifting (bracing)
  • Push through your legs as you stand up

4. When transporting the load

If you have to move the load somewhere, don’t twist your back. Use your legs to turn or pivot. Ensure the weight stays close to your body, even as you’re putting it back down. Holding a heavy object away from your body increases strain on your spine and can lead to sudden injury.

Keep the load:

  • At waist level
  • Close to your center of gravity
  • Balanced between both hands

5. Know when to ask for help

Possibly the most important step, there’s no shame in asking for assistance. Team lifting is far safer than straining by yourself and will get things done quicker.

Use:

  • Mechanical aids (trolleys, carts, hoists)
  • Lifting straps or handles
  • A coworker to share the load

6. Take care of your body outside of work

Even the best lifting technique won’t help much if your muscles and joints can’t keep up. Physiotherapists recommend targeted exercises to support spinal health including both strength and flexibility. Strengthening your core, lower back, legs, and arms will ensure you have a stable base of support to start a lift from.

Some examples could include:

  • Planks (and side planks)
  • Glute bridges
  • Bird-dogs
  • Dead bugs
  • Squats

Looking to treat or prevent back injuries?

Look for PhysioNow! We offer comprehensive Physiotherapy treatment to support your lower or mid back pain, injury, or rehabilitation. With 10 locations across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga to Etobicoke, our clinics are ready to serve you! Find out why we’re one of the leading Physiotherapy clinics in the GTA. Book your first assessment and treatment with PhysioNow today! We accept both WSIB claims or private insurance claims!

Back Pain, Physiotherapy, Shoulder pain

Shoulder Blade Pain Annoying You? How to Fix It

Leave a comment

Shoulder blade pain can be a debilitating issue that affects your daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. You may feel like there’s a constant ache in between your shoulder blades and feel like you are unable to find a comfortable position to sit in. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options is essential for finding relief. This blog will address your shoulder blade pain and give you some effective strategies for resolving it.

Initial relief strategies

When experiencing shoulder blade pain, immediate relief is what you search for. Here are a couple of methods to try to manage your initial discomfort on your own:

  1. Heat therapy: Applying heat can relax tense muscles. Thus, a warm compress or heating pad can improve blood flow and soothe discomfort
  2. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises: Additionally, simple stretches can help relieve tension.
    Typically, effective stretches may include:
    • Neck tilt: Gently tilt your head to one side, holding for 15-30 seconds to stretch
      the neck and upper back
    • Child’s pose: This yoga position can stretch the shoulders and upper back while
      promoting relaxation
    • Leaning back over a foam roller or chair back: This position reverses the rounded shoulders posture that most of us spend a lot of time in, and can effectively relieve mid back pain
Stretching the neck along with the upper back regularly can help relieve or prevent shoulder blade pain.

Preventing shoulder blade pain

Preventing shoulder blade pain involves a combination of proper posture, regular exercise, ergonomic adjustments, and lifestyle choices. Here are several effective strategies to help you avoid and/or prevent shoulder blade pain:

  1. Maintain good posture
    • Sit and stand tall: Keep your shoulders back and down, aligning your ears over your shoulders. Furthermore, avoid slouching, especially when sitting for extended periods
    • Ergonomic workspace: Ensure your computer monitor is at eye level, and your chair provides adequate lumbar support. Also, use a chair that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor
  2. Take regular breaks
    • Movement breaks: Stand up, stretch, and walk around every hour if you have a desk job. Short breaks help reduce muscle tension
    • Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretching exercises into your routine to relieve tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
  3. Exercise regularly
    • Resistance training: First, incorporate exercises that target the upper back and shoulders, like rows, lat pulldowns and shoulder presses
    • Flexibility training: Secondly, yoga or a daily mobility routine can improve overall flexibility and strengthen stabilizing muscles
  4. Be mindful of repetitive movements
    • Change it up: If your job or hobbies involve repetitive shoulder movements, take breaks and vary your activities to prevent overuse injuries
    • Proper technique: Use proper techniques for lifting and carrying to avoid straining the shoulder area. Additionally, ask for help or use a tool if you need to lift objects that are too heavy for you
  5. Invest in quality sleep
    • Sleep position: Use supportive pillows that keep your neck aligned with your spine. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can strain the neck and shoulders
    • Mattress: Ensure your mattress provides adequate support for your back. For example, if you are waking up with worse pain, there might be something you need to adjust in your nighttime routine

I still have shoulder blade pain, now what?

Sometimes, the pain can be stubborn and self-management is not resolving your problem to your satisfaction. In this case, you should consult a health care professional such as a Registered Physical Therapist/Physiotherapist. These professionals are trained to assess the movement and muscles of the human body and are experts at dealing with pain. Additionally, regular visits to either Physical Therapy or Massage Therapy may help with prevention of pain and maintenance of a healthy, active lifestyle.

The treatments may include:

  1. Manual therapy techniques: This includes hands on work like massage and soft tissue techniques, mobilizations, and more. The goal is to reduce pain and dysfunction in the body
  2. Modalities: For example, heat, therapeutic ultrasound, electrotherapy, and more. Your professional will decide what is appropriate for you to help your pain and help you get better quicker
  3. Therapeutic exercises: Whether it’s stretches, strengthening, or postural exercises, your professional will create a home program for you to self-manage your pain
  4. Acupuncture: The insertion of thin needles into certain parts of the body can stimulate many beneficial effects like pain relief, increased circulation, endorphin release and more

If you are experiencing pain, look for PhysioNow! We have many expert Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists and Manual Osteopaths to help resolve your pain. With 10 locations across the GTA including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke, we make it convenient to find help! Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.

Images by FreePik

Model of the spine
General Category

Relieving Your Pinched Nerve: Physio 101

Leave a comment

A pinched nerve, also known as a radiculopathy, is caused by pressure on a nerve as it exits the spinal cord, potentially causing pain, discomfort, weakness, and/or changes in sensation.  Unfortunately, it can have quite detrimental effects on your daily life, hobbies, and ability to work. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how physiotherapy can help you recover from this condition.

Why does it happen?

Model of the spine

Model of the spine showing how the nerves (yellow) exit through spaces around the spinal column. The nerves may get pinched in these spaces.

A pinched nerve occurs when there is compression or pressure applied to a nerve, disrupting its normal function. This compression can happen in various areas of the body but is most common at the spine of the lower back or neck. Common causes include repetitive movements, sudden increases in activity (ex. heavy lifting), poor posture, herniated discs, and degenerative changes in the back such as stenosis or bony spurs.

It is separate from the diagnosis known as a peripheral neuropathy that involves damage to the nerve.  For example, a carpal tunnel syndrome. However, many of the symptoms between the two may overlap. In fact, a pinched nerve may turn into a neuropathy if left untreated for too long.

How do I know if I have a pinched nerve?

Primarily, nerve type pains have very specific symptoms. These usually include one, multiple, or all of the following:

  1. Pain: Sharp or dull pain that radiates along the nerve pathway. The pain is usually quite variable and may change quickly in intensity from one day to the next, or throughout the day.
  2. Sensation changes: This may be unusual sensations like pins and needles, losses of sensation, or even complete numbness in the affected areas.
  3. Muscle weakness:  Since our nerves are responsible for stimulating our muscles, you may experience reduced strength and control in the muscles connected to the affected nerve.
  4. Radiating pain: Discomfort that extends beyond the initial site of compression. In the neck, it may go down into the shoulder blade or down the arms into the fingertips. In the lower back, it may radiate down into the glutes or further down to the legs or feet.

Why does physiotherapy help?

Manual therapy is one of the treatment techniques used by physiotherapists to relieve pain and increase mobility

Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for a pinched nerve. It is non-invasive and has shown to be an effective approach for managing pain and dysfunction from a pinched nerve. A skilled physiotherapist can create a tailored treatment plan to address the specific needs of each individual. A treatment plan may include some or all of the following:

  1. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation can help alleviate pressure on affected nerve. These techniques can help stiff areas, subsequently improving mobility and reducing pain.
  2. Exercise Prescription: Targeted exercises may include stretches or postures to help relieve pain and other symptoms. Once the pain has been controlled, strengthening the muscles near the area of the affected nerve will help minimize the risk of future reoccurrences.
  3. Posture Correction: Addressing poor posture is crucial in preventing and managing pinched nerves. Oftentimes, a certain position can be aggravating for the neck or back. A physiotherapist can assess which positions are helpful or harmful to you, and provide guidance on how to incorporate these changes into your daily life.
  4. Education: Understanding the factors contributing to pinched nerves is essential for long-term management. Your physiotherapists will help you understand the do’s and dont’s during your treatment, and the predicted timeline of your recovery.
  5. Modalities: Therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat and cold therapy may be helpful in reduce inflammation and reducing pain.

Need help? Look for PhysioNow!

Lumbar disc herniation resulting in a pinched nerve

Lumbar disc herniation resulting in a pinched nerve can be quite common, but may be treated with physiotherapy.

Pinched nerves may sound intimidating but with the right approach, they can be effectively managed. Physiotherapy offers personalized care to enhance mobility, alleviate pain, and improve overall quality of life. If you suspect a pinched nerve or have low back pain, PhysioNow is here to help! Consult with our expert team of physiotherapists with locations across the GTA. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.

General Category

Could Your Back Pain Be Facet Joint Syndrome?

Leave a comment

What is a facet joint?

Image of 2 vertebrae showing the body, spinous processes, and transverse processes

Facet joints are located in the spine and are part of the vertebrae. The vertebra has two basic parts. Firstly, the body and secondly, the spinous process which is the bony part you can feel on your back that runs from the neck to just above the buttocks.

The joint from one inferior facet (transverse process) of the top vertebrae to superior facet of the bottom vertebrae is called the facet joint. As a result, they are called the connection joint from one vertebrae to another.

Facet joints are present on both sides of vertebrae. Facet joints increase in joint space when doing forward bending movements,  and compression while moving backward. Similarly, facet joints also help in twisting and rotation movements of the spine. Finally, they also prevent these movements from happening over their normal physiological limits.

What is facet joint syndrome or pain?

Facet joint pain can be due to a condition like osteoarthritis or due to other spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis or stenosis. Alternatively, other causes involve obesity-linked arthritis, aging, heavy and repetitive work duties or secondary to other trauma.

Facet joint pain can occur anywhere along the course of your spine the cervical, thoracic or lumbar areas. Usually, facet joint pain or syndromes present as pain on the back which is localized or radiating. In the lumbar spine, it could radiate down to your buttocks or leg. Additionally, if it’s in the neck, it could be localized or radiating down to the hands.

Overall, the symptoms vary depending on the severity and level of joint involvement.

Other symptoms:

  • Stiffness
  • Painful bending/ rotation
  • Depending of the area involved it has difficulty like sit to stand, standing up straight

How is it diagnosed?

Facet joint pain/ syndrome may be investigated by an x-ray/ MRI but this is not enough to confirm diagnosis. Instead, the gold standard for diagnosis is the use of a diagnostic injection of a joint block into the area. Then, it is considered positive if the patient experiences immediate relief of their pain and symptoms.

From a physiotherapy point of view, it can be diagnosed by using a special test called quadrant test to confirm involvement of facet joint.

In addition, physiotherapists perform other tests which involves looking for flexibility, range of motion, strength,  palpation of tender areas, and a sensory examination to check nerve root involvement.

Treatment:

From a medical perspective, facet joint pain can be treated by using anti-inflammatory injections or cortisone injections by healthcare provider.

For example, a physiotherapy treatment may involve:

  • Education
  • Manual therapy
  • Electrotherapy
  • Hot and cold therapy
  • Exercises mainly focusing on core and lower back strengthening 
  • Traction machine 

Core exercise that may be part of treatment for facet joint syndrome

Image by Freepik

Overall, the patient can be treated with a combination of the above treatment protocols. Importantly, treatment will be individualized based on your specific symptoms and presentation. You will be guided by the expertise of a physiotherapist throughout your journey.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing back pain or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, PhysioNow can you help you out. We have many experienced physiotherapists that can help you with your facet joint pain. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Male,Motorist,With,Whiplash,Injury,In,Car,Crash,Getting,Out
Accident Rehabilitation, Accident Rehabilitation Etobicoke, Accident Rehabilitation Long Branch, Accident Rehabilitation Lorne Park, Accident Rehabilitation Mississauga, Applewood Physionow, Back Pain, Burloak PhysioNow, Clarkson Village PhysioNow, Concussion, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physionow, Fracture, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Manual Therapy, Maple Grove PhysioNow, Motor Vehicle Accidents, neck pain, Neck strain, PhysioNow

Motor Vehicle Accident: Injuries and Insurance

Leave a comment

Motor Vehicle Accidents / MVA and physiotherapy.

motor vehicle accident

Motor Vehicle Accident

Injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident affect your normal function in life differently. It depends on the extent of the impact. Thus, it is very important to address any pertaining issues from the accident to your doctor. Additionally, to start rehabilitation at the earliest to decrease the impact of injury and its effects.

MVA injuries can be as minor as  sprains or strains or it can be extensive that might include concussion, fractures, neurological involvement, other musculoskeletal involvements, etc.

Once you are involved in an accident and you are discharged from your preliminary care, you would contact your auto insurance company for guidance on starting physiotherapy sessions.

 

Physiotherapy sessions for a motor vehicle accident:

Once you decide to attend a physiotherapy clinic, these are the few things to do and to expect  on your first visit.

  •  Book an appointment in a clinic which you decide to proceed with.
  • Once you arrive expect to fill a few Auto insurance forms and clinic specific forms to start your assessment at the clinic.
  • You would be seeing a physiotherapist who could be your primary care provider.
  • The therapist would do a detailed assessment on your situation and would also go over your treatment plan pertaining to your injury.
  • Your treatment session would be patient specific and progressive to get back to your normal functionality.

 

Facts about your treatment plan and coverage:

Once you are in a motor vehicle accident, you are mostly covered by the auto insurance company for treatment sessions.

Your treatment coverage depends on the category that you fall into.

  • Minor injury guideline/ MIG, where your injury falls into  the category of sprains and strains and would need a shorter duration of recovery and treatment sessions. Your treatment sessions could extent up to 4 months or as needed. Reassessments are done as needed to see your progress and to plan further with your sessions.
  • Out of Minor injury guideline, where your injury is more extensive or catastrophic. Where the duration of recovery is longer and so the treatment allotment is longer when compared to MIG.
  • Any multidisciplinary approach needed would be advised and would be recommended to your insurance company for further proceedings.

 

Commonly seen injuries after a motor vehicle accident:

motor vehicle accident

Motor Vehicle Accident Whiplash

  • Whiplash injury to the neck: which can include one or more of the symptoms ; pain, stiffness, swelling, muscle spasm, headaches, tingling /numbness into the hands, weakness, difficulty sleeping.
  • Low back Sprain/ strain or disc related symptoms which includes, pain, stiffness, tingling and numbness into the leg, disturbed sleep.
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle sprain/ strain.
  • Seatbelt or airbag related pains in the chest area and abdominal area.
  • Fractures.
  • Concussion symptoms which might include dizziness, headaches, light and noise sensitivity, blurred vision, nausea, issues with concentration, imbalance, weakness, slurred speech, anxiety, depression, etc.
  • Vestibular symptoms with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty with positional changes, sense of imbalance, etc.

 

Treatment sessions:

 These are patient specific.

  • Electrical modalities such as IFC, TENS, Ultrasound, LASER, heat or cold packs for pain relief and decreasing muscle spasm, and to improve circulation to the area.
  • Manual therapy which includes soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, joint traction. Muscle energy techniques to reduce pain, improve function in the joint.
  • Exercises for improving mobility, strength, and also function.
  • Braces and splints for immobilization as needed.
  • Post concussion therapy focusing on your symptoms and additionally presentation, which is provided by a physiotherapist trained in concussion therapy.
  • Vestibular rehabilitation services provided by a physiotherapist specifically trained in vestibular rehab.

Need some help?

Your assessment session would ideally be an hour and treatment sessions would be 45 min to an hour in our clinic.  Here at PhysioNow, we have many highly knowledgeable physiotherapists that can assist you with your injuries. If you think physiotherapy may help with an injury from an MVA, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Applewood Physionow, Back Pain, Burloak PhysioNow, Clarkson Village PhysioNow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Low back Pain, Maple Grove PhysioNow, neck pain, PhysioNow

Scoliosis: Types, Symptoms and Treatments

Leave a comment

Scoliosis

Scoliosis

A side deviation or curvature in your spine is scoliosis. It could be in your neck, mid back and lower back. It can present in more than one area.

The most common area where it develops is mid-back. Cervical and lumber spine are very common  when it comes to two curvatures.

Type of scoliosis:

  • C-shape: This is most common type, there is only one-sided curve. The most common area for C shape to develop is in the thoracic spine and also lumber spine.  In this type, scoliosis side leg could be short compared to non-scoliotic side. Sometimes, there are  changes in the scapular level. Scoliotic side scapula will be lower than non-scoliotic side.
  • S- shape: In this type, two curvatures are present in the spine. One curvature is the primary scoliosis and the other curvature develops in compensation of the primary curvature. In this type, the scoliotic sided leg is short and the scapular level is higher than the non-scoliotic side. S-shape will bring other complications such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, etc.

'S' Shaped curve and 'C' Shaped Curve

‘S’ Shaped curve and ‘C’ Shaped Curve

Causes of scoliosis:

Usually, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. However, following are a few possible causes mentioned:

  1. Poor Posture habits: People who have habits of not following ergonomics pattern of posture are at risk. One who has the habit of leaning and sitting mostly on their right or left, are also at risk.
  2. Carrying heavy stuff on back: People who have to deal with the delivery of heavy packets and lifting heavy objects are at risk.
  3. Family history: Sometimes, scoliosis runs in family. There are higher chances in these cases.
  4. Congenital limb length discrepancy: Congenital limb length discrepancy needs immediate correction otherwise; it will lead to scoliosis.
  5. Neurological disorder: Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down Syndrome which are progressive diseases have muscular imbalance.

 

Signs and symptoms:

  • Limb length discrepancy
  • Visible deviation of spine to one direction
  • Uneven shoulder and pelvis height
  • In anterior view, one sided rib is popping out.
  • Chronic neck and also lower back pain
  • Breathing difficulties in severe cases
  • Recurrent lung conditions like pneumonia, atelectasis, etc.
  • Pain and numbness
  • Fatigue due to muscle imbalance

 

Assessment of scoliosis:

Imaging: X-ray is the gold standard or MRI.

Physiotherapy Assessment:  assess in posterior view which means back view with open back.

  • Therapist will look for visible prominent border of scapula.
  • with bending forward the scapular border will be seen as well as deviation .
  • When leaning backward , a visible S shape or C shape will be seen.

 

Risk factors of scoliosis:

Scoliosis is bony disorientation which is irreversible. The best management is prevention. However, if it not managed well enough , it can lead to many complications.

  1. Lung disorders: Specially, thoracic spine scoliosis has a chance to affect the respiratory system as it disturbs the alignment of the rib cage. Deep breathing becomes limited or difficult and that is why the lower portion of the lungs get less air. As a result of this,  atelectasis develops in some areas of the lung.
  2. Limb length discrepancy: Lumber scoliosis has a major effect on pelvis alignment. As scoliosis is irreversible, it leads to permanent muscular imbalance. Thus, there is limb length discrepancy.
  3. Scapular winging: Thoracic scoliosis has drastic effect on scapular orientation.  The scapula takes part in shoulder movement. Indirectly, mid back, scapula and the shoulder joint are all affected because of spinal curvature.
  4. Herniated disc in spine: Lumber spine scoliosis has a higher chance to develop a herniated disc. Therefore, you may develop pain in the lower back and down the leg  into the thigh, knee or ankle. Please seek immediate attention in this case.

 

Management of scoliosis:

 Scoliosis is a irreversible bony deformity.

  1. Posture: Contact your physiotherapist for a better understanding for well maintained posture at work and home.  Correction in pelvis alignment will help in preventing it from getting worse.
  2. Deep breathing exercise: Deep breathing exercise will help in maintaining lung function. Additionally, with breathing exercises, chest mobility exercises will help in maintaining flexibility in the spine and avoid lung conditions like pneumonia, atelectasis, etc.
  3. Spinal mobility exercises: Contact your physiotherapist for proper exercises. Your Physiotherapist can better assess scoliosis and based on that provide spinal mobility exercises to stop it from getting worse.
  4. Orthotics: orthotics adjust leg length discrepancy from scoliosis.
  5. Education: Finally, a physician or physiotherapist can help you to better assess and understand this condition.

 

Need some help?

Your concerns are best managed by a health care professional. Here at PhysioNow, we have many highly knowledgeable physiotherapists that can assist you with your issue. If you think you may have scoliosis or are diagnosed with it, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Low back Pain, PhysioNow, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Posture, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sciatica

Sciatica? 10 warning signs

Leave a comment

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain in the back, neck, or buttock that radiates to the leg or arm. Sciatica is also quite common and affects almost 40% of adults. It travels through the sciatic nerve, which starts in your lower back and extends to run down your leg.  A proper diagnosis that confirms and best sciatica treatment is all that you need to lead a pain-free life.

Sciatica

Sciatica pain

10 signs which confirm the diagnosis

Before knowing about sciatica treatment, one needs to understand the nature of pain. The symptoms of sciatica are as follows: –
  1. Calf pain – pain that stretches down the lower leg and back of the knee.
  2. Lower back pain running down the leg.  A pull sensation from your lower back to buttocks and thigh, that further extends from calf to the foot.
  3. A pain in your butt or leg that worsens while prolonged sitting.
  4. Numbness in your leg or foot.
  5. Tingling sensation in your extremity (lower body).
  6. Persistent pain on one side of your butt.
  7. Muscle weakness in the distressful leg or foot.
  8. Shooting pain down the leg which makes it tough to stand up or extend the knee.
  9. Pain in one part of the leg while numbness in another part.
  10.  Lastly, a sensation of pins and needles only in the toes or feet

Early Symptoms Of Sciatica

 Apart from the 10 signs above, sciatica pain often starts in the back. However, occasionally, pain may start at the hip or knee; which may not look like sciatica. Although, you may feel isolated symptoms like feet numbness, knee pain, buttock pain, tingling, etc.

What contributes to Sciatica?

There are many factors that can lead to sciatic pain but the most common ones are listed below,
 • Strain and Occupational Stress: People in more physically demanding jobs as a result affect your nerve.
 • Obesity and genetic factors: The excess weight in the body put prolonged pressure on the backbone, leading to a slipped disc.
 • Accidents and Injuries: Unexpected physical damage from accidents can crack the vertebrae and irritate the nerve.
 • Gender: Studies have shown that men are more prone to slipped discs than women.
Treatment options available
Moreover, depending on the severity of the case, sciatica pain can be treated in the following ways:
 • First, medication and pain management: Pain can be controlled with various pain relief treatments including medication.
 • Second, surgery: In rare cases, the pain doesn’t subside for a prolonged period (6 weeks or more), and surgery can help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve endings caused by Sciatica.

 • Third, spine rehabilitation:

Sciatica

Effective exercises for Sciatica

There are multiple approaches to physical therapy in spine care and they can stabilize the spine and help patients with disability or restricted physical movement. This helps improve the mechanical functioning of the spine, manages pain, promotes regeneration of the affected tissue and disc, and with functional training, improves strength and flexibility.

 • Lastly, even in the case of surgery, follow-up rehabilitation helps sustain and improve the results.
If you are experiencing any such symptoms, our team of qualified physiotherapists at Physio Now will help you diagnose and guide you through your treatment. Book your appointment now!
Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, Exercise, General Category, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Low back Pain, Manual Therapy, PhysioNow, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga

What is a chronic low back pain?

Leave a comment

What is a Chronic low back pain?

Although commonly used word for being in pain for a long time is ‘Chronic’, I would like to call it ‘Persistent Pain’. Because, the word Chronic seems to have a very negative connotation to it. Also,  It is a general belief that if you have ‘Chronic Pain’, you will have to live with pain forever! If you wish to get more knowledge about persistent pain, please visit this link. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Living-with-persistent-pain

Chronic pain, persistent pain, low back

Chronic pain speedometer

Case review of chronic low back pain

Let us take an example here of a person who has had low back pain, for many years. They have had an X-ray and an MRI done which shows some minor degenerative changes. There is no major nerve compression. However, there may be some minor disc bulges which their family doctor mentioned is normal for the age.  As a result, they were advised to go for physiotherapy, which was done for several weeks with minor relief.

Chronic and persistent low back pain

Chronic lower back pain

Also, Chiropractic and Massage therapy was then tried, again with some temporary benefits. Through this Chronic Pain, the family doctor then referred them to see an Orthopedic Surgeon who again advised them to continue physiotherapy and painkillers. This person then went to a pain clinic after hearing about this from a friend, and now goes for Pain injections every 6 weeks.

What is a pain assessment

We see many such patients coming to our clinic – PhysioNow on frequent basis. You might question what different are we going to do from what has been previously done. As a result, what I do know is that appropriate assessment and treatment has not been provided else.

A thorough assessment is first needed to guide any treatment process, and in our clinic we look at the spine segment by segment, to identify the restrictions/ pain generating areas. These restrictions may be in the joint, or even along the pathway of the nerves which as associated with these joints.

Planning the right treatment

Manual therapy is then incorporated to treat the areas of restricted mobility that may be in turn forcing many other areas of your low back (including joints and muscles) to produce compensatory pain. Also, there may be some areas which have more mobility than expected (hypermobile) and need to be stabilized by strengthening the muscles which support these structures.

In conclusion

Overall, manual therapy and exercises (stretch and strengthen as needed) are at the heart of the treatment for our person in question preceded by a meticulous lumbar spine segmental and nerve mobility assessment.

Takeaway Message

If this case study sounds similar to your story, come and speak with us. Let us help you get rid of this Persisting (Not Chronic) Low back Pain. You can book your appointment visiting the link below.

Erin Mills Physionow, Exercise, General Category, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Low back Pain, Manual Therapy, Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, neck pain, Neck strain, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Posture

Posture

Leave a comment

IS POOR POSTURE THE CAUSE OF YOUR PAIN?

Did you know that current research suggests 80% individuals will experience back pain at some time in their lives? There are several causes that can lead to back pain-degenerative changes, herniated discs, poor posture, pulled/torn muscle /ligament around the spine, kidney stones or many other pathological causes. Of all these various causes, there is one thing that can be controlled and taken care of by you-POSTURE!

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS A POOR POSTURE?

Any position that places our spine in unnatural curves (most often a C shape) instead of the normal S shape curve is a poor posture (see picture below). S shaped curve allows for equal weight distribution as well as flexibility of the spine. Poor posture is known to affect not just the spine but also the surrounding ligaments and muscles. Prolonged poor postures lead to a lot of pressure on these surrounding tissues thus increasing the damage and pain.

Posture. Physiotherapy Mississauga

Good-Posture-vs-Poor-Posture

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR POSTURE:

Improper workstation design :

Could be a wrong chair, monitor height or distance of yourself and the monitor. Lack of enough breaks specially in a desk job also contribute to poor posture in the long run.

Repetitive movements/postures as a part of work/occupation:

Bending repeatedly and working.

Lifestyle:

Current technology has made people to bend down and look into their electronic devices for several hours every day. High heels, sitting with the wallet in the back pocket and heavy bags/purses also lead to malalignment of the spine.

Muscle imbalance:

Due to certain sports that we play or our basic posture leading to weakness in some groups and tightness in others thus affecting the curve.

Poor core stability and strength

Age:

As age advances, it leads to lesser flexibility and strength. If we keep thinking that doing exercises will cause more discomfort than what we currently have, the muscles become weaker and weaker and without enough muscle strength, the spine cannot stand erect

Habit:

The habit of poor posture is very difficult to change like sitting slouched on a couch for several hours or just slouch sitting or standing in day to day activities. Sure, everyone loves to sit in a relaxed position but, if you do not make the effort of trying to change it, it will keep creating more and more problems for the body.

 

EFFECTS OF BAD POSTURE:

Since childhood we have been asked to sit straight or stand tall and not slouch. Mostly everyone did that as a compulsion and rather grudgingly. However, it has many important reasons instead of it just being better for our appearance!

Back pain:

That is the most obvious one! Poor posture leads to stretching of the muscles of the back and the surrounding structures thus making them weak which in turn reduces the support it gives to the spine – taking us back to poor posture! As it becomes more of a chronic habit, you then have to take care of your posture and make your muscles stronger as well.

Neck pain, headaches and jaw pain:

Sometimes when there is no trauma or injury to your jaw and it starts clicking, popping, paining or going into spasm. There is a possibility it might be coming due to malalignment of the neck. A forward head posture has been known to cause jaw pain and headaches.

Hip, knee and foot pain:

Yes, the body is a closely connected structure. Any malalignment or change at one point like the foot or knee does affect the spine and leads to pain and vice versa.

Gastrointestinal system problems:

A slouched position/poor posture may compress the internal organs of the abdomen. It also affects the movement of the intestines thus leading to numerous gastrointestinal troubles like acid reflux or constipation. Over time it can also affect the metabolism and the way food is processed in the body.

Psychosocial impact:

In general, a person with a good upright posture seems more approachable and confident compared to the one who is slouching. This in turn leads to less motivation or mood issues in social situations. It has also been known to cause more fatigue and sleep problems as the body has to work harder and spend more energy to maintain itself when it is clearly not aligned well.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FIX A BAD POSTURE?

  • Avoid prolonged sustained positions. Make sure you take frequent breaks, if possible, try getting up from your chair after every 30-45 minutes .
  • Get into the habit of sitting well- always sit with your buttocks touching the back of the chair. This, in turn, will promote an erect posture and your back will get enough support
  • While you are standing try to distribute your weight evenly on both legs and do not lean on one side.
  • Use a backpack instead of a one sided bag if it is heavy so there is equal weight distribution on the shoulders. While sitting remove the wallet from the back pocket
  • Do a chin tuck- if you have a poking chin and rounded shoulders, straighten your upper back and do a chin tuck and repeat it 10 times. You should also stretch your chest muscles if you have rounded shoulders
  • If you have to use the phone for a long time, try holding it with your hand. You can also use a hands-free device instead of cradling it with your shoulder

 

HOW DOES PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP TO SOLVE POSTURE RELATED PROBLEMS?

Physiotherapists can help you by assessing exactly where your problem begins and then helping you to understand and modify habits that lead to bad posture. There are also various other treatments like manual therapy, taping and exercises that are aimed at stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weaker muscles around the spine. They can also advice you regarding your work station modifications, if required.

 

PhysioNow

If you or anyone you know has posture related aches and pains or wants to get an assessment done to find out more about how you can improve your posture, call us today for an appointment!

 

 

Accident Rehabilitation, Accident Rehabilitation Etobicoke, Accident Rehabilitation Long Branch, Accident Rehabilitation Lorne Park, Accident Rehabilitation Mississauga, ACL REHAB, acupuncture, Applewood Physionow, Concussion, Custom Knee Bracing, Custom orthotics, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, General Category, Knee Pain, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Low back Pain, Massage Therapy Services Mississauga, Motor Vehicle Accidents, neck pain, Neck pain Treatment Mississauga, Pelvic Health, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Pregnancy Mississauga, Registered Massage therapist Mississauga, Registered Massage Therapy Lorne Park PhysioNow, Registered Massage therapy Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Taping, Vestibular Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Leave a comment

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Why choose PhysioNow for Physiotherapy Mississauga?

• Over 16 years of providing top rated Physiotherapy Mississauga
There are 4 convenient locations- Erin Mills, Applewood, Lorne Park and Long Branch

• Awards/nominations? PhysioNow: nominated for a Top Choice Award in 2020.

• A team of highly qualified physiotherapists and massage therapists

All of our physiotherapists and massage therapists have several years of experience in their field and are registered in good standing with the College of Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy.

• Services we offer

Services are provided for all ages and for a variety of conditions. For instance,  our therapists are specialized in several areas including manual therapy, acupuncture, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion , sports injuries, pelvic health and soft tissue techniques.

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Lower Back Pain Treatments

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Donjoy Defiance ACL Repair Brace

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Return To Sport After ACL Ligament Repair

In addition, we  do custom orthotics and braces.  For your convenience, we are currently also offering our physiotherapy services virtually .

• Direct billing available

In addition, Direct billing is available to most of the insurance companies so it is convenient for you.  For instance, we also deal with third party insurers like MVA and WSIB.

• Flexible hours and free parking available

Above all, we are open for extended hours ( ) to help you at a time that is best for you.

What to expect at Physiotherapy Mississauga?

First, you have an assessment with our physiotherapist.  They will do a full check up of the problem area .

Next, the physiotherapist will then prescribe a treatment plan especially for you.

Further, they can also help you understand more about your condition.

We will answer your questions .

Lastly, changes may be made  in your daily routine.

As a result, this will  help you to get better faster.

COVID considerations: We take excellent precautions!

 

• Providing a face mask and use of 70% alcohol hand sanitizer for each patient upon arrival into the clinic

• Installation of sneeze guards at the front desk

• In addition, Sanitization of treatment beds after before each patient use

• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces between every patient

• Switching out pillowcases with each patient use

• All staff will wear a gown and mask and wash hands between each patient contact

  • Social distancing throughout the clinic.
  • Lastly, no visitors are sitting in reception

If you are in need of Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy, Contact PhysioNow today.