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Back Pain & Sciatica

Back pain and sciatica pain are closely related medical conditions. Many times, sciatica pain is the result of a medical back problem. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and consists of nerve roots in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the back of each leg. Portions of this nerve branch out to the thigh, calf, foot and toes. Sciatica nerve pain is often characterized by the following symptoms.

  • Low back pain that radiates down the leg
  • Leg pain with burning and tingling
  • Numbness in the leg or feet
  • Continual pain on one side of the buttock
  • Sharp pain
  • Trouble sitting and getting up

It’s important to note that sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in itself. It is actually a symptom of an underlying problem. And the root cause must be identified for effective treatment. Common lower back problems that can cause sciatica include degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar herniated disc and spondylolisthesis.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc degeneration is a natural process that often occurs as we age. But, for some people it can occur young. One or more degenerated discs in the spine or lower back can irritate a nerve root and cause sciatica. This disease is diagnosed when a weakened disc is exposed. Bone spurs may also develop with disc degeneration and cause sciatica.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Many pregnant women are also using this method of athletic taping, especially for their back, knees, and even lower abdominal muscles during the third trimester to alleviate some of the additional pressure on the body during pregnancy. Ensure that you talk with a physical therapist for guidance before attempting to use athletic taping for any reason, but especially before taking any action for pain relief when pregnant.

Lumbar Herniated Disc

This condition occurs when the soft gel material of the disc leaks out and passes through the outer core. It irritates the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is the most common symptom of a herniated disc. It’s also known as bulging disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc or protruding disc.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a small stress fracture causes one vertebrae to slip forward on another. There’s then a disc space collapse. The nerve can get pinched and result in sciatica. Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe.

  • Back sprains and strains
  • Neck aches
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Knee pain
  • Sports injuries

The goal of kinesio tape is to enhance blood circulation at targeted areas, thereby reducing pain and improving recovery time following an injury. Kinesio tape works off the science of kinesiology, which is a fundamental aspect of physical therapy. The taping creates a pulling action that helps to hold problematic joints and muscles in place as you go about your daily business and routine—including engagement in any level of physical activity or exercise.

The tape works by gently reinforcing the skin, pulling it away from your muscles, thereby allowing blood and other fluids to circulate more easily. The gentle pressure also cues the body to send additional blood to the taped area. This improved circulation lessens swelling and speeds healing. Some evidence suggests that the tape’s exceptional holding abilities also help to correct misaligned muscles and ligaments.

For kinesio tape to work effectively, the tape must be applied in strategic ways. Simply putting a bit of tape on your leg or elbow isn’t going to make much of a difference. However, when a physical therapist applies the tape in a strategic way that it is designed to follow muscle movement as you move through your day, then the tape can effectively improve healing and reduce pain.

The best wrapping technique changes depending on the part of the body in need of attention. Physical therapists are trained in the best ways to tape different parts of the body. Determining the exact placement and shaping of the kinesiology tape, along with which direction the “pull” should go, are all part of the skill needed in order to promote healing. For example, certain injuries call for Y- or X-shaped applications, while smaller, more fragile areas heal better with an I-shaped wrapping. Attempting to apply the tape yourself, without any guidance, could result in further discomfort. It is important to receive guidance and training from a physical therapist when first applying kinesio tape.

When properly applied — and after the patient has been carefully evaluated — muscle taping often allows athletes to get back on the field. Other injured patients find their daily activities made easier, with the support of the taping holding tender areas in place, and preventing overuse of problematic joints and muscles.

If any of these complaints sound similar to yours, Contact Us today at Yonkers, Bronx & Pleasantville, NY Centers for an appointment. Our expert team of physical therapist will evaluate you for the best therapies, including kinesiology taping, to target your injuries.