Best Treatment For Leg Pain Referred From The Back…
Are you experiencing leg pain that seems to be coming from your back? If so, you may be suffering from referred leg pain, which can be caused by either radicular pain or somatic referred pain. In this post, we'll explore the differences between the two types of pain and how skilled physical therapy can effectively manage referred leg pain.
Radicular Pain vs Somatic Referred Pain
Radicular pain is caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg. This type of pain is often described as sharp, shooting, or electric-like. It can be caused by conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
Somatic referred pain, on the other hand, is caused by irritation or injury to the muscles, ligaments, or joints in the back, which can cause pain to be referred to the leg. This type of pain is often described as dull, achy, or throbbing. It can be caused by conditions such as muscle strains, facet joint dysfunction, or osteoarthritis.
Effective Management with Skilled Physical Therapy
Skilled physical therapy can effectively manage both types of referred leg pain. A skilled physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Treatment may include manual therapy, exercise, and modalities such as heat or ice.
Research has shown that physical therapy can effectively manage radicular pain. One study found that a combination of manual therapy and exercise was more effective than exercise alone in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with lumbar radiculopathy (Litwin et al., 2019). Another study found that manual therapy was effective in reducing pain and disability in individuals with lumbar radiculopathy (Balthazard et al., 2012).
Physical therapy has also been shown to be effective in managing somatic referred pain. One study found that a combination of manual therapy and exercise was effective in reducing pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain (Dufour et al., 2013).
Finding a Skilled Manual Therapist
If you're experiencing referred leg pain, finding a skilled manual therapist is important for effective management. Here are some tips for finding the best physical therapist for your leg pain:
1. Ask for referrals from friends, family, or healthcare providers.
2. Look for a physical therapist who specializes in treating back and leg pain.
3. Check the therapist's credentials and make sure they are licensed and certified in physical therapy.
4. Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their experience and the therapist's effectiveness.
5. Schedule a consultation or appointment to discuss your condition and treatment options.
In conclusion, referred leg pain can be effectively managed with skilled physical therapy. Whether you're experiencing radicular pain or somatic referred pain, a skilled physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Use the tips above to find a qualified manual therapist in your area and take the first step towards relieving your leg pain.
