Banish Your Lower Back Pain Without Drugs or Surgery

spinal stenosis

Western medicine has made many great advances in health technology, but its emphasis on drugs and invasive procedures are enough to send some people looking for other means of treatment. For 95% of lower back pain patients, surgery is not recommended. Surgery is a last resort that many dread. Pain medications are doled out easily to those with painful conditions, but this method of treatment alone fails to resolve the cause of pain. If you are searching for a way to avoid surgery and drugs, consider complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

The designation "CAM" encompasses a wide variety of treatment methods that either serve as a complement or an alternative to modern Western methods. Western medicine is often accused of emphasizing the reduction of unpleasant symptoms as opposed to the identification of the real cause thereof. For those whom Western medicine has doomed to surgery, or those wishing to avoid the drugs of modern medicine, a CAM approach to treatment may serve as a viable yet previously unconsidered alternative.

Types of CAM

One category of CAM is body manipulation. Massage therapy and chiropractic care fall into this category.

Massage therapy is a versatile terrain; while all practitioners work with muscles and other tissues of the body, they use different techniques to achieve an array of results. Massage involves the use of applied pressure to muscles and other tissues to relieve tension. A massage may aim to loosen a particular tight muscle or set of muscles, target the connective tissue surrounding muscles (called myofascia), disperse dense knots called trigger points that refer pain to other areas, or increase flexibility within the tendons and ligaments. It is a hands-on approach to restoring health to bodily tissues, and, since muscles are responsible for many instances of lower back pain, can be particularly helpful to those wishing to avoid back surgery.

Chiropractic care is a technique that strives to restore range of motion to joints, realign the spine and support neurological function. By applying force, called manipulation, and mobilizing the treated area, chiropractors can, over time, change the alignment of vertebrae in the spine and relieve pressure from nerves exiting the spinal column. Moving vertebrae also means changing the relationship between the bones and muscles, ligaments and tendons around them. By so doing, chiropractic care can help to stretch out tense tissues surrounding and pulling on the spine.

CAM also includes movement techniques, which use the body as its own medicine. Movement techniques involve mental and emotional as well as physical benefits. There are a vast number of such techniques; we will address only a few here.

Pilates is becoming more popular in the U.S.; it is an exercise and stretching program that emphasizes core strength and stability. Pilates requires a body-mind connection. The body performs the exercises while the mind must focus on the particulars of the movement and be aware of how the muscles work together. This attention to detail can often help an individual identify postural dysfunctions or muscle compensation that was previously unnoticed. Since postural dysfunction and muscle imbalances are common causes of chronic lower back pain, the emphasis Pilates puts on both strengthening the core and revamping the mindset that allowed that dysfunction in the first place could greatly benefit those who have had no luck with other treatment methods.

A movement technique called Rolfing, developed by Dr. Ida Rolf over 50 years ago, focuses on the web of connective tissue called fascia that runs throughout the body. Fascia surrounds and supports all of the tissues in the body - muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and organs. Rolfing is similar to certain kinds of massage, but its emphasis all on fascia, not just myofascia, allows it to claim the distinction of significantly straightening posture and allowing the body to operate more efficiently.

The Alexander technique has been sought by some with back pain to identify and modify behaviors that create postural dysfunction. An Alexander assessment may involve a practitioner asking you to pick up an object on a nearby table. The practitioner may then stop you and note all of the muscles that your body has employed in this action. Usually, we use much more energy than we need to and end up straining our muscles in the process. The Alexander technique aims to increase awareness of movement and posture while increasing the efficiency with which our body operates.

Still another category of CAM is energy technique. This includes rather obscure forms, such as light and magnet therapies, and more familiar ones, such as Reiki.

Each of these techniques operates on the premise that energy fields in the body can be manipulated to allow for a more balanced flow and, therefore, increased health. Reiki practitioners seek to transfer their energy to those who are being treated. Their hands hover over the recipient's body, while attention is focused on the energy transfer.

Qi gong is an energy technique that involves movement. The movements of this form of exercise are slow and gentle. They are designed to allow energy to flow through the body. Qi gong is said to increase strength and improve mood by its practitioners.

CAM also includes what are called "whole medical systems." These include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Indian Ayurvedic medicine systems. Bother systems emphasize the balance of energy. Acupuncture, massage, qi gong and herbal remedies are all common within TCM. Ayurvedic medicine uses plants for herbal remedies and tonics that detoxify the body, promote vitality and reduce pain. It also includes yoga, exercise and dietary restrictions.

Why CAM?

The overall costs of experimenting with CAMs is likely far less than the costs of surgery. Beyond the medical expenses, surgery costs you time. Recovery times can be months long from spinal surgery, with some people still in severe pain after years. Fusion and discectomy operations, the most popular surgeries performed on the back, take time to heal and affect the stability and flexibility of the spine. Physical therapy and pain medications will likely be necessary post-op to get you through the pain and to retrain your back's movements.

Reported success rates for spinal surgeries vary widely depending on who is doing the reporting, so it is nearly impossible to say for sure how successful they are. If you ask surgeons, they often report 98% success rates. A quick look at any other source will leave you skeptical of those results, since some report numbers lower as 40%.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. One way to get a reliable effectiveness rate is to look at reviews by people who have received the treatment. Spinal fusion, the most popular type of back surgery, received a 64% success rating from people who received it for non-scoliotic back pain. Read their reviews at http://www.dailystrength.org/treatments/Spinal_Fusion.

Given the possibility that surgery may not adequately address lower back pain, plus the cost of time spent rehabilitating post-op, CAM is an attractive resource. Though many of its methods have not been scientifically tested, many have the evidence of history behind them. Massage, yoga, and herbal remedies have existed for thousands of years as revered healing practices.

Above all, CAM addressed an essential component of healing that modern Western medicine for the most part neglects: the mind. Hippocrates recognized the importance of the mind in healing, and it has been coupled with the body in both TCM and Ayuredic medicine for thousands of years. Awareness and focus are needed to create long-lasting behaviors that promote healthy movement, which in turn is needed to prevent lower back pain. The holistic approach of all CAM techniques may set them above the more narrow and invasive forms of Western medicine.

Involving the mind, CAM can go beyond treating physical disorders to provide psychological benefits as well. Focus and awareness encourage calmness; the techniques learned throughout the process of a CAM may lend themselves to other situations in life. Also, relieving bodily pain can improve mood. A study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes and summarized on the National Institute for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website showed that cortisol levels decrease and serotonin and dopamine levels increase after a massage. Just as the mind's awareness can assist the body, the body's relaxation can assist the mind.

Since CAM treatments are not well studied by the scientific community, possible harms of practice are not known. As with any substance, herbal remedies may interact with other medications or any allergies you may have. Most CAM treatments are gentle and non-invasive, which limits the amount of harm you can do. Tell your doctor of any CAMs you are seeking out and make sure you are physically able to participate. As part of ensuring safe treatment, make sure to research practitioner's training and experience. Since the fields encompassed by CAMs are often obscure in the West, it is necessary to guard against those who would play off your desire to heal by providing uneducated treatment.

When deciding on back surgery, ask yourself if you have tried every viable alternative. Though some of the premises upon which CAM treatment is based may seem strange to the minds of Westerners, it would be much more strange to allow yourself to be cut open and put at risk due to an unwillingness to try a new, more holistic approach to healing. CAMs have earned their claim to legitimacy through history and a body-mind foundation. For more information on CAM, see the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's page at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/#manipulative.

Exercises For Sciatica - Simple Stretch Eliminates Sciatic Pain in Seconds

spinal stenosis

The most annoying symptom of sciatica is of course - the pain. Most people describe it as a deep, severe pain that starts low on one side of the back and then moves down to the butt and the leg. You probably feel it worsen when you sit down or stand for a long time, or when you stand up after sitting low. Many things can make it worse also - coughing, sneezing, bending and even laughing. Here is a guide exercises for sciatica - the simple stretch to eliminate sciatic pain immediately.

Here's how to do it, step by step:

1. Lye flat on your back. Once you are on your back, lift your right leg and place it over your left knee (the right ankle resting on the left knee).


2. Reach through with your right hand in between your legs and hug your left knee.


3. Take your right hand around the outside of your left knee and hug it. Your palms are now hugging your left knee together.


4. With both your hands, pull your left knee towards your chest.


5. Repeat on the other side with your right knee.

How to make it more effective

You can take this basic stretch and modify it to make it more effective.

1. Lye flat on your back and place your right leg over your left knee. This time - move your right leg so that your right knee is over your left knee. It's like crossing your legs - just lying down.


2. Hug your left knee with both your hands and pull your knee to your chest.

Before you start your exercises for sciatica - please remember that even if this helps you (and it will!) - You are only temporarily relieving your pain and you are not curing the root cause of your sciatica!

To achieve permanent cure from sciatica, you must identify the cause and the weak muscles and strengthen them.

Simple 3 Step Formula to Cure Sciatica

1. Identifying the cause

Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. There are 4 major causes for sciatic pain: Piriformis Syndrome, Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis and Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. Do you if you have any of these conditions?

2. Treating the symptoms

Before you can do anything, you have to relieve the symptoms. If you are in too much pain you can't really do anything else before you relieve your pain. Exercises for sciatica is one of the many ways to treat sciatica symptoms.

3. Treating the root cause and eliminating sciatica

Starting any treatment for sciatica without first finding the root problem will lead to frustration and failure. Once you found the reason for your condition and treated the symptoms - it's time to start your tailored treatment plan.

Sciatica - Don't Let It Bench Your Activity

spinal stenosis

Like some of my patients over 40, you may begin to experience pain on one side of your hips/buttocks, some numbness or tingling running down your leg, or even weakness in your legs. You may find it harder and harder to sit comfortably or even have sharp pain when trying to stand or walk. If this sounds like you, you may have an increasingly common condition called sciatica - a cluster of symptoms that points to herniated or degenerating, spinal disks.

Sciatica affects people over age 30 and is almost always the result of a problem with the lower spinal disks causing radiculopathy, or compression/irritation, of the sciatic nerve that sends pain and/or tingling, numbness down into the legs. Let's talk about what causes lower spinal disk problems.

Causes of Sciatica

As I tell my patients, sciatica is not really a diagnosis in itself, rather a condition that includes several symptoms that can have different causes. Here are the most common of those causes:

1. Herniated lumbar disc - sudden twisting motions, or impact injuries, of lumbar, spinal disks causes the inner disc to bulge out between disks. This bulging puts pressure on surrounding nerves, the sciatic being the most prominent.

2. Lumbar spinal stenosis - a hardening, or "stenosing" of the spinal disks causes it to become inflexible and rub against the sciatic nerve. Most common in people over 60, but can occur earlier in athletes and people in occupations with a lot of impact shock to the spine.

3. Degenerative disk disease - degeneration of the disk can occur normally with the aging process. The edges can be rough and irritate the surrounding nerves.

4. Isthmic spondylolisthesis - a big medical name for when a disk is injured and falls out of place, sliding over another. The loss of space between the two disks can compress the nerve exiting the disks at this level and cause pain and irritation.

5. Piriformis syndrome - the piriformis muscle extends across the buttock. The nerve root, that includes the sciatic nerve, can get pinched or irritated as it runs beneath the piriformis down to the thighs.

6. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction - irritation of the sacroiliac joint can irritate the lumbar nerves and cause sciatic-like symptoms.

Other less common causes of sciatica can be pregnancy, muscle strain, spinal tumors, scar tissue from previous injuries, or infection.

Treatments for Sciatica

For my patients who have sciatica, almost always, treatment will include some sessions with a physical therapist who will design specific exercises to address the condition causing it. That is why correct diagnosis of what is causing the sciatica is crucial.

The good news about sciatica is that it almost always gets better in a few days to weeks after starting exercise treatment. Depending on the cause of your sciatica, it could take up to 12 weeks to fully resolve. You may still continue to experience flare-ups of it as well. Some particular causes, like nerve entrapment that doesn't respond to exercise, or even chiropractic, may require surgery to return the nerve to its proper position.

Some Things You Can Do To Help Yourself

•Heat or Ice - Apply either heat or ice packs, or alternate between the two, depending on which feels best to you. Do this for about 20 minutes then repeat every 2 hours when sciatica flare first begins.

•Over the counter pain remedies - Such as ibuprofen, can be helpful.

•Homeopathic pain remedies - Arnica or Traumeel, sold at better health food stores, can help relieve symptoms without the side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

•Magnesium - 500 mg of magnesium can help relieve pain causing inflammation.

•Quercetin - Another herbal anti-inflammatory helps relieve inflammation.

•Vitamin B1 and B6 - Helps relieve nerve irritation and numbness.

•Vitamin C - 1000 mg a day also helps to relieve inflammation.

•Calcium - Optimal calcium helps prevent deterioration of bone and spinal disks.

•Vitamin D - Insufficient Vitamin D can contribute to spinal disk, as well as overall bone and joint degeneration as your body will not be able to use calcium very well.

•Water - Optimal water intake is crucial to keeping discs buoyant, lubricated and moving correctly. Dried out disks can open the door for degenerative problems setting in.

•Acupuncture - Promising in relieving nerve pain of sciatica by restoring the normal flow of energy in the nerve and muscles involved.

•Massage therapy - Massage helps stimulate the muscles where the numbness, tingling is occurring to increase blood flow to them, decrease pain and numbness.

•Chiropractic manipulation - Chiropractic manipulations work on coaxing the spinal disks back into their correct place and releasing the pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Sciatica can truly be a genuine pain in the butt - but it's not something you have to live with. Regular exercise, stretching, is the best preventative measure against sciatica. Try to avoid long periods of sitting. With proper nutrition, and treatment of underlying contributing conditions, sciatica doesn't have to put you on the sidelines. You can be up and running and back in the game in no time.

The Cause Of Lower Back Pain And The Agony It Breeds

spinal stenosis

The cause of lower back pain is a source of loss work time, agony in daily life and many times a bevy of tears that seem never ending.

Back pain is aggravating, irritating, frustrating and a source of pain that feels like none other. At times it can take your breath away.
The lower back is created from five vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx and is made up of the lower one third of the spine.

The lumbar vertebrae have an incredibly tough job of supporting all the upper body weight on their hourglass-shaped rings of bone.
The tail bone is made up of the coccyx and the sacrum and is located at the tail end of the spine. The sacrum is a group of bones which are fused together.
Think about all the pressure and weight that is exerted along the back line and it is rather easy to understand why lower back pain can be a prime location of agony.

There are many different reasons for back pain.
Some of which are caused by things in your control and others by things out of your control.

For example, things you can control include things such as poor posture and obesity, while things out of your control include a traumatic accident, an infection or even an exercise or sports injury.

As you age bones began to lose their strength and muscles begin to get less flexible, both of which predispose you to back pain as you age.
There are certain back conditions that can cause lower back pain, such as sciatica. This occurs when a ruptured or herniated disc pushes on the sciatic nerve.
When the disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve it can cause shooting pains to race down one or both of your legs.

Spinal degeneration is another back condition associated with lower back pain.

In this condition, the general wear and tear of aging on the spinal discs lead to a narrowing of the spinal cord.

Associated with aging, spinal degeneration can leave you feeling stiff as a board in the morning and even in pain after you have been standing for prolonged periods of time.
A bulging disc, also known as a ruptured disc or a herniation, is caused by the discs located in between the vertebrae coming under too much pressure. This increasing pressure ultimately results in the cartilage pressing into the nerve roots and in the most severe of cases, into the spinal canal itself. This pressure causes severe lower back pain.

Quite commonly associated with aging, spinal arthritis is causes intermittent lower back pain. It can also cause you difficulty bending or walking. You may also experience weakness and numbness in your legs.

Back pain and aging seem to go hand in hand. But the goal is to find a physician who will listen to your concerns and your physical concerns.
No one should accept back pain as a result of aging. Don't give up on back pain relief without a fight!

Different Kinds of Treatment to Consider for Sciatic Nerve Pain

spinal stenosis

The sciatic nerve is known as the longest nerve in the body. When the nerve gets inflamed or irritated, a symptom known as Sciatica occurs. Most patients say that the pain they feel is sharp and tender. It runs from the lower back straight to the thighs, the back of the legs, and in some cases, it even reaches the toes. The pain intensity ranges from mild to severe accompanied with aching and burning sensations.

Sciatica is caused by a lot of factors. Sciatic nerve pain happens in the following cases: herniated discs or discs that have been ruptured thereby adding pressure to the nerve root, when the spinal cord is narrowed called the spinal stenois, spondylolisthesis wherein one vertebra diagonally slides instead of being in its proper alignment, a piriformis syndrome that happens when the piriformis muscle keeps applying pressure to the sciatic nerve, and then by a spinal trauma where there is spinal damage that causes the vertebrae to get misaligned. In short, sciatic nerve pain happens whenever the nerve gets pressured or gets compressed.

When it comes to treatments, the most common medication is the use of a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen. You can also use some heat treatments, cortisone injections and exercise therapy as well. All of these sciatic nerve pain treatments are proven to be effective but they only provide temporary relief especially when the cause of the pain is not the one treated directly.

If you want to have a longer lasting relief for your sciatic nerve pain, you can try the so called Triggerpoint Therapy. This treatment method applies pressure between the buttocks using a massage tool or with the use of a regular tennis ball. Another therapy worth looking into is the muscle balance therapy which deals with problems of posture due to uneven muscles present in the spinal column. Inversion Therapy, on the other hand, allows more circulation by relieving pressure or compression on the nerve. This leads to regular blood flow to the area in order to supply oxygen and blood to help heal the pain quickly.

Treatment using Eastern medicine can also be used. An example of this is acupressure that applies direct pressure on specified points in the body. The Ayurvedic Treatment is one of the new treatments patients are now resorting to. It is similar to Acupressure. Lastly, Diet Therapy, some people say, is also efficient. This requires the patient to maintain a diet that is rich in magnesium for the muscles to tighten. Some foods that have high magnesium content include beans, bananas, green leafy vegetables, and nuts. You must remember that sciatic nerve pain is not a sickness but a symptom where treatment should be made on the condition.

Swimming With Back Pain

spinal stenosis

Swimming is one of the greatest forms of exercise for people with back pain. Whether your pain is caused by a joint, soft tissue, spinal disc or bone injury, swimming can help you safely build muscular and cardiovascular health which promote healing. Water's density makes it an ideal workout environment; your weight is reduced in water causing less stress on your bodily structures and the density provides resistance against which your muscles work. Another plus is that warm water surrounding your body causes increased blood flow, which can help heal injured structures.

Reaping the benefits of water doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Many community centers, YMCAs and other similar organizations offer inexpensive or free access to indoor, year-round pools. While you could spring for a class, many people choose to enjoy water exercise in their own way and on their own time by swimming.

It's hard to think of a more perfect kind of workout for back pain than water exercise. As with any form of exercise, though, there is risk of injury. The best way to avoid harm when swimming is to know what can cause it. The following information will help you protect your back and neck from injury while swimming.

Form

There are various strokes used in swimming, and each has potential form difficulties. During the breaststroke, frog kick and crawl, for example, it may be easy for you to hyperextend your back, meaning that it arches inward too much. While water exercise is typically ideal for people with joint problems, a hyperextended back can cause further joint problems.

During any front or side stroke, proper form when taking breaths is imperative. If you're going fast and you need air, you may find yourself jerking your head up or far to the side for air rather frequently. Any jerking motions can cause an injury to the neck as well as the back. Make sure your head stays in line with the body when going up for air. Also, try to exhale evenly; this will decrease the amount of times you need to come up for air.

Though not necessarily a form problem, neck pain can result in beginners attempting the backstroke. This is because the muscles in the front of the neck work during this stroke to hold the head out of water. When they aren't used to being worked this hard, they can grow fatigued. Start slow with the backstroke.

When doing a flip turn underwater, it is important to keep your head tucked in close to the body. Holding it away from the body will cause the water to push it backward, straining the muscles, ligaments and joints.

See the image at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/olympics/sydney_00/bysport/swimming/strokes.html for more detail about the different types of strokes commonly used in swimming.

Different Strokes

If you have back pain, it may be best to rely on backstrokes and sidestrokes when swimming. These styles are less demanding of the back. Strokes that involve screwkicks, or rotation of the knees and ankles, should be avoided as they can strain the lower back and sacroiliac joints.

If your back pain starts or worsens when swimming, try to find a trained coach or physical therapist to watch you in action. He or she can identify form problems and help you find a pain-free style. If this doesn't help, take a break from swimming and seek further diagnosis.

Swimming is a great back pain exercise when done properly. Educating yourself about the risks will help you avoid them.

The Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

spinal stenosis

More and more people today both young and old experience back pain. This back pain can be caused by a variety of spinal conditions. Stenosis of the spine can be one reason of your back pain. It is a condition where the spinal cord is thinned thus causing the nerves to compress. This condition of the nerves is the one that cause back pain, tingling sensation and numbness of the legs. The most affected by spinal stenosis is the lower back, it is the sciatic nerve that is usually affected.

The figures are quite alarming, with more than 400,000 people in US alone is suffering from Stenosis of the Spine and most of them are 60 years old and above. This condition can be diagnosed through physical examination although most physicians would require patients to take all the following test to be sure that you are suffering from such ailment. If you are experiencing symptoms you are required to take the Myelogram, MRI Scan, Bone Scan and CAT scan.

What are the ways for treating spinal stenosis? The non-surgical and traditional way of treating the condition includes Acupuncture where it involves inserting needle to the appropriate meridian points. Study shows that it can be effective in some cases. Another most sought after treatment today is the Spinal decompression therapy where it uses a spinal decompression machines to relieve back pain. It does not only cure the symptoms but cure the real problem which is spinal stenosis. It works by applying a pulling force to bring extra space between the vertebras thus reducing pressure on the nerves.

For more severe cases, surgery may have to be performed however be prepared for complications. Sometimes the complication is much worst that you expected. That is the very reason why most people want to avoid surgery.

Exercises You Need To Do To Relieve Sciatica And Get Your Life Back

spinal stenosis

Sciatica is often a misused term amongst non-medical individuals. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms and not a diagnosis. The sciatic nerve is a collection of nerves found in the lower spine. If these nerves become pinched or compressed, they generate pain in associated tissues and organs. These nerves run from the lower part of your back, through the back of each leg continuing down the leg into your foot and toes. Needless to say, pain can be felt anywhere along this route and is referred to sciatic pain. Pain may be concentrated in your back, rear end, back of your thigh, calf, foot and toes. There are many causes of sciatica including herniated discs, spinal stenosis or a number of lower back disorders. If you are not familiar, stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves contained within. Stenosis can be caused by disc herniation, osteoporosis or even a tumor.

As with other forms of back pain, exercise is the best therapy. Rest is okay for a few days but beyond that will do more harm than good. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider and follow his/her recommendations at all times. Never the less there is a regime of exercises doctors generally prescribe. A sciatica program emphasizes core strength, hamstring stretching and aerobic exercises. Your program will be designed to address the pain areas you have. You will probably be required to start with a physical therapist to ensure you do your exercises properly. After a while, you should be able to do them on your own.

Core Muscle Strength
Core muscle strength is important in that this will strengthen your stomach and back muscles that will help support your back better. Stretching exercises are also important to increase the range of motion of muscles that are experiencing sciatica pain. This brings about more flexibility and will allow for faster recovery and reduce the likelihood of future relapses.

The Exercises to Relieve Sciatica

Hamstring stretches
Hamstring stretching is one of the most important exercises in that no matter what your diagnosis is this exercise benefits everyone who has sciatica pain. Recall that your hamstrings are muscles in the back of your thigh. Whether you have sciatica pain or not, you need to do this exercise. Quite often sciatic pain comes about due to hamstrings that are too tight, which puts undue stress on your lower back to begin with. So, everyone should do hamstring stretching as a part of their regular exercise routine.

Aerobic exercises
Aerobic exercises are also added to the sciatica exercises (core muscle strength and hamstring stretching) for overall body fitness. Don't forget about walking. It has been suggested that walking three miles a day provides all the benefits of aerobic exercises in it own right.

Before you start any exercise regime, make sure to consult with your doctor. He or she will tailor make an exercise program that will includes developing core muscle strength, hamstring stretching and aerobic exercises. You really need to be diagnosed so that the proper exercise program is assigned to you. Taking care of your sciatica is an everyday concern. You need to be careful when lifting objects:-

Sciatica and Herniated Disc Best Resolved By Cox Flexion Distraction

spinal stenosis

The secret to resolving sciatica and back pain or neck pain due to herniated disc is the chiropractic technic called Cox Flexion Distraction. It is a very effective, safe, gentle, non-force, non-surgical procedure.

Because it is a lot less known and chiropractors who use this technic are not many in most regions in the United States, it might as well be known as the best kept secret in resolving herniated discs and sciatica. Many consider surgery and physical therapy more often than chiropractic treatments for herniated disc and pain management and/or physical therapy for sciatica. Among different chiropractic technics, the Cox Flexion Distraction is superior in healing herniated discs and sciatica.

What is Cox Flexion Distraction?

Cox Flexion Distraction, which is also known as Cox Technic, involves the use of a specially designed chiropractic table. Typically, the patient lays face down on this table. If the patient is in extreme pain, he/she could lay on his/her side.

For sciatica or herniated disc on the lower back, the chiropractor would move the section of the table below the patient's waist while stabilizing the vertebrae just above the disc herniation. For instance if the affected area is the fifth low-back disc the chiropractor would gently stabilize the fourth low-back vertebrae and gently flex the lower part of the Cox table.

For herniated disc on the neck, similar to the procedure in the low back, the chiropractor would stabilize the vertebrae above the disc herniation and flex the table.

The procedure has a "suctioning" effect such that the herniated disc is slowly moved back in its normal place. This "suctioning" effect is not painful, but in fact very comfortable and soothing.

Because sciatica is often caused by a herniated, or protruding, disc in the low back, the suctioning effect relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve and therefore is also very soothing.
Effective for Herniated Discs and Other Back Pain Causes

This Cox chiropractic treatment method works to eliminate sciatica and disc herniation naturally, and is also very effective in relieving pain, in either acute and chronic conditions. With 8 to 10 weeks of treatment, its success rate for eliminating lower back pain is between 89% and 95%. Not only can it resolve sciatica and lumbar and cervical herniated disc, but also resolve the following other causes of back pain:

• stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)


• lateral recess stenosis (narrowing of the canal where the spinal nerves exit)


• lower back facet syndrome (lumbar facet syndrome)


• failed back surgery syndrome

Compared with a form of physical therapy, the Cox Technic was found to be more effective in reducing pain in one year in a clinical trial which was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, September 2006.

Cox Flexion Distraction is Safe and Gentle

The "suctioning" effect from the Cox Flexion Distraction procedure is not painful, but rather safe and gentle. It gently opens up space in the irritated segment. It causes the affected disc to eventually move back to its proper place, thus effectively eliminating the cause of the pain and discomfort. When performed over an 8 to 10 week period the herniated disc can heal up. Sciatica is also often resolved using this procedure over an 8 to 10 week period.

Non-Force Procedure

The chiropractic procedure is without force. The chiropractor uses a gentle and controlled motion that causes any inflammatory byproducts to be mobilized from the area. In the many cases, the patient is not subjected to increased pain and discomfort during the procedure. Many patients experience reduction of frequency and intensity of pain during the treatment and as the treatment progresses through the prescribed treatment plan.

Non-surgical Solution

It is a wonderful non-surgical solution, thus eliminating the risk of surgery complications. Furthermore, surgeries are more expensive and requires temporary disability from recovering from the surgery. There is a possibility of permanent disability if it is unsuccessful or with major complications.

Cox Technic: Proven Effective

This procedure is well researched and has been proven-effective. In fact, Cox Technic is one of the three most studied chiropractic techniques for low back pain relief. Research and clinical data has been collected over more than 40 years. There are also federally funded research studies: at least five from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), two from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and one from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Watch the Cox Technic in action here: http://www.sancarloschiropractic.com/blog/lower-back-pain-treatment-cox-flexion-distraction/

As of November 2010, about 64% of chiropractors use the flexion distraction method in their practice. To find a chiropractor who uses Cox Technic, visit http://www.coxtechnic.com/physicians.aspx

As a chiropractor in San Carlos in the San Francisco Bay Area, and years ago in Southern California for the last 20 years, I've used this method for resolving sciatica and herniated disc and have saved my patients from on-going pain management, discomfort, and temporary disability and expense of surgery.

Back Pain, Therapeutics, and Somatics

spinal stenosis

To begin, I'll state my bias: I am a clinical somatic educator trained in methods of mind-brain-body training that address habituated reflex patterns triggered by stress (distress) and trauma. What I write is from that viewpoint: habituation or habit formation.

In my viewpoint, muscular activity comes either from voluntary behavior, from habitual learned behavior, or from involuntary reflexes. That means that movement, posture, and muscular tension come from either of these three general categories as responses controlled by the nervous system.

One category of involuntary reflex, the postural reflex, is largely learned, the learning built upon rudimentary primitive reflexes.

You can identify with the fact that stress and trauma leave impressions in memory and that those impressions might be associated with tension of one sort or another. The piece I'm adding, here, is that the memory of injury, if intense enough, can displace the familiar sense of movement position and control we have over ourselves, creating a kind of amnesia of the body, where we forget free movement and get trapped in tension. It's this kind of tension that conventional medicine tries to "cure" by means of manipulative therapeutics (including chiropractic and acupuncture), drugs, and surgery.

This article stands as a critique of those methods in contrast to an approach that deals with many musculo-skeletal problems in general, and back pain in specific, as maladaptive, stress-related disorders.

That this approach works better than the methods this article critiques remains for you, the reader, to see for yourself. I can't convince you, here (any more than I could be convinced before seeing for myself), but can only offer you a line of reasoning and... at the bottom of this page, a bit of evidence -- a link to a candid, two-minute video clip that shows the first moments of a client after a one-hour session of clinical somatic education.

So, I must appeal to your capacity to reason and to your intelligence and you must seek out the experience, for yourself.

We begin.

OVERVIEW OF THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES FOR BACK PAIN

First, I'll comment on drugs, then manipulative techniques in general, then surgery, then clinical somatic education.

Two of these three approaches, drugs and manipulation, are best for temporary relief or for relief of new or momentary muscle spasms (cramp), not for long-term or severe problems.

The third, surgery, is a last resort with a poor track record (estimated by one physical therapist at 15% success rate).

You can get a comparison chart of common modalities here.

DRUGS

Drugs can provide temporary relief or for relief of new or momentary muscle spasms (cramp), but can't provide a satisfactory solution for long-term or severe problems. They generally consist of muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics (pain meds).

Muscle relaxants have the side-effect of inducing stupor, as you have found if you've used them; they're a temporary measure because as soon as one discontinues use, muscular contractions return.

Anti-inflammatories (such as cortisone or "NSAIDS" - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce pain, swelling and redness, and they have their proper applications (tissue damage). Cortizone, in particular, has a side effect of breaking down collagen (of which all tissues of the body are made). When pain results from muscular contractions (muscle fatigue/soreness) or nerve impingement (generally caused by muscular contractions), anti-inflammatories are the wrong approach because these conditions are not cases of tissue damage. Nonetheless, people confuse pain with inflammation, or assume that if there's pain, there's inflammation or tissue damage, and use anti-inflammatories to combat the wrong problem.

Analgesics tend to be inadequate to relieve back pain or the pain of trapped nerves and, in any case, only hide that something is going on, something that needs correction to avoid more serious spine damage.

MANIPULATIVE TECHNIQUES

Manipulative techniques consist of chiropractic, massage, stretching and strengthening (which includes most yoga and Pilates), most physical therapy, inversion, and other forms of traction such as DRS Spine Decompression.

Most back pain consists of muscular contractions maintained reflexively by the brain, the master control center for muscular activity and movement (except for momentary reflexes like the stretch reflex or Golgi Tendon Organ inhibitory response, which are spinal reflexes). I put the last comment in for people who are more technically versed in these matters; if these terms are unfamiliar to you, don't worry. My point is that manipulative techniques can be only temporarily effective (as you have probably already found) because they don't change muscular function at the level of brain conditioning, which controls tension and movement, and which causes the back muscle spasms.

Nonetheless, people commonly resort to manipulative techniques because it's what they know -- and manipulation is the most common approach, other than muscle relaxant drugs or analgesics, to pain of muscular origin.

SURGERY

Surgery includes laminectomy, discectomy, implantation of Harrington Rods, and surgical spine stabilization (spinal fusion).

Surgery is the resort of the desperate, and although surgery has a poor track record for back pain, people resort to it in desperation. There are situations where surgery is necessary -- torn or ruptured discs, fractures, spinal stenosis; situations where surgery is inappropriate -- bulging discs, undiagnosable pain, muscular nerve impingement; and situations where surgery is sometimes appropriate -- rare cases of congenital scoliosis. (scoliosis -- curvature of the spine -- is more commonly a functional scoliosis, the consequence of muscular tensions around the ribs and spine, rather than the result of deformed growth).

SOMATIC EDUCATION

Most back disorders are of muscular (neuromuscular) origin - and correctable by clinical somatic education (which is not about convincing people that 'things are not so bad, and live with it' or 'understanding their condition better' - but a procedure for eliminating symptoms and their underlying causes, and for improving function). Severity of pain is not the proper criterion for determining which approach to take. The proper criterion is recognition of the underlying cause of the problem.

In the case of back pain, the underlying cause -- chronic back tension -- causes muscular pain (fatigue), disc compression, nerve root compression, facet joint irritation, and the catch-all term, arthritis -- all through strictly mechanical means.

Degenerative Disc Disease, for example, is no more a disease of the discs than is excessive tire wear and breakdown from an overload of weight over a long period of time. There is no such thing as Degenerative Disc "Disease".

Somatic education is a discipline distinct from osteopathy, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and other similar modalities.

As such, it isn't a "brand" of therapy or treatment, but a category or discipline within which various somatic "brands" or approaches exist. Examples of "brands" include Trager Psychophysical Integration, Aston Patterning, Rolfing Movement, Orthobionomy, Somatic Experiencing, Feldenkrais Functional Integration, and Hanna Somatic Education.

The prime approach of somatic education, through various methods according to the 'brand' or school of somatic education, is to retrain the nervous system to free muscles from being in an excessively contracted state. The general category of training is movement education, where it is understood that the function of muscles is movement and training movement trains muscle tension.

In the abstract, what distinguishes somatic education from manipulative practices is the active participation in learning by the client. The instruction comes from outside; the learning comes from within, and what the client learns during sessions (in terms of sensory awareness and control of muscles and movement) is what produces the improvements, and not what a practitioner does to the client, per se. As education, it deals with memory patterns, which show up as habitual patterns of muscular activity: tight muscles and familiar patterns of coordination and control. Deeper-acting somatic disciplines, such as Feldenkrais Functional Integration and Hanna somatic education, deal with more deeply ingrained and unconscious habit patterns formed by injuries and stress.

More concretely, somatic education uses movement and positioning to enable the client, by delilberate effort and practice, to gain access to muscles out of voluntary control, and thereby to recapture control from conditioned reflexes triggered by injury or stress and to improve quality of movement and physical comfort. Sensory awareness techniques are a large part of the process, as are controlled breathing, controlled pacing of movements, and coordination training.

Most forms of somatic education are "enriching" in nature, as they improve movement and sensory awareness, but gradually and with practical limits as to predictability of a specific outcome. They are often successful in the alleviation of pain, where more conventional therapeutic methods -- manipulation, stretching, strengthening, drugs, surgery -- are less successful. However, the gradualness of and unpredictability of improvements make them impractical as methods to be used in a clinical setting, although they are often used as an adjunct to those conventional methods.

A clinical approach to somatic education is so distinguished by the ability of practitioners to predict with a high degree of reliability and number and kind of sessions required to resolve a specific malady and to achieve resolution efficiently.

The specific advantage seen in clinical somatic education by referring physicians is that, while being effective in the relief of muscular pain and spasticity, it has the specific virtue of teaching the client an ability so to control the muscular complaint that there is little chance of a future return of the problem.

For a technical comparison between somatic education and chiropractic (as an example of a manipulative approach), see below.

Causes of Chronic Low Back Pain?

spinal stenosis

Low back pain is a very common and sometimes debilitating condition that affects up to 80 % of the population. Most patients that develop the acute onset of low back pain will able to return to normal activities of daily living and become a functional member of society within 6 weeks of onset. Yet, a small percentage of the population can go on to suffer with chronic disabling lumbar pain.

Despite many scientific advances in medicine over the decades, improvement in the quality of healthcare and the proliferation of various new pharmaceuticals, controlling chronic low back pain can be difficult but not impossible. Surgical solutions for treating low back pain is difficult and often met with mixed results and should be the very last option.

Causes of Chronic Low Back Pain

The causes of chronic lumbar pain are many and can include one or a few of the problems listed below in combination, and the causes are not limited to this list:

•Degenerative Arthritis: This is the most common cause in adults, and is consistent with the normal wear and tear process to the lumbar spine.
•Other types of arthropathies: There are a number of conditions which fall under this section such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diffuse Idiopathic skeletal Hyperostosis(DISH), Lupus, Ankylosing Spondylosis or other HLA-B27 conditions.
•Fibromyalgia: Disease of disuse and muscle deconditioning.
•Stress: This could be either emotional or social stressors which can lead to lumbar pain via muscle spasm.
•Fractures: This can be as a result of any significant trauma such as a motor vehicle accident.
•Muscle Strains: The most common cause as a result of work-related injuries lifting injuries or other types of other trauma.
•Herniated Disc: Disruption of the disc that separates two vertebra that results in nerve root compression.
•Spinal Stenosis: Compression of the spinal nerves secondary to naturally progressive age related arthritis.
•Infection: Bacterial or fungal infection of the spine.
•Cancer
•Intra-abdominal or pelvic organ pathology: Kidney, pancreas, and aorta problems as well as others can mimic symptoms consistent with traditional lower back pain.

It is because the majority of lower back pain in our society is caused by muscle strain or arthritis, and the frequency is so common, that a delay or missed diagnosis of underlying rare conditions, such as but not limited to fractures, cancer, infection, renal stones, and aortic aneurysms, can occur.

What are the Predisposing Factors for Chronic Lower Back Pain?

There are a number of predisposing factors that can increase a patient's chances of having back issues. Problems such as smoking, alcoholism, obesity, low physical activity, psychosocial issues, sedentary jobs, prior failed back surgery, secondary gain, and deconditioning can all increase a patient's chances of developing or maintaining chronic lower back pain.

As it relates to treatment for lower back pain, it is fortunate that the vast majority of patients will have complete resolution of their pain within six to eight weeks of acute onset. The prevalence of lower back issues in our society persisting longer than two weeks is approximately 14%, with a point prevalence of approximately 7% (Deyo, R. A. 1990).

Treatment

The active treatment of lower back pain has two main focuses, the first of which should always be non-operative care. This should include physical therapy, chiropractic, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, limited use of narcotics, various injections (both diagnostic and therapeutic), weight loss, smoking cessation, muscle reconditioning, and the tincture of time.

As it relates specifically to aerobic exercise, fitness creates an overall protective effect on the spine by increasing muscle strength, endurance, and increasing endorphin levels. This can lead to avoiding conditions such as fibromyalgia, which is a disease of disuse.

The other generalized treatment algorithm may include surgery. It is known that surgical intervention for predominant low back pain typically does not result in excellent long-term results.

•Surgical fusion has been met with mixed results for the treatment of predominant low back pain and decompression has a very limited role.

•Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is showing some significant promise in the treatment of low back pain as well as artificial nucleus. Research is still ongoing as it relates to artificial nucleus replacement, yet artificial disk replacement is available and is no longer experimental as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed the initial research and approved ADR for human use since 2003. In Europe, artificial disk replacement has been an approved (CE mark) treatment for over 20 years.

Any patient that is considering treatment for chronic, disabling, low back pain should seek the advice of their primary care physician first and address many of the risk factors that have been outlined above.

Surgical intervention for chronic low back pain is not common, but evaluation by a spinal surgery specialist would be an important step to take if you, as a patient, have remained symptomatic, despite the conservative course, for longer than 6 to 8 weeks.

Stiff Back Treatment - Permanent Pain Relief For Your Sore Back!

spinal stenosis

Stiff back treatment is something that needs to be considered if you struggle with a stiff and sore back on a regular basis. Everyone will occasionally get a stiff back from time to time. However, if it becomes more than just an occasional occurrence, you need to read the rest of this article. Don't just ignore this and any pain you are experiencing as a result. This is your bodies way of telling you that there is a problem, and the longer you wait to treat stiff back pain the more wear, and tear your spine is going to experience in the years to come.

To fully understand the cause of the stiff and sore back pain you experience, you need to consider muscle imbalances of the spine. Every muscle or muscle group in the human body has an opposing muscle or muscle group. If one muscle is strengthened and shorter than its natural state, the opposing muscle will be weaker and longer than its natural state. This scenario creates a form of tug of war on the spine as it relates to your posture. Over time, the muscle imbalance will alter the shape and curvature of your spine. Creating what science calls a dysfunction of the spine. Often this dysfunction can be compared and related to poor posture. However, it is not something that will just fix itself. As time passes, gravity takes its toll and continues to increase the severity of your dysfunction and the spines stressful environment. When the spine is continuously exposed to this unnatural environment, wear and tear is the result. What was once a minor problem has now become a much more severe problem. If stiff back treatment is ignored, loss of mobility and permanent degenerative conditions are sure to follow. Especially for the spinal discs and their supporting structure.

The proper stiff back treatment will correct your dysfunction, and relieve all the back symptoms you are experiencing. We all know pain is the bodies way of telling us there is a problem. Most people ignore stiff and sore back treatment because they are unaware of the problem and any solution. What frustrated me the most is that I struggled with this for years. After visiting doctors and chiropractors time and time again I was just about ready to give up. At no point in any of those visits was I ever told what was the cause of my problems, or that there was any solution.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis and Your Hurting Lower Back

spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis presents with lower back pain and/or radiating pain into the leg(s), often referred to by physicians as lumbar radiculopathy. Usually, with spinal stenosis the referring pain going into the legs is located on both sides. Symptoms of pain usually begin at the hips and go all the way into the lower legs.

The pain associated with central spinal stenosis is the result of a compression on the spinal cord as it traverses through the spinal canal. This occurs when there is an abnormal build up of bone inside the canal which then closes in on the delicate structures of the spinal cord, including the peripheral nerves that feed the legs.

Functionally, this condition will have the most impact on activities that place the lower spine into some extension (the position of arching your lower back or otherwise known as an inward bend). These are activities that include standing, walking, and climbing stairs, to name a few. The longer the individual participates in these activities, the greater the painful symptoms become. Relief is sought by going into some spinal flexion for a period of time, such as sitting. In a flexed posture, the spaces within the spinal canal are greater and thereby reduce symptoms.

If the quality of life continues to diminish, surgery may be a viable option. An orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon may perform what is called a laminectomy. This involves removing a piece of the lamina from the vertebrae which in turn opens up the spinal canal and creates more space.

A physician may prescribe non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or an external support such as a soft lumbar corset. The physician may also prescribe physical therapy with therapeutic exercises.

Therapeutic exercises can be of some benefit, and should focus on flexion patterns. Education should be to avoid repeated extension patterns. Shearing forces of the lower back should also be avoided and would include activities that place the spine into positions of rotation. Aerobic conditioning can be performed with emphasis on spinal flexion, like that of a recumbent stationary bike.

Obviously, an approach that is non surgical in nature is not as aggressive, and it will not alter the structural changes taking place in the spinal canal. It will only work to manage the condition until a more permanent solution is sought.

What Is Sciatica?

spinal stenosis

Patients with chronic pain must deal with inaccurate diagnosis all of the time. It's not that their family physician does it on purpose, but in many cases primary care doctors don't have the resources to be able to accurately diagnose many chronic pain conditions that we treat. Sciatica, a common chronic pain, is one of these instances when a primary care physician may not realize that the sciatica could be a symptom of something much worse happening in your body.

According to Mayo Clinic, sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve and its branches - from your back down your buttock and leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your spinal cord to your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg.

Sciatica is a symptom, not a disorder. The radiating pain of sciatica signals another problem involving the nerve, such as a herniated disk. Depending on the cause, the pain of acute sciatica - which may be quite uncomfortable - usually goes away on its own within a couple of months.

Symptoms of sciatica include pain in the rear or leg that becomes unbearable when sitting, a burning or tingling down the leg, weakness or difficulty moving that leg, and a shooting pain that can make it difficult to stand up. So whether you're sitting or standing, sciatica pain can be severe.

Like with many other chronic conditions, sciatica might be hard to figure out at first. You will feel the pain, but pass it off as a leg that has fallen asleep, or perhaps a pinched nerve that will fix itself. However, if the symptoms persist and your primary care physician is at a loss on how to treat it, you'll want to consider seeking a pain doctor for answers because the problem might be just a symptom of something worse.

According to Mayo Clinic, sciatica may develop when a nerve root is compressed in your lower spine - often as a result of a herniated disk in your lower back. Herniated disk is the most common cause of sciatica pain, however there may be other things at work as well.

WebMD points out that sciatica pain might be a symptom of one of the following conditions:
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back)
• Degenerative disc disease (breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae)
• Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one)
• Pregnancy

Whether sciatica is the symptom of a herniated disc, or lumbar spinal stenosis, it's incredibly important that you speak to your pain doctor about treatment as soon as possible. Many of these conditions (besides pregnancy), if left untreated can lead to permanent nerve damage, loss of feeling in the legs, loss of movement in the affected leg, and loss of bowel or bladder function.

Simple Help For Sciatica Treatment Acupuncture, Stretching, and Massage

spinal stenosis

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It is made up of a bundle of smaller nerves, starting at the lumbar spine and traveling down the buttocks, and through the leg. Sciatica is not actually disease (Tell that to someone with sciatica!) but a group of symptoms that affect the region of the sciatic nerve. The radiating pain and numbness are associated with sciatica are very quite common often are very intense and the tingling can start in the lower back and may radiate down the leg.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica happens when something pushes on the sciatic nerve-- a muscle spasm, the spinal discs, and sometimes even the spine itself can cause sciatica. Most often this pain is due to muscle spasms or a slipped disc, but it can also be a sign of serious illness and it is important to go to you doctor for a diagnosis. The severe cases which require immediate medical attention are spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal, and spinal tumors.

But most often, sciatica is not caused by a serious life threatening problem, just a problem that causes some serious and debilitating pain. Spinal Disc herniation, often referred to as a slipped disc, is when a small portion of the spinal disc bulges out of the spinal column. When the disc pushes on the sciatic nerve, it causes pain.

Muscle spasms are also a common cause of sciatica with the piriformis muscle is often being the main culprit. The sciatic nerve runs under or, in some people, through the piriformis muscle. This muscle is located in the pelvis. It is connected to the bottom of the spine and the top of the femur, or thighbones. If the piriformis muscle starts to spasm or becomes tight, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause the pain as well as the radiating symptoms. This persistent spasm of the piriformis muscle is called piriformis syndrome. It can be caused by an injury or sedentary lifestyles in people who don't stretch or exercise. Particularly if you sit all day at a desk or computer, this can be a problem.

What is the best way to treat sciatica?

It is best to approach sciatica using combination style treatment. As an acupuncturist, I may combine acupuncture, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage,) cupping, electric stimulation, and stretching for an effective treatment. The back, hip, and pelvis are very interconnected and the treatment should incorporate all of them. Overall, the treatment should relax and stretch the tendons and fascia while strengthening the muscles. This will help release the spastic muscles and strengthen them, allowing the back to naturally heal. It can even encourage an out of place disc to go back into place, depending on severity.

Acupuncture will help to reprogram the muscles to stay relaxed. In effect, this is working to help the body heal itself. Chinese massage, or tui na, works to foster the acupuncture by releasing any extra tension in the fascia and connective tissue around the muscles. The technique called rolling is very important to deeply relax the muscles and improve circulation at the same time.

After the pain is gone, it is important for you to keep up you own back. Stretching is essential. Stretching will help keep the muscles healthy and relaxed. And it is the best way for you to maintain your own back. Also, doing tai chi, the Chinese exercise and meditation, is very effective to strengthen the lower back and relax it.

Is Traditional Chinese acupuncture's approach to sciatica different from other approaches?

Yes. Chinese medicine states that the body is interconnected; no one part can be separated from another. The diagnosis and treatment is based upon identifying specific imbalances in the muscles and the body as a whole. Correcting the imbalance does not just treat the symptoms or mask the condition, but rather corrects the root of the problem by encouraging self-healing of the body. Some other forms of acupuncture will just treat the imbalance in the channels. A more effective long term approach is treating the underlying imbalance, which may be causing the qi and blood to stagnate.

The most common imbalance in acute sciatica is qi and blood stagnation in the back channels. Qi and blood stagnation in the channels often affects the soft tissue of the lumbar, hips, and pelvis. This is what causes the muscle spasm and tension that triggers the intense shooting pain of acute sciatica. The acupuncture diagnosis should address specifically which channels are stagnated, or have no flow, and increase the circulation in them.

At the same time, the treatment should address underlying imbalances which may be kidney qi vacuity, spleen qi vacuity with dampness, or liver qi stagnation. By treating the underlying imbalance, you can prevent the sciatica from returning. Chinese medicine and Western medicine often use the same names for the organs, but an imbalance in the Chinese liver or kidney does not mean an imbalance in the Western medicine organ. Don't worry.

Kidney qi vacuity may occur when your back feels very weak and and tight, but it does not get better with rest. Other symptoms include weakness of the knees, extreme fatigue, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and a weak pulse. For those with spleen qi vacuity with dampness, you will also have fatigue and weakness, but the back feels better with rest. Your body may feel very heavy and you may have poor digestion. Liver qi stagnation causes your muscles to be very tight and in spasm when you become angry or frustrated. Also, you may suffer from frequent headaches and, in women, painful menses.

So the treatment is simple. Correct the imbalances and relax the muscles to reduce pain, and do regular exercises and stretching prevent the pain from coming back!

Sharp Lower Back Pain - Possible Causes Revealed

spinal stenosis

In this article, we take a look at the importance of learning the causes of lower back pain, especially if it a sharp shooting kind of pain and determining the causes of origin of the pain. So, if you are truly feeling laid-back in the literal sense of the word and have suffered sharp lower back pain more than once recently, perhaps its time to do some quick thinking about what could have brought it on - so you can begin the right course of treatment based on the diagnosis, which needs to be proper and accurate.

Only after a proper medical examination of the person's past activities, especially ones involving heavy physical labor, can a person's cause for personal back pain due to injury or other reasons be pinned down accurately. Among the most common reasons triggering off lower back pain are sudden exertion, carrying heavy loads, standing, sitting or lying down in an awkward posture (e.g. such as painting the ceiling with a hand overhead all the time) and bending or twisting in a casual, thoughtless manner - which can happen during exercising as well as during regular household chores.

Sharp lower back pain can also become a chronic condition if not addressed in the initial stages and therefore doctors and medical health experts, including physical trainers and gym instructors advise people against exercising too much or wrongly, without proper knowledge of the right techniques since twisting wrong and doing heavy physical work can also aggravate a mild condition. Sometimes, patients tend to ignore the initial warning signs of a sharp lower back pain thinking it will go away and its not worth bothering over, but this is wrong and needs to be addressed immediately to prevent more severe cases. What many do not realize is that in ignoring the warning signal given by the body to the individual, there is a chance of aggravating an already painful condition and therefore, patient information on the condition is very crucial to serve a timely warning.

If the patient does not recall any of the above scenarios as causes for the lower back pain he or she is suffering, medical opinion should be sought immediately to rule out other possibilities, such as conditions of spinal stenosis (restricted spinal cord and nerve root channels), arthritis, infection in the spine, cancer of the spine or spondylolisthesis.

Also, a doctor is the best person to rule out the possibility of a fracture in the lower back as a potential cause for the sharp pain a patient may be suffering; once the above possibilities have been studied and other acute or chronic areas of the condition have been looked into, then diagnosis is more likely to be accurate and treatment can be started in earnest.

Some of the signs that a lower back pain sufferer may need to put across to his or her doctor for proper diagnosis include a sort of general ache radiating into the lower back, behind and the legs with occasional or steady complaints of numbness, tingling or weakness. Those suffering additional bowel or bladder problems should not delay contacting their doctor as this could mean a more severe case of lower back pain than usual.

Examination of the condition typically includes slow and careful palpation of the spine to determine nature of muscle spasms, displacements/sore points and the same is also carried out for the abdomen to verify the involvement of any organ in the complaint. To determine the exact origin of sharp lower back pain, doctors may also recommend the patient undergoing neurological assessments, lab tests and imaging studies.

A Pain in the Neck - Literally!

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One morning, you wake-up with a burning or tingling sensation in your neck. Perhaps it feels stiff or tender and you just can't figure out why! Did you sleep "funny" or catch a draft on your neck? Maybe it was when your car was rear-ended or when you twisted the wrong way at the gym. Whatever is causing your neck pain, all you know is... it hurts and you want it to go away, before it gets worse!

Neck pain - also referred to as cervical pain, can strike anywhere from the bottom of your head to the top of your shoulders. It can quickly spread to your upper back or arms, limiting head and neck movement. You may experience crippling headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, depression and fatigue - which can last for days, weeks, months or years, especially if left untreated. Long-term pain has the potential to limit daily activities and reduce your quality of life. The possibility for neck pain and injury are constant, therefore, a little anatomy is needed.

Your neck is amazing! It begins at the base of the skull, and contains 7 small bones or vertebrae. Between each vertebrae are intervertebral discs (tough shock-absorbing pads). In addition, the neck has joints, muscles and ligaments that allow movement and provide stability. It carries the weight of your head... 8 - 12 pounds and has the ability to nod up and down (90簞 of forward and backward motion) and turn right and left (180簞 of side to side motion, and almost 120簞 of tilt to each shoulder). The nerves in your neck help the brain communicate with your shoulders, arms and chest. The arteries and veins circulate blood between the brain and the heart. With so much freedom of movement, comes the risk for pain and injury!

Finding this cause, begins with a thorough health history, understanding of the patient's symptoms, along with a structural and muscular examination. Physical Therapists and Chiropractors may work together to perform a manual exam, palpate the spine and conduct specialized testing to analyze posture, range-of-motion, muscle strength and nerve function. Other diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies to determine if there is an underlying disorder, x-rays, CAT scan, MRI, electromyography and nerve conduction studies.

It is important to understand that neck pain symptoms can signify different things! For instance, the same symptom could indicate an inflammatory concern, nerve entrapment issue, disc or muscular problem - that is why finding the exact cause is so vital!

Most neck pain can be caused by activities that result in repeated or prolonged movements to the neck's muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones or joints. This can result in a strain (overstretched or overused muscles), sprain (injury to a ligament), a spasm of the neck muscles or inflammation of the neck joints. Poor Posture (improper position when sitting, reading, sleeping or working at a computer), Injury (auto, sports or slip and fall), Improper Bending and Lifting Techniques, Inadequate Muscle Strength, Shortened Muscles, Strained Muscles or Ligaments, Scoliosis, Osteoarthritis, Being Overweight, Facet Joint Syndrome, Pinched Nerve, Cervical Spinal Stenosis, Bulging or Herniated Disc or Segmental Instability (excess movement between two vertebrae, causing pinching or irritation of the nerve roots) are factors to be explored and analyzed. The stress and emotional tension of having neck pain can lead to more neck pain... muscles become tight and contract. Choices have to be made, decisions regarding surgery, medication and alternative therapy must be considered.

Neck pain sufferers may not realize how some of their activities and lifestyle choices have directly or indirectly caused their neck pain. Perhaps they fell asleep on a chair or couch while watching television or maybe they have a tendency to sleep on their stomach. Other people might not realize that the weight of their pocketbook or holding their cell phone jammed between their ear and shoulder has caused their neck pain. Finally, many individuals find themselves sitting at the computer for many hours with poor posture. This poor posture continues as they travel home - either by car, bus or train.

After finding the cause, the proper treatment can be instituted to achieve neck pain relief. Treatment may include medication management, as well as injections of ligaments, muscles, bursae, joints and specialized injections such as epidural injections or facet joint block injection. Physical Therapy, Chiropractic or Acupuncture may be an integral part of the neck pain treatment program.

Neck pain relief is a major reason people treat with chiropractic physicians. They find that pain is relieved, muscle tightness is reduced and healing begins by manually applying a controlled force to joints that have become restricted by muscle injury, strain, inflammation and/or pain. In addition, spinal decompression - traction that may help relieve neck pain, may be considered. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine - taking pressure off spinal discs (gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine). Additionally, spinal decompression is successful in treating back pain, bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome (worn spinal joints) and radiculopathy (injured or diseased spinal nerve roots). This revolutionary treatment method, which may be covered by health insurance - has resulted in canceling surgeries and allowing people to live life to the fullest. Many neck pain sufferers experience substantial, immediate relief of their symptoms after their first treatment.

There are several forms of physical therapy utilized for neck pain relief. For acute pain, the physical therapist may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). They are considered passive therapies because they are done to the patient, rather than the patient rehabilitating with exercise. Examples of modalities include: Ice (makes blood vessels constrict which decreases the blood flow - helping to control inflammation, muscle spasm and pain), Heat (makes blood vessels dilate, which increases the blood flow - helping flush away chemicals that cause pain, as well as bringing in healing nutrients and oxygen.), Ultrasound (uses high-frequency sound waves to reach sore muscles and other tissues that are over two inches below the surface of your skin, which help flush the sore area and bring in a new supply of blood that is rich in nutrients and oxygen.) Electrical Stimulation (can ease pain by sending impulses to the brain that are felt instead of pain.), Soft Tissue Massage (reduces pain and spasm by helping muscles relax - by bringing in a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood and by flushing the area of chemical irritants that come from inflammation.), Joint Mobilization (changing pressure and movements to the joints to help lubricate joint surfaces to ease stiffness and reduce pain.) and Traction (sore joints and muscles often feel better when traction is used.).

In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a patient's exercise program will encompass a combination of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises and low impact aerobics. Strength and flexibility must be built up gradually - on a gradient level. Doing too much too soon often causes muscle strain. Physical therapists use functional training to help patients with daily activities. This will include a healthy posture program to keep the spine in safe alignment, reducing strain on the joints and soft tissues around the spine.

Other neck pain relief recommendations include staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help flush away acidic waste products from the muscles. High levels of acidic waste products in the muscles can cause muscle irritation and pain. Poor dietary choices can lead to chronic inflammation - increasing pain sensitivity. Daily supplementation of Vitamin D can help alleviate a deficiency and pain, according to recent studies.

If this describes you, a family member or friend... you can get better. After a few short weeks of correct care, you can begin to get on with the rest of your life, as you rid yourself of neck pain.

What is Recess Spinal Stenosis?

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I had been dealing with sciatica in my lower back and down my legs for quite some time. Ever since I was pregnant I have been dealing with shooting pains down my legs. The right leg seems worse then the left. I went to the doctor who then ordered a number of tests and scans for me. After he got the results he mentioned the term recess spinal stenosis. I had never heard of recess spinal stenosis before...

After the diagnosis, I decided to do some research to see if I could find some information on recess spinal stenosis and its prognosis. From what I could find out the lateral recess is an area of the spine in the lower back. The spinal canal is considered normal but the side portions are narrow. This puts pressure on the nerves that exit the spine. The doctor said I have a lateral recess spinal stenosis. Or at other times he referred to it as a recess spinal stenosis.

The sciatica I was experiencing was a result of the recess spinal stenosis. The scans also showed that I had a bulging disc which was also giving me a bit of discomfort. He said that they could give me shots to numb the pain but that operations were usually needed to fix the disc and to relive the pressure on the nerves. The L5 area of my spine was in need of some relief and he thought that surgery was a good option for me.

The recess spinal stenosis diagnosis threw me for a loop. I had known friends who had dealt with sciatica, especially when pregnant, but for them the pain subsided after the babies were born. My pain has continued for several years. It has come and gone but now seems to be more consistent. The doctor said that the recess spinal stenosis has gotten worse and that the disc could in fact rupture at some point.

I have decided to get the pain shots for now while I consider all of my options. Having a disk rupture sounds like the most painful thing in the world and I would prefer to avoid it. This recess spinal stenosis is going to be dealt with because I am tired of being in pain and feeling like my leg is going to buckle underneath me at any second. I want to be pain free for the first time in a long time.

Sciatica: A Misunderstood Condition

spinal stenosis

Sciatica is known clinically as pain feeling like an electric shock that travels from the back or buttock down the leg past the knee all the way to the foot. This pain can feel strongest in the buttock, the hamstring, the calf or the bottom of the foot. A common misconception is that any pain that moves down the leg is sciatica. However, there are other conditions that cause pain to travel in this manner and treatments will differ depending on the primary cause of the pain. A good chiropractor will talk to the patient and will perform a proper physical exam to determine the true cause of their pain.

More about Sciatica
Sciatica is named after the nerve that is causing the pain. The sciatic nerve originates from the spinal nerves that exit the spine at the L4, L5 and S1. These three nerve roots converge to form the sciatic nerve. Further down the leg, the sciatic nerve branches into all the nerves that innervate the leg. In addition to pain, symptoms can include tingling, burning, muscle weakness and difficulty controlling the leg. Sciatica usually affects one leg or the other.

Piriformis Syndrome
The most common type of true sciatica is the pain associated with piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle located deep within the buttocks. It originates from the anterior part of the sacrum, the superior portion of the greater sciatic notch, the sacroiliac joint capsule and the sacrotuberous ligament. The muscle runs laterally to insert into the greater trochanter of the femur. Depending on the individual, the piriformis muscle may have a different relationship with the sciatic nerve. With some, the muscle lies on top of the nerve and with others the nerve runs directly through muscle. Symptoms arise when the muscle begins to spasm or tighten due to injury, overuse or compression. Physical modalities such as muscle release techniques, electrical muscle stimulation and chiropractic manipulation are best used in this clinical situation.

Disc Herniation
Another cause for pain going down the leg is a disc herniation. Between each vertebrae in the spine lies a gelatinous vertebral disc. We can compare the disc to a jelly donut. On the outside of the disc is a ring of thicker connective tissue called the annulus fibrosus. Within this ring lies the jelly filling called the nucleus pulposus. When too much pressure is placed on the disc, the nucleus pulposus can protrude through the annulus fibrosus to place pressure on outside structures. Not all injuries lead to complete extrusion of the jelly center. Minor protrusions are referred to as bulges, where as major protrusions are referred to as herniations or extrusions. The most common herniation occurs posteriorly into the spinal canal usually off to one side or the other. Compression is most commonly seen on spinal nerves within the lateral canals. The most common method of injuring a disc is lifting a heavy load while only using the muscle of the back, followed by twisting with the heavy load. Ninety percent of disc bulges and herniations will resolve spontaneously within 4-8 weeks even without treatment. Conservative options such as massage, chiropractic, and physical therapy can be used with good results. If the herniation is too large or if it does not resolve, surgical options are available.

Low Back Pain - Physician Advice on Relief and Causes

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Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a primary care physician. People may experience back pain after lifting heavy objects, twisting and turning their backs during exercise or household chores, or after a period of inactivity. Acute low back pain is often caused by muscle inflammation and spasm and may start suddenly or increase gradually over time. It may occur in the center of the low back or next to the spine on either side. The pain from muscle strain and spasm is often achy and crampy with periods of sharpness that occur because of "stressing" the involved muscle. Laying down usually relieves the pain. The pain is often accompanied by stiffness when moving the lower back and very tender muscles. It will usually get better with regular use of rest, heat, massage and/or anti-inflammatories and/or muscle relaxants for two to four weeks. Moist heat applied for 20 minutes three to four times daily and taking 200 to 800 mg per day of ibuprofen helps relieve the contracted and inflamed muscles. People can hasten recovery by continuing to be as active as tolerated and not to lift heavy objects or move in ways that aggravate the pain.

Low back pain which lasts more than 6 weeks and/or begins to change in character needs to be evaluated by a physician. If the pain becomes sharp and begins to radiate into the buttocks or down the legs, a nerve may be pinched. The most common nerve affected by muscular spasm, spinal stenosis or a herniated disk is the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a combination of nerve roots which come from the lower spinal cord (L4-S3) and form the largest nerve in the body. When a combination of the nerve roots or the whole nerve is pinched, one experiences pain, tingling or numbness in the buttock or the backside of the leg past the knee to the foot. One may notice the affected leg is weak and have foot drop or the inability to extend the great toe. Although pain caused by a pinched sciatic nerve (sciatica) can be very painful and debilitating, there is no risk of permanent nerve damage or paralysis. Sciatica is treated with physical therapy, massage, anti-inflammatories and manipulative treatments.

A herniated disk or narrowed spinal column (spinal stenosis) can also cause low back pain. The pain is achy or sharp and can worsen suddenly if nerves are compressed, leading to the symptoms discussed above. A primary difference between these conditions is that the pain from a bulging disk is made worse from bending forward and decreased by leaning backward. The opposite is true for spinal stenosis pain. The pain from both of these conditions gets better with laying down. Thee pain caused from sciatica is usually is not relieved by laying down (it may even get worse). The development of sudden leg weakness, lack of sensation in the pelvic area and involuntary leakage of urine or stool are signs of cauda equina syndrome. The cauda equina is a "tail" of nerves at the end of the spinal cord. If these nerves are pinched, it produces the cauda equina syndrome. In addition to the conservative treatments for a pinched nerve, surgery may be an option to reduce the impingement by removing the disk or fusing the vertebrae to widen the spinal column.

Other non-muscular and non-neurologic causes of back pain are infection and cancer. Warning signs that these conditions may be a cause of acute or chronic low back are fever, chills, lack of improvement with regular use of anti-inflammatories and exercise, and pain that worsens with laying on the back. It is important to inform a physician about these symptoms so that blood tests and imaging studies can be ordered to diagnose and treat these conditions before complications arise.

The injury associated with low back pain can be prevented by regular exercise (such as walking and low back exercises), maintenance of a healthy body weight and using correct body mechanics when lifting heavy objects.

Causes of Back Pain - Where Does Back Pain Come From?

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Back pain is mankind's bane. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting the doctor, and around 90 percent of adults have at one time or another experienced it. The pain we feel can originate from any one of our numerous bones, joints, muscles, tissues and ligaments in the back. In terms of pain, our back can be divided into four sections. There is the tailbone pain, the lower back pain, the pain in the upper back and the pain in the neck. Pain can come and go, it can be mild or excruciating, and it can also be chronic. It can start in one place then radiate to other parts of the back. There are back pains that radiate to the arms, legs and feet, and sometimes radiating even to the head. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by a tingling sensation, even numbness and weakness.

What keeps us upright is our spine, which is a complex interconnection of bones, nerves, joints, ligaments and muscles that are all susceptible to injury or damage which in turn can cause pain. What ensues is a brief look at some of the causes of back pain.

The number one cause of back pain is lumbar muscle strain, which can be due to a variety of causes, and a patient may not be able to pinpoint what happened to trigger the muscle strain. The upside of this type of back pain is that it subsides over time and may be completely resolved in weeks.

As we age, our spinal canal can be constricted and cause back pain. This is known as spinal stenosis, and is common among the elder population. The constriction of the spinal canal can be caused by a number of reasons the most common of which is arthritis.

A herniated spinal disc is another cause of back pain. The spinal disc is a cushion located in the gaps between each vertebra. It is elastic but wears out with age, and an injury or an accident can rupture it, causing a portion to slip outside its normal boundary, causing back pain.

While arthritis usually occurs in the joints of the extremities, such as the fingers and knees, sometimes it can affect our joints in the spine as arthritis can affect all the joints in the body. This is a condition known as lumbar spine arthritis. Arthritic pain comes and goes, and happens in varying degrees.

Discogenic back pain occurs at the lower region of the back, caused by injury to the intervertebral disc where the disc is not herniated. A discogram is used to diagnose this type of back pain.

Back pain can also come from osteoporosis, or "brittle bone disease". This condition causes the weakening of the bones, and its increased susceptibility to breakage. Osteoporosis can cause a broken hip or a spine fracture. This is usually prevented by taking calcium to strengthen the bone. Never mind the back pains, osteoporosis could be quite debilitating and life-threatening if it remains unchecked.

Spondylolisthesis is another cause of back pain. It occurs when adjacent vertebra becomes unstable causing it to slip. Degenerative changes causes spondylolisthesis, this is when the stabilizing structures of our spine are lost. An unstable back is a painful one.

Understanding the causes of back pain would make it easier to control or eliminate altogether, but we are still the best judge of whether our back pain is something we can manage, or if we would need to seek medical attention.

A Sciatica Solution

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Because people frequently think they have sciatica, when actually, what they have are painful muscle spasms -- a different problem -- I'm going to describe the symptoms of sciatica.

The typical sciatica sufferer has radiating pain that starts at the buttock (usually one side, only) and that may extend down the back of the thigh as far as the foot. Sensations may include numbness, burning, or the feeling of a hot cable (or poker) going down the buttock or back of the leg. Back pain often precedes and accompanies sciatica.

If you have pain going down the front of your leg, you probably have muscle spasms of the quadriceps muscles; if down the side, it's probably contracted muscles that attach to the ilio-tibial (IT) band. Less common is entrapment of nerve roots other than those of the sciatic nerve -- but that's not sciatica.

In this paper, I will briefly explain the origins of sciatic pain, the three types of sciatic pain, and a reliable remedy for two of the types.

Origins

Sciatica falls into the category of pain known as "referred pain." Referred pain results from pressure on a nerve. The brain registers the pain as coming from the place where the nerve goes, even though the pressure may be at the origin of the nerve where it exits the spinal cord or someplace along the nerve's length.

The typical cause of nerve pressure is muscular tension maintained as an involuntary, constant action by the brain, the control center for all but the most momentary muscular activity. This brain-level control, in turn, is acquired by a kind of learning set in motion by repetitive use, stress, or sudden injury. As a learned action pattern, muscular activity can be changed by new learning, so sciatica can be relieved and ended by developing sufficient control of the involved muscles to be able to relax them and make them more responsive to voluntary control.

The Three Types of Sciatica

There are two most-typical types of sciatica: common sciatica and "piriformis syndrome." To understand these two types of sciatica, it helps to understand the path of the nerve from spinal cord down the leg.

The sciatic nerves have nerve roots that exit the spinal cord at the levels, L3 - L5 - the lowest three vertebra of the lumbar spine (low back). The nerves pass in front of the sacrum (central bone of the pelvis) and then behind the pelvis and down the backs of the legs. They divide approximately at the knees and pass down the calves to the feet.

Common sciatica results from a combination of excessive swayback (lordosis) and side-tilt (scoliosis). The combination of swayback and side-tilt reduces the space through which the nerve roots pass and squeezes them.

Piriformis syndrome is much rarer than common sciatica. A medical writer at mednet.com writes of piriformis syndrome as follows:

... irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by compression of the nerve within the buttock by the piriformis muscle. Typically, the pain of the piriformis syndrome is increased by contraction of the piriformis muscle, prolonged sitting, or direct pressure applied to the muscle. Buttock pain is common."

Piriformis syndrome comes from contraction of the piriformis muscle of the buttock (usually one side, only), through which the sciatic nerve passes in some people, and around which it passes, in others. Mere passage through the muscle is not enough to cause symptoms, but if the piriformis muscle is held too contracted for too long, sciatica results.

A third form of sciatica occurs when a spinal disc has ruptured, causing nerve root pressure from the extruded disc material (nucleus pulposus) or entrapment between the lower lumbar (low back) vertebrae (L3 - L5) that have collapsed. This form of sciatica is rare, but due to the painful nature of sciatica, many people fear that this is what has happened to them.

Even more rare is a condition in which the passageways through which the nerve roots exit the spinal column (foramena) narrow because of bone growth -- another surgical situation.

Generally, these last two forms of sciatica are surgical situations, although some therapists claim to be able to cause the re-uptake of extruded disc material and so alleviate symptoms. To be successful in the long run, therapy must also deal with the muscular contractions that led to disc breakdown or that likely formed if a violent injury caused the rupture.

Because of the rapidity of results available through the method described below, surgical interventions are properly the last resort.

Help for the Common Types of Sciatica

Where nerve pressure has muscular origins, the remedy is, in principle, simple, and in practice, easily achievable by clinical somatic educators, whose specialty is training to improve muscular control. As the basic function of muscular control is movement, clinical somatic educators teach a way to improve control of the movements caused by the muscles involved in sciatica.

The movements involved are (1) inducing swayback, and (2) inducing side-tilt.

The muscles of the back are like the string of an archer's bow and the spinal column, like the bow, itself. As tension of the bowstring causes the bow to stay curved, tension of the back muscles causes the low back to bow forward (inward - the swayback). Tension of the muscles along ones side cause side tilt. The combination of swayback and side-tilt traps and puts pressure on nerve roots where they exit the spinal column. Result: sciatica. So the movements retrained are those of going into swayback and leaning to the side.

In piriformis syndrome, the action retrained is that of tightening the buttock and turning the leg knee-outward. Relief of either of these forms of sciatica occurs within moments of the relaxation and, for all intents and purposes, is permanent. Usually, two to four sessions of clinical somatic education are required to obtain these results. The client typically learns certain movement patterns to rehearse to prevent the possibility of recurrence or, in the event of recurrence, to correct the problem themselves.

First-Aid for Sciatica -- Relax Certain Muscles

The problem with most methods used to relax muscles -- mental methods, manipulative methods, muscle-relaxant drugs, therapeutic methods in general -- is that they may not, and generally do not, adequately improve muscular control. Muscular control has two parts: the ability to create muscular tension and the ability to relax muscular tension. Both abilities are needed; otherwise, you are either musclebound (and prone to cramping) or weak. Such methods also often neglect an important part of control: sensory awareness. Too often, people are given therapeutic exercises but no instructions in how to do them; they're told, "These are strengthening exercises," so people go for strength instead of control; they go for effort instead of sensory awareness. If you can't feel how to regulate your muscular tension, you can't feel how to relax your muscular tension. You feel pain with no connection to the sense of contracting those muscles to the point of fatigue. Progress comes slowly, at best, from working too fast and too mechanically.

So you need to improve both muscular control and the ability to feel your muscles.

At the end of this article, you see a link to a page where I present First Aid for Sciatica -- somatic exercises that can start you on your recovery.

NOTE: If your problem is severe, (numbness or tingling in your extremities) you should have seen your doctor to rule out a medical emergency, such as a ruptured (not bulging or herniated) disc.