Saturday, August 10, 2013

Who Wants to Know the Sciatica Causes?


spinal stenosis



The hidden sciatica causes

The human body has at least 641 muscles, and their main task among other things, is to maintain the position and curvature of your spine in a well balanced posture, that also allows movement of the various parts of your body.

Therefore, almost every muscle and muscle group that you have, has a direct effect on your spine, and if for some reason, any one of those muscles gets out balance long enough, it will cause a condition that in turn becomes one of the 4 principal sciatica causes.

What happens is that when your muscles are out of balance they pull your bones and joints out of their normal balanced position and this places your bones and joints under constant stress and uneven pressure.

Take the simple example of you driving your car with unbalanced tires, or when the tires are out of alignment. Your tires will wear down unevenly and much quicker than normal, and eventually you will have a blowout.

The blowout is the sciatica pain, the unbalanced tires are the condition or symptom that is often diagnosed, and the root cause or sciatica causes is what made the tires become unbalanced. So you have 3 items here, sciatica pain, sciatica symptoms and sciatica causes.

The sciatica causes are hidden behind the sciatica symptoms (condition) and it is the symptom that is behind sciatica pain or back pain. That is the true state of affairs of your body, that very few medical or health-care professionals are even aware about. If they were, they would not be stopping at treating conditions or sciatica symptoms.

The major reason most sciatica treatments fail is because they treat the sciatica symptoms and not the sciatica causes. Unlike most sciatica treatment options that may only give temporary sciatica relief, a better treatment system provides you with an easy program that addresses both the sciatica pain and the sciatica cause or sciatica causes.

It is absolutely important for you to understand that your body alignment and mechanics are affected by your muscles and even the smallest muscle imbalance can, overtime, place tremendous amounts of uneven pressure and wear and tear on your body, especially the spine and it's supporting muscles, and that is the seat of sciatica causes.

Among the sciatica pain causes is - Spinal Stenosis

Sciatica pain can also be caused by pressure on the nerve due to a narrowing of the spinal canal.What is crying out for an answer here is, what caused the narrowing of the spinal canal? There are several possible sciatica causes that lead to spinal stenosis:

Aging-With age, the body's ligaments (tough connective tissues between the bones in the spine) can thicken. Spurs (small growths) may develop on the bones and into the spinal canal. The facet joints (flat surfaces on each vertebra that form the spinal column) also may begin to thicken.

Trauma-Accidents and injuries may either dislocate the spine and the spinal canal or cause burst fractures that produce fragments of bone that penetrate the canal.

Heredity-If the spinal canal is too small at birth, symptoms of spinal stenosis may show up in a relatively young person. Structural deformities of the involved vertebrae can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.

Fluorosis-Fluorosis is an excessive level of fluoride in the body. It may result from chronic inhalation of industrial dusts or gases contaminated with fluorides, prolonged ingestion of water containing large amounts of fluorides, or accidental ingestion of fluoride-containing insecticides. The condition may lead to calcified spinal ligaments or softened bones and to degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis.

The most important thing you can do if you are certain you have spinal stenosis is to ensure that you maintain as close to normal curvature in the spine. The more your spine is pulled out of place the tighter the space gets in the spinal canal. Muscle balance is the key here, and must be attended to for lasting sciatica relief. To learn more go to goodbyesciaticabackpain.com

Sharp Pain Around Hip and Buttock That Streaks Down the Leg


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How much is a good night worth to you? Every step feels like a knife stabbed in the back of your buttock and leg. The sharp, burning pain continues to streak down your buttock and leg as you cautiously limp around. Numbness and tingling take over as you take refuge on your favourite couch. Sciatica is one of the worst problems that you can have. Sciatica can temporary cripple your entire day when it strikes.

Sciatica refers to an irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve gives sensory feeling to the back of your legs. A common cause of sciatic pain is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle is often tight, over-active and full of trigger points as it compensates for a weak gluteal medius muscle and chronic sacroiliac dysfunction. The piriformis muscle can irritate and put extra pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain around the buttock and down the leg.

Trigger points to the low back and gluteal muscles can also cause similar symptoms of sciatica. Trigger points are pain sensitive spots found in tight, shortened, over-active muscles. When these pain sensitive spots are pressed, not only will you experience intense localized pain, but also pain to other areas. Trigger points in the low back muscles cause referral pain down to the buttock, hip and groin areas. Trigger points in the buttock cause shooting pain down the leg.

Other causes of crippling, sharp leg pain with numbness and tingling are spinal stenosis, severe spinal arthritis, disc bulge (usually at L5/S1), spinal cyst and other space occupying lesions.

Whether you have a true sciatica or not, it is important to find out the exact cause of your leg pain, numbness and tingling. Treatments will be determined by the source of your leg pain, numbness and tingling.

Stretching the shortened, over-active piriformis muscle and strengthening the weak gluteal medius can prevent flare up of sciatica if there is no spinal stenosis, disc bulge, spinal cyst or any space occupying lesions. Chiropractic adjustment to the sacroiliac joint and soft tissue treatments such as Active Release Technique and trigger point therapy to the involve muscles relief sciatic pain and improve soft tissue and joint functions.

If your sciatic pain is from spinal stenosis or a L5/S1 disc bulge, conservative treatments may also be successful. This complicated situation requires the addition of a coordinated, manual distraction. When this procedure is done correctly it can provide much needed pain relief. The breathing coordinated, manual distraction procedure is different from spinal decompression, traction table or inversion table.

There are a few lifestyle changes that you can do to reduce the risk of having sciatic pain. Sitting with a wallet in the back pocket and sitting cross-legged promote sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Try to avoid this.

Maintaining a level of fitness is also important in preventing sciatica. Sedentary lifestyle weakens the gluteal muscles which causes the piriformis muscle to be over-active, tight and shortened. Extended sitting not only increases intervertebral disc pressure, but it also makes the gluteal muscles weak. People with flabby and heavy bottom tend to experience more sciatic pain.

Whether you have true sciatica or not, it is important to know what and where the source of pain is. A thorough and caring health care provider saves you time, money and any unnecessary emotional pain.

Indications and Advantages of Cervical Artificial Disk Replacement


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It is when an intervertebral disc has been surgically removed to decompress the spinal cord or nerve root that disk replacement may be considered. Here, a device is inserted between two cervical vertebrae in a bid to preserve motion at the disc space.

Cervical disk replacement is usually used as an alternative to bone grafts, plates and screws that are usually used after a disc removal. However these surgical options usually eliminate motion at the operated neck disc space

Sometimes, cervical disc replacement is performed on patients suffering from cervical disc herniations that don't respond to non-surgical treatment options, and whose quality of life and ability to function are hampered.

Indications for cervical disc replacement

Cervical replacement is usually indicated in people suffering from symptomatic cervical disc that causes arm pain or weakness, or numbness and neck pain.

These symptoms usually arise because of herniated discs and osteophytes that compress the adjacent nerves of the spinal cord. All this usually occurs at cervical spine levels C4, C5-6 or C6-7.

For any candidate to be admitted into a clinical trial for cervical disc replacement, he or she should meet certain strictly defined criteria. These include:

1. Trying some non-operative treatment for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. This usually consists of anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapies for relief from cervical pain.

2. They should not have undergone any prior neck surgery.

3. The candidate should lastly, be considered a good surgical candidate for cervical disc replacement.

Advantages of artificial disc replacement

The greatest advantage of undergoing cervical disk replacement is that it reduces the biomechanical stress on adjacent discs. It also entails faster recovery wherein you can quickly return to normal activities.

In fact, most patients return to work within a fortnight, and can resume normal activities (not sport activities) after 2-3 months. In contrast, patients who undergo disc fusion cannot resume their normal activities for at least 6 months or more after their surgery.

Lower Back Pain Relief - Simple Ways To Eliminate Lower Back Pain


spinal stenosis



Lower back pain relief can be achieved in a variety of ways, but firstly it
is important to get an accurate diagnosis for your particular ailment, so
that lower back pain relief can be correctly administered. A doctor will usually
arrange for an MRI scan to detect the actual cause of your back pain.

In many cases lower back pain will be caused by a muscle spasm, this
can be caused by many reasons such as- sitting at a desk for several hours every
day, sleeping on an old or non supporting mattress. Even stress and tension can
lead to problems. In cases such as these lower back pain relief can usually be
obtained by over the counter medication such as aspirin, Tylenol, naproxen, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen. These medications will help to reduce pain and swelling.

In more serious instances back pain can be due to an injury to the spine,
usually caused by an accident, or perhaps by lifting and twisting at the same
time. In many cases an injury to the spine will result in a herniated disc which
in turn can lead to more serious lower back pain symptoms such as sciatica or
spinal stenosis, however, although these conditions may cause considerable
discomfort, lower back pain relief can again be obtained fairly easily.

If a lower back injury is recent, you may need a day or two of rest, however
rest for lower back pain is now known not to be a cure, as rest can cause the
muscles to become stiff, and will add to your recovery time. It is strongly
advised to get up and walk, even if it's for just a few minutes, at least once
every hour.

Although over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory treatments
help ease the pain, they should not be taken over a long period of time, as they
can cause other health problems, such as stomach ulcers, and in certain
medications, addiction. A preferred option for lower lower back pain relief is
exercise.

Exercises are one of the most important self treatments for lower back pain
relief. Exercises that are specific for your particular lower back pain symptom
will usually give you fast relief as they strengthen the core muscles that
support the spine, improve the flexibility in the spine and improve posture. Non
impact aerobic exercise also have many benefits, but the focus should be
on exercises that are safe, if you are unsure always consult a professional back
pain adviser.

Stretching exercises will also help in your quest for lower back pain relief.
Stretching should be carried out slowly, concentrating on the lower back, hips,
quadriceps and hamstrings. Stretching exercises will naturally cause pain, but
this should be pain from the muscle being stretched, if you feel pain in any
other areas you should immediately stop, but if done correctly stretching should
increase your flexibility in the region of 20% within the first month and reduce
lower back pain considerably.

If you would like further detailed information on
lower back pain relief,
including causes, symptoms and effective treatments, please feel free to visit
our website listed below.

Avoid Back Injury While Shoveling Snow


spinal stenosis



There's a greater chance of injuring your back while shoveling snow than there is while raking leaves. There are several reasons for this - one of which is the weight of the snow that you are trying to move. Fresh snow is always lighter than snow that has been sitting on the ground where it compacts and becomes more dense. One shovelful can weigh as much as 20 pounds, possibly more. In areas that are famous for 'champagne powder' snow, like Colorado, the first day after a snowfall usually finds the fluffy stuff still light and easy to push - rather than shovel. A shovel designed for pushing this lighter snow makes the job much easier. 

If you lift an average shovel, loaded with 16 pounds of snow, about 12 times a minute, you will have moved 192 pounds of snow! If you keep this up, in about 10 minutes, you will have lifted almost 2000 pounds of snow! Is it any wonder shoveling snow can lead to back strains and sprains? 

According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission in 2006, more than 31,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms or doctor's offices and clinics for injuries that happened while shoveling snow or removing ice manually. In a study published by Brad Coffiner of Cornell University, the ergonomic department said "when handling heavy snow with a shovel, the L5/S1 disc has been identified as the weakest link in the body segment chain. The most severe injuries and pain are likely to occur in the back region." 

When you bend forward to scoop the snow onto the shovel, your center of gravity changes and it is easy to strain the low back muscles, especially the quadratus lumborum, a muscle which helps hold the body upright. This lumbar muscle can become very sore and painful after periods of bending at the waist and lifting. This muscle can be strengthened and trained for lifting by regular exercise but, unless that has been already done, get a shovel that does not make you bend down. 

When you lift snow and then rotate to dump it, you place a strain on the discs which are between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers, cushioning them. Lifting and twisting can cause the vertebrae to slip out of position, possible herniate, which causes pressure on the nearby nerve roots or spinal cord. This injury can be avoided by turning your entire body and facing the spot where you want to dump the snow.  

Another less common injury, known as a clay shoveler's fracture, occurs when the snow is wet and sticks to the shovel when you try to throw it up and backward over your head or shoulder. The shear force of the muscles can actually break the tip off a vertebra causing severe burning pain, usually between the shoulder blades. This injury can be avoided by carrying the snow to the dumping place and avoiding twisting your body as you drop it. Remember, when carrying snow, do not hold the shovel out from your body because this puts too much weight on your spine. 

When selecting a shovel, go for the lighter weight, plastic model instead of a heavier metal one. When using the old fashioned, flatter shovel, you have to bend down, scoop up the snow, lift it, and throw it out of the way. Doing this puts your lower back into several positions prone to injury. An ergonomically correct shovel has a curve in the handle and is designed to reduce or eliminate bending and decrease lifting. 

Before Starting To Shovel, Warm Up By:


  • Running in place while inside

  • Go up and down stairs several times.

  • Stretching the muscles of your arms and back. 


While Shoveling:


  • Maintain good posture

  • Don't twist and rotate your back

  • Bend at the knees when lifting 


Snow shoveling is a heavy task that can be handled if you maintain good posture and practice the basics of back safety. 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Spinal Pain - You Must Follow a Plan for Spinal Pain Relief


spinal stenosis



Spinal pain relief can be found with a good diagnosis, an excellent physician who listens and prescribes treatment and proper following of the recommended plan. Many people suffer from chronic pain (also described as back pain) for years without relief, yet one of the three factors involved was not followed, resulting in continued distress of the patient. The symptom of spinal pain is not the only issue to be addressed, with the source of the pain needing investigation before a treatment plan can be followed.

Spinal Pain Diagnosis

When you pull a muscle in your back while lifting a heavy item, turning suddenly, or taking a fall, you will most likely know that the injury is muscular. If the pain remains for more than three months after taking anti-inflammatory over-the-counter pain relievers, rest as well as stretching and occasional exercise and heat and ice, it's time to see a doctor. The most common diagnosis for lower back pain is muscle strain, yet for spinal pain it is a slipped or ruptured back disc - the cushion between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine) that allows movement of the back. Other causes for people to seek pain relief are spinal stenosis, where the vertebrae constrict around the spinal cord, discogenic pain is caused by degeneration without herniation of the back disc and spondylolisthesis in which adjacent vertebrae become unstable and begin to slip. Arthritis and osteoporosis can affect the back as well as the hands and feet for a common cause of back pain. Osteoporosis may cause spinal compression fractures in the vertebrae.

Excellent Physician Care

While your doctor must listen to your issues with spinal pain, you must also listen to your body, and possibly take notes, to portray to your doctor exactly what is happening in your back. By offering a complete picture of your symptoms to your doctor, with the results of the diagnostic tests, he can more easily determine the cause of pain and recommend treatment. A stronger medication may be prescribed, but only for a time to relieve the pain. Some of the procedures may take place in the physicians office - whether a pain management specialist or an orthopaedic surgeon, and include injections, TENS, physical therapy and massage. Your doctor should be board certified in his specialty, and fellowship training is an added bonus if he or she is to offer pain relief.

Follow a Plan for Spinal Pain Relief

When a doctor designates a plan for pain relief, you must follow it closely to expect results. Some of the recommended treatments will include exercise, rest, physical therapy and doctor appointments to treat and follow up. An exercise plan may include swimming or working out in a pool, daily stretches, or another exercise routine to manipulate the muscles around the affected area. You must show up for physical therapy appointments and treatments at the appointed time, as not doing so will only delay spinal pain relief. A back brace may be recommended as well, and this should be worn as described by the physician.

While surgery may sometimes be the only method for the pain relief, the methods available today are more successful and minimally invasive techniques make it even more possible for the release or your back pain.

How Does Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Create Back Pain and Leg Pain?


spinal stenosis



Degenerative Spondylolisthesis is an extremely common spinal condition that causes back pain along with hip, buttock, and leg pain. The term "spondy" means spine and "listhesis" means slip. From degenerative arthritis occurring, one vertebral body ends up shifting on the one below it, and this can cause pain from either:

  1. Spinal arthritis

  2. Spinal instability

  3. Pinching nerves from the slip (spinal stenosis)

The spinal canal has a typical cross sectional area that allows nerve roots to get out just fine normally. But if one vertebra slips and thereby shifts its position on top of another level, that cross sectional area decreases. You have a bony area that is shifting, but the surrounding soft tissues are shifted right with it.

This can pull traction on nerve roots that were previously very happy with the amount of space they had to exit from the spinal canal. With the slippage, those nerve roots may get pinched at one of 3 places:

  1. Pinched nerve in the area where they come off of the spinal cord (dura)

  2. The area as they enter the exit hole (foramen) from the spinal canal called the lateral recess

  3. The exiting hole from the spinal canal, called the foramen

Either place of compression can produce symptoms of hip, buttock, and/or leg pain called spinal stenosis. Stenosis in this case refers to constriction of an anatomic circumference. If there instability when a person moves, such that the vertebra shifts when a person stands up and moves and then goes back upon sitting, this can create intermittent symptoms of back pain and/or spinal stenosis.

Unfortunately when spondylolisthesis occurs, it is a mechanical problem. We do not have a special powder or injection material that will fix it. However, degenerative spondylolisthesis is obviously not a fatal condition, and it doesn't cause paralysis.

So it can be treated conservatively with many options including:

  1. Physical Therapy

  2. Pain Management injections

  3. Pain Medication

  4. Chiropractic Treatment

  5. Spinal Decompression Treatment

If these options fail, then surgery can work very well but should be considered as a last resort.

Back Pain With Rash A Sign Of Shingles


spinal stenosis



The varicella-zoster virus, also known as the chickenpox virus, lies dormant in the body's nerve roots after you have chickenpox. According to the National Institutes of Health, 25% of the population experienced a resurgence of the virus later in life, causing a condition known as shingles.

The time frame and severity of shingles symptoms varies from person to person. The first signs of shingles are pain, tingling and/or numbness in an area on one side of the body, usually on the back or chest but occasionally on the head, face, one arm or one leg. Flu-like symptoms are also typical, including nausea, diarrhea and chills, but not fever. The rash shingles causes usually presents a few days after the start of these symptoms, but may occur weeks after.

The shingles rash usually wraps around the back to the side, stomach or chest. This is because the virus travels along the affected sensory nerve roots, which exit the spine and wrap around each side of the body. The pain associated with the rash may be mild or severe. Shingles rashes generally clear up within 4 weeks. They develop fluid-filled blisters which may burst and scab over, leaving scars.

The main complication associated with shingles is a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This condition is characterized by continued pain after the rash has cleared that can last anywhere from a month to several years. People with PHN may experience severe burning or stabbing pain where the rash was as well as extreme pain when the area is touched. The exact cause is unknown, but it is theorized that the inflammation that initially causes pain causes some people's nerves to become hypersensitive so that pain is sensed even after the inflammation subsides.

The severe, chronic pain associated with PHN can disrupt a person's life. Daily activities from eating and sleeping to simply wearing clothing can become difficult. Depression is a common correlate of such chronic pain. A number of studies suggest that early treatment of shingles can shorten the amount of time the patient is in pain. It is recommended that people are treated with antiviral medications within three days of the rash's appearance. See one study attesting to the value of early treatment at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9852981.

Another concern associated with shingles is eye problems. If shingles affects the face, the virus may be affecting the cornea. Damage to the eye can occur in the form of scarring, having permanent consequences for vision. As with PHN, early treatment is likely the key to preventing eye damage.

Shingles pain can be managed in different ways, depending on the severity of your pain and your preferences. Narcotic medications are prescribed for the most severe cases. Some rely on over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Anesthetic patches and creams are also available to numb shingles pain. Those looking for a natural approach may consider using a capsaicin cream. Capsaicin is a chemical in chili peppers and has demonstrated therapeutic benefits as a topical pain reliever.

Your chances of developing shingles increases if you are over 50 and have a weakened immune system caused by stress, physical illness or diseases like diabetes, AIDS and cancer. A vaccine is available to help prevent shingles and is recommended for people over 60.

It is important to be aware of common misdiagnoses associated with shingles, such as poison oak or ivy, scabies and herpes simplex virus. Be sure to tell your doctor about any flu-like symptoms that preceded the rash; this will help confirm a shingles diagnosis and speed up the course of your treatment to prevent prolonged complications.

Back pain and a rash are symptoms of the shingles virus. Knowing when to see a doctor depends on understanding the situation you're in.

Back Pain Surgery - 5 Types of Spine Surgery For Your Back Pain


spinal stenosis



Spine surgery is a medical option that doctors usually recommend for treating severe and continuous back pain conditions. This treatment option is often applied as a last resort when all other conservative treatments have been exhausted. Hence, doctors may recommend that the surgery be applied at least between 2 to 6 months after every other treatment options have been exhausted. This article looks at the types of spine surgery that are performed by doctors on patients that have different cases of severe back pain.

1. Discectomy - This is a type of surgery that is targeted at the herniated disc in the vertebrae. The disc is removed through this procedure so that the patients can be relieved of the pains on the nerves.

2. Foramenotomy - This surgical procedure is carried out to remove tissues that are compressing the nerves in the back. If the condition in the back is more than herniated disk then foramenotomy is usually applied. Also, this procedure helps to remove a part of the bone that constricted the nerves in the spinal column.

3. Laminectomy - This procedure is used to treat back pains identified to be caused by spondylolisthesis and stenosis. It can be used to remove bones that are affected in the spine. This option can be carried out with spinal fusion.

4. Spine Fusion - This is a kind of surgery that is done to stop movement between adjacent vertebrae. This is often used in treating unstable spine known as spondylolisthesis.

5. Spinal Disc replacement - Although this procedure is not common, it is applied as a new surgical treatment for back pain. There are specific types of back ache which this procedure is usually carried out on. Moreover, it is used most times in association with spine fusion surgery.

Back Pain FAQs


spinal stenosis



Back pain is a common problem people suffer these days. Almost 70-90% of people experience some kind of backache in their lifetime. Most back problems occurs in the lumbar region of the spinal cord.

Some FAQs Related To Back Pain

1. What are the causes for back problems?
Answer: The reasons for back pain can be attributed to factors that include - injuries from accidents, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, mechanical disorders, developmental disorders, inflammatory disorders, infectious disorders and even the growth of cancerous tumor in the spinal cord. Back problems can also be a result of strain on the muscles and ligaments of the back owing to improper postures, stress, weight lifting, muscle spasm and sudden movements.

2. What are the two categories of back problems?
Answer: The two categories of back pain are acute and chronic. Acute back pain originates due to cancer, fractures, trauma, arthritis, infections or even due to diseases in the internal organs. Chronic backache is constant and might have been there for months.

3. What are the other conditions that can lead to back pain?
Answer: The other conditions that can lead to backache are herniated disk, sciatica, spinal stenosis, spondylosis and spondylolisthesis.

4. What is a degenerative disk disease?
Answer: A degenerative disk disease is the degeneration of disks of the vertebrae due to aging. The pain resulting from this is sometimes felt by the patients and sometimes not. Other activities like house cleaning, yard work or even missing a step can result in degenerative disk. Normally, the pain from this heals itself within few days.

5. What is a facet syndrome?
Answer: This is the main reason of backache. The pain is usually in the side joints of the back along with pain in upper leg and buttocks. The pain is the result of standing or sitting or lying in the same position for a long time.

6. How do you define a herniated disk?
Answer: This is also referred as ruptured or protruding disk. The cause of a herniated disk is unknown. The pain can arise due to the compression of the nerves and also from pressure on the fibers in the ligaments.

7. What are spondylolisthesis and spondyloarthropathy?
Answer: Spondylolisthesis is the forward displacement of the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebrae over the vertebrae below them. This can be diagnosed with the help of an x-ray. Spondyloarthropathy refers to the various diseases affecting the joints of the spine. This is a variation of arthritis and is more common in males. This can be diagnosed through physical examination, x-ray, CAT or MRI.

8. What is spinal stenosis?
Answer: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of vertebral canal due to aging process. This is usually diagnosed with the help of myelography, x-rays and CAT scan.

9. What are the various physical therapies available to ease backache?
Answer: The various programs available to ease back pain are stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, McKenzie exercises, dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises and aerobic exercises like walking, stationary cycling and water therapy.

10. What are the home remedies available for easing backache?
Answer: When the back is injured, first a pack of ice is applied for few days to reduce pain and swelling. Taking pain killers like Advil, ibuprofen, Tylenol etc helps to ease the back pain. Also applying heat helps to reduce the pain.

How to Have a Safe Recovery From Spinal Fusion Surgery


spinal stenosis



Back pain might make someone extremely uncomfortable and it can cause intense pain at times. A doctor might have even added extra stress when they recommended the patient for spinal fusion surgery. Although the doctor may have chosen this procedure over other forms of treatments, the patient can feel like they should have tried more medication and physical treatment rather than impose spinal fusion surgery. However, if the operation is needed, it can provide a quicker fix than some other treatments. Once the surgery has taken place, there needs to be some things that are followed to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

After the surgery, the patient is required to follow the doctor's advice to the utmost. This can be enhanced through acute listening to the doctor on pain management strategies. Though this seems an obvious tip, it is often forgotten. The doctor will clearly indicate the dos and don'ts after the operation together with a recommendation of a physiotherapy course. The major challenge is actually never on listening to the doctors but rather on following their instructions and guidelines. The advice is meant for the patient's health so it is necessary to follow it straight away and do as directed.

Keeping good communication with the doctor is also vital after the surgery. Spinal fusion surgery is actually associated with various complications hence the need to handle it with ultimate care and attention. In case of any problems, the patient should contact the doctor immediately to allow for diagnosis that will enable the problem to be fixed as soon as possible. In case there is no change in the continuing pain, the patient should discuss it with their doctor to try to come up with some new solutions.

Away from the doctor's requirements, there are many things that the patient can do personally to improve the healing process. All this starts with positive thinking. This, though sounding funny is actually crucial during the recovery. If someone is always thinking that they will never recover, then it is going to be true in real life. It is best for the individual to always come up with ways that they can use to mentally influence and aid their recovery.

Before the spinal fusion surgery, the patient needs to prepare them self for it. They need to bear in mind that the surgery will cause changes in many of their daily activities. The preparation entails having enough food in the freezer such that it may not strain the back while cooking worsening the condition. Properly arranging the house in a suitable manner will help the patient's entry and exit without any problem. It is important to make all the arrangements right before the spinal fusion surgery.

The patient should also exercise routinely as recommended by a qualified therapist. This will enable the individual to gain strength in their back while struggling with the physical limits. It's best to start the exercises as soon as possible. All these strategies should be completed by taking a good rest. This though does not mean staying in bed all day and night.

All in all, it is important for a patient to have a safe recovery from spinal fusion surgery to make sure that they can have a comfortable lifestyle afterwards. This means that the patient should follow their doctor's advice but they should also make a personal effort to carry out what is needed to make sure the recovery is successful.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Exercising to Lose Weight After Spinal Surgery


spinal stenosis



Patients who have undergone spinal surgery in the past now the excruciating pain and heartbreak of the inevitable weight gain that follow any medical procedure. Spinal operations are especially difficult to recover from because of the long period of convalescence and the relative inactivity that one must subject oneself to if one wishes to get healthy and achieve a sturdy and dependable spine. Surely, this period of inactivity and rest cannot be circumvented.

One should not fool oneself into thinking that one can disobey a doctor's orders and start exercising as soon as they feel like it- no; the doctor's word on rest and recuperation is final and non-negotiable. But once your doctor gives you permission to begin exercising again, how should you go about dropping the pounds that you put on during your break from exercise? There are two excellent possibilities to begin burning calories: elliptical machines and swimming.

The first thing you need to realize is that, coming back from spinal surgery, your body is likely not to be in a good position to return to high-impact sports such as running or football. Sports such as these stress your joints, and after a long period of inactivity, you put yourself at risk of re-injury if you return immediately to these sports. Likewise, after a long break, returning to these exercises will be especially inefficient and will only cause stress and frustration if you immediately try to start running again.

If you are used to an exercise such as running, try replacing it with an hour or so of elliptical machine use, 3-4 times per week. If you can bring yourself to go to the gym and sweat it out at a low intensity for a solid hour, you should just notice a serious improvement in your health in as little as a month.

If you are averse to remaining in place and working out in a gymnasium, consider taking up swimming as an alternative low-impact option for weight loss. As is well-known, swimming is an exercise that works your entire body. On top of this, swimmers enjoy the added benefit of not taxing their joints and ligaments prematurely, and are often able to swim consistently without worry of deterioration in their physical ability; traits that should be especially appealing to an individual recovering from spinal surgery.

Once you have found an athletic routine that fits your style of life: stick with it. Exercise is only as beneficial as you make it, and if you give up after only a few weeks, you will find yourself in as much of a rut as you were in as when you first started.

Injection Treatment For Your Disease


spinal stenosis



Methylcobalamin is a metabolite of vitamin B12 that functions as a coenzyme in the process of formation homocysteine methionine. This reaction is useful in the formation of DNA, as well as maintenance of nerve function.

Through the methylation reaction, methylcobalamin was also playing in the formation of lecithin, a protein that plays an important role in the regeneration of peripheral nerves including the formation of myelin. This process makes methylcobalamin widely used in cases of neuropathy, e.g. diabetic neuropathy, where the basic pathological process that occurs is nerve damage due to reactions that occur in conditions of hyperglycemia.

Currently, methylcobalamin Injection is formulated for the treatment of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, auto immune disease, megaloblastic anemia, poly arthritis, spinal stenosis wood, traumatic injury, malabsorption syndrome, chronic intestinal obstruction, chronic ulcer problems, chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep disorders.

Researchers make observations in methylcobalamin Injection on the seven men and four women with symptoms of the disease diabetes. In this study uses methylcobalamin size of 2500 micrograms in 10 ml saline. Next methylcobalamin injected in patients. Treatment begins when the patient has good metabolic control, as determined by measurement of plasma glucose and hemoglobin, and repeated several times with one month interval between injections.

Three patients were treated again one year after the last intrathecal injection. Symptoms in the feet, such as paresthesia, burning pain, and weight, dramatically increase. Effects that occurred appeared within a few hours to one week and lasted from several months to four years of nerve conduction velocity did not change significantly. This research result concluded that high concentrations of methylcobalamin in spinal fluid, highly effective and safe for treating the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Bulging Disc Treatment - Surgery is the Last Option


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Most people do not really understand what a bulging disc is all about, even when talking about the bulging disc treatment that is needed to address the pain. This is simply because not a whole lot of people know that there are discs in our bodies. Most simply think that discs are in connection to DVDs and computer storage.

Biology 101 will inform us that all mammals are vertebrates. That is the spinal column or our back bone. The flexibility of the human species is far more advanced compared to other mammals. This is because the human spine is constructed of several interconnecting segments that are cushioned from friction by a gelatinous material that is called the spinal disc. This gel-like disc acts to absorb whatever shock or trauma a back has to endure, especially if the activities done mostly involve the back. When the discs get inflamed due to age or even spinal arthritis, the core of the disc will bulge outward causing a thinning on its outer wall. When this happens, sometimes there is no pain, other times the pain can be uncomfortable and debilitating and this can call for a good bulging disc treatment.

Other people may say the bulging disc is not the proper term. Well, actually, bulging disc can also called herniated disc, herniated being a bulge, so the term is still correct. Whatever the term may be one thing for certain, there is painful sensation, there is a tingling on the extremities, there is discomfort. For some it is so severe that even the most macho of men can cry crocodile tears without feeling shame. And the only way for a proper diagnosis is through a scan: MRI, CT or X-ray.

With the proper scanning, the physician will be able to properly diagnose the extent of the damage on the discs and be able to rule out simple back pain as sometimes the symptoms can be mistaken for. Surprisingly, mild anti inflammatory medications may be all that are needed for a successful treatment. That and proper rest and exercise should be effective. When people hear exercise they usually look at the doctor in curiosity until the doctor explains to them that immobilization will only worsen the condition.

Some people do not like taking the drugs for a bulging disc treatment. This is understandable as pain killers can be addicting, but if the patient is conscious of this and is under supervision of the doctors then the risks are few. That and the full awareness that they should not fall into dependence is the only way to consider medications. There are very few who get addicted and those who do probably did not follow the doctor's instructions faithfully.

Surgery would be the last course of action to take when discussing bulging disc treatment with the doctor, however, sometimes cases of the condition can be so severe and the disc ruptures that surgery may be the only curative treatment here. It should also be pointed out that there are a lot of people who dislike the knife actually beg to be put under it just to get over the pain. Whatever alternatives are out there, it is optimum that a good and thorough bulging disc treatment should be utilized just to get rid of the pain.

Holistic Home Treatments for Sciatica Back Pain


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As sciatica back pain is a symptom, it is important to investigate what it is a symptom of. The reason for this is that your underlying problem (disc-related, piriformis syndrome or spinal stenosis, among other things) could be the result of your age, trauma, diet, posture and body movements.

As you can see some of the things that cause the underlying problems, and in turn the sciatica back pain, are things that are in your control such as diet, posture and body movements and there are some holistic treatment ideas that you can do right in your home by making a few simple and intentional changes and additions to your diet and exercise routine. Please note that as these ideas are holistic the results may vary and are not guaranteed.

Here are some ideas that may possibly help alleviate your sciatica pain:

1. Water

Aren't we always getting told to drink more water for one reason or another? Well here is another reason to make sure you are staying properly hydrated. Not drinking enough water can actually increase, or even cause, sciatic pain! So make sure that you are drinking enough fluids every day so that you minimize the risk of aggravating your sciatic back pain. Sounds easy right? Well if you are not a water drinker it can be difficult to change your ways; however, minimizing your pain will be worth it!

2. Celery and Potato Juice

Making your own fruit/veggie juices at home is an economical and healthy choice, so why not add celery and potato juice to your juice concoction! Celery and potato juice have been said to relieve sciatica back pain; however, please note that you apparently need to consume at least 10 ounces per day for it to be effective. Give it a try!

3. Garlic

Garlic is known for its health benefits and one of them is relieving general pain and aches. You can take garlic by adding garlic cloves to your meals or you can take it in the form of garlic supplements. Just be prepared for that not so popular side effect- garlic breath!

4. Elderberry Tea

Tea is relaxing in general and tea made from elderberry is said to relieve pain by relaxing the muscles as well.

5. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut has been said to alleviate sciatica pain when consumed. It, like the elderberry tea, is believed to relax muscles.

6. Exercise

Exercise can be a simple home remedy that doesn't require a lot of expense. Make sure that you investigate what kind of exercises would be effective in combatting your sciatica pain and ensure that you know how to properly do the exercises. Doing your exercises incorrectly can actually make your sciatica back pain symptoms worse, so make sure you do your research or seek professional help.

7. Horseradish

A poultice made from minced Horseradish is a holistic topical treatment that is said to give immediate relief when applied to the affected area/muscles which can help relieve sciatica back pain.

Please make sure that whatever home remedies you decide to try for medical reasons that you first check with your doctor or medical professional before proceeding with them.

Lower Back Pain Causes And What Can Be Done About Them


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Much like back pain in general, there can be many different causes such as muscle strain, trauma, and poor body mechanics such as poor posture. The difference with lower back pain, however, is that the central point for the pain is specifically located in the lower regions of the spine. Due to the more specific location of the pain, the causes of the pain can be easier to pinpoint.

As general back problems can be caused by many different factors that can range from stress to damaged discs in the spine to diseases, it is most commonly caused by muscle strains. Understanding lower back pain causes is crucial to proper treatment which leads to speedy and relatively less painless recovery. A good way to understand the many different causes is to have a chat with your doctor about your daily activities and how they may affect your spine.

So what can cause lumbar muscle strain? As with general back problems, lower back pain causes can include abnormal or exorbitant stretching of muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the back. Other than that, poor conditioning may also lead to back problems. What exactly is meant by poor conditioning? A good rule of thumb is general unhealthiness, such as, obesity and smoking. Obesity is a huge problem for lower back issues as the spine is supported by large muscles known as the paraspinal muscles, which support both the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. Hence, those with heavier than average upper bodies put much greater strains on the paraspinal muscles.

A good way to combat this would be to strengthen the muscles around the lower back so that they may aid the five lumbar vertebrae and its connective ligaments in the lower spinal column in carrying the weight of the upper body. A strong lower back is an excellent weapon against lower back problems.

As with general back problems, lower back pain causes can also be exacerbated by age. Arthritis commonly occurs in joints such as the knees; however, arthritis can affect any joint in the body. The spine is made up of many small joints; therefore, arthritis can also occur in the lumbar spine. Arthritis of the spine can cause lower back problems with movement. Lumbar spine arthritis usually occurs with other spinal conditions such as disc degeneration and spinal stenosis. The discs of the lumbar spine can wear out with age, which can be exacerbated as the facet joints are worn out by arthritis.

In addition, as arthritis progresses, symptoms of spinal stenosis can arise as the nerves of the spine become pinched. Some symptoms of spinal stenosis include numbness, tingling, and leg pain which can lead to difficulty in walking. It is important to seek medical help if any of these symptoms arise. Contrary to popular belief, the problem is not "healed" by rest. Talk to your doctor about the many different lower back pain causes because the spine should never be ignored.

Acute Sciatica - Why You Shouldn't Confuse This With Chronic Sciatica


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So you were told that the pain you are experiencing is due to the fact that you are suffering from acute sciatica right? "At least," you said, "I know what my problem is." You knew what plagued you so you were ready for whatever it threw at you; until you started surfing the internet for more information about your condition and then you were not so sure after all...

Suddenly you were not sure if what you were experiencing was acute sciatica or chronic sciatica. The information online did not help as many of the authors of those so called informative articles ended up mixing both types of sciatica.

Well, fret no longer as this article will thoroughly explain what chronic sciatica is all about in plain English so that you can be rest assured which of these ailments plague you.

TIP: The good news is that if you follow me until the end of this article, you will uncover a way to access innovative information which is guaranteed to make your acute or chronic sciatica a thing of the past - forever. More on this later. Read on...

First and foremost, chronic sciatica is a condition which is excruciatingly painful and difficult to resolve. Often occurring in the back and leg, the physical symptoms that accompany this condition can make your life "hell".

Whereas "acute" refers to "intense", "chronic" actually means "recurring and long lasting in nature". This means that you will probably experience similar pain daily if you suffer from sciatica that is chronic in nature.

It has been reported by many patients that this ailment is accompanied by constant back and leg pain which occur at various intervals during the day; others report that this pain only occur with certain activities and / or positions.

So, what causes chronic sciatica? Well, according to conclusions based on clinical research, this condition is brought on by Foraminal stenosis, among other more common causes including, but not limited to, the following; protracted bad posture, spinal stenosis, a pinched sciatic nerve, among others.

The really good thing about everything we have discussed here is this: Chronic sciatica can be cured, eliminated, or eradicated - temporarily or permanently, the choice is yours.

Some of the temporal solution include the use of massage therapy, ice and heat packs, physical therapy (mostly low to medium impact exercise routines like; swimming, aerobics, walking, stretching, yoga, etcetera), chiropractics, taking of over the counter non steroid anti inflammatory medication or NSAIDs, or opting for surgery.

While all of the above may stop the pain you are experiencing, it is statistically proven that your pain will reoccur within 6 weeks to 3 months. So why not go for the permanent cure you deserve?

On the next page you will gain access to a proven treatment for acute and chronic back pain which thousands of former sufferers in over 93 countries worldwide used to put a final stop to their pain - approved by NASA, this method for solving sciatica is awesome.

FACT: Most conventional treatments for sciatica only work as a temporary band aid solution; they all fail to work in the long run!

Why People Drive Mobility Electric Scooters - Surprising Medical Reasons


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The popularity of mobility electric scooters is exceeding all expectations. In fact, many people are using them for non-medical reasons, just for the convenience of going shopping, or see a movie or to visit their friends. That is even when they have no trouble walking at all. But what are the surprising medical reasons people quote for their use of mobility electric scooters? While the usual reasons, such as injury or loss of a limb are well understood, there are several surprising medical reasons why people use their scooters. They include Bone Spurs, Spinal Stenosis, and a variety of Breathing Problems. Let's look into these.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are outgrowths out of the normal bone. Despite the sound of the word, they are not necessary spiky. They are usually smooth. The causes of bone spurs include excessive rubbing or pressure on the bone. As a countermeasure, the bone tries to heal itself and grows out. Thus the bone spur occurs. Bone spurs are frequently found in places where cartilage is worn out, or at the edges of bone joints. Bone spurs usually cause a lot of pain when walking or even standing so people who have developed bone spurs like to use mobility electric scooters for their daily activities, even as mundane as walking inside their house. Of course, for trips outside the house, a mobility electric scooter becomes indispensable.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine column either in the neck or the back regions of the spine. The narrowing causes pressure on spinal nerves, and, as a consequence, limitations in mobility such as walking, or moving arms and legs, can occur. Typically, numbness, cramping, and weakness in the legs would occur, and become gradually more pronounced. At some point, walking becomes increasingly difficult and a mobility electric scooter becomes necessary.

Breathing Problems

Breathing problems come in different varieties. They can be a consequence of stenosis, or narrowing of the breathing tubes, such as bronchial stenosis, or narrowing of one or both of the upper breathing tubes. They can be a consequence of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can derive from chronic bronchitis, or from emphysema, or overall deterioration of the lungs. The latter is frequently a consequence of excessive smoking habit. Sometimes chronic bronchitis and emphysema occur simultaneously. Regardless, a person diagnosed with COPD will have breathing problems, or difficulty breathing. This in turn will slow down their metabolic processes, and make walking or even standing up for extended periods of time difficult. Many COPD sufferers appreciate an electric mobility scooter simply for the ability to sit down in its comfortable chair. On top of that, it does take some energy to operate an electric mobility scooter, but it takes by far less energy than walking.

These are a few surprising, yet quite frequent reasons why people use electric mobility scooters. While their disease may not take all their ability to walk away, it may make it difficult to walk longer distances or to stand up for a long periods of time. The presence of a comfortable chair that's always there for you on the electric mobility scooter is soothing. Plus, with just a few presses of a button, you could move and drive places you need to go. If you know someone who was diagnosed with bone spurs, spinal stenosis, or breathing problems, and you want to help them, maybe you could look into introducing them to the benefits of a mobility electric scooter.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Spinal Fractures: Common Cause of Teen Back Pain


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In 2003 the journal Pain published a study confirming that the incidence of back pain increases significantly between ages 13 and 15. A number of factors can cause back pain in teens, much to their surprise. Though we normally think of younger bodies as more resilient, the stress many growing bodies are subjected to today proves too much.

Injuries to the spine, particularly fractures, are a common cause of back pain among teens who participate in competitive sports. There are a different types of fractures the spine can undergo, the most common being spondyolysis, which is a stress fracture. Teens who regularly hyperextend their spines, meaning they bend backward, are especially at risk of spondylolysis; this includes gymnasts and wrestlers. Impact is also a risk factor of spondylolysis, so football players are at risk as well.

The fracture associated with spondylolysis occurs at the back of the vertebra at the section called pars interarticularis. This component helps to stabilize the spine and maintain alignment. When one or both sides of the pars interarticularis experiences a fracture, prompt diagnosis and recuperation is needed to prevent spondylolisthesis, or the misplacement of a vertebra. Spondylolisthesis may lead to spinal nerve compression by the moved vertebra or a nearby spinal disc that has protruded due to vertebral misplacement.

Spondylolysis often manifests as pain that feels like muscle strain. It almost always occurs at the bottom vertebra of the lumbar spine; aching across the lower back, accompanied by muscle spasms felt in the lower back and possibly the back of the leg, are indicators of spondylolysis in people who participate in rigorous physical activity. An X-ray confirms the condition, and a short period of rest with gradual return to activity usually suffices to heal the vertebra. Core exercises to support the spine may be desirable to prevent a recurrence of the condition, and supplementation of vitamin D and calcium may help to speed up the recovery process.

Fractures to the vertebra can occur in other places besides the pars interarticularis. When the main body of a vertebra suffers a fracture called a compression fracture, its height changes. Depending on the cause and location of the fracture, one side of the vertebra may lose height creating a wedge-shaped bone, or both sides may lose height. Wedge-shaped spinal bones distort posture and create uneven pressure on spinal discs. A bone that is shorter all around also changes the mechanics of the spine and the pressure placed on surrounding discs. As discs experience uneven or increased pressure, they may bulge and herniate. This can lead to nerve compression that causes tingling, weakness and pain along the nerve's pathway.

While these types of fractures are commonly associated with osteoporosis affecting older people, teens who participate in high-impact activities like skateboarding, gymnastics and football can experience them. Direct blows to the back and landing hard from a fall are common causes.

Spinal fractures often signal themselves by sudden and severe pain. Standing and walking are difficult, and lying down may provide some relief. Bending and twisting will be especially painful. If you or a teen you know has these signs, it is important to seek medical attention. One vertebral fracture increases the risk of another one, and if healing is not prompted, a chain reaction can be set off that permanently distorts the spine.

Treatments for spinal fractures are similar to the treatment of spondylolysis. A back brace may be needed to minimize movement of the spine as the bone heals.

It is important for teens to understand that the injuries they acquire when young can lead to chronic back pain as an adult. While they may be tempted to push through the pain so as not to miss games and competitions, a short period of recovery now could mean the difference between health as an adult and disability. There are natural, safe treatments for teen back pain. The faster you deal with the problem, the faster you can return to the activities you love.

Optimal Frequency For Acupuncture Treatment


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How often does one schedule acupuncture appointments? This is a question that comes up very often in my clinic. In fact, the answer is critical to an acupuncture patient's ability to maximize benefit from any given course of treatment. Bob Flaws in Acupuncture Today writes, "Acupuncturists often say, 'Acupuncture works!' I would add, 'Yes, especially if you do it often enough.'" ("Acupuncture and the 50-Minute Hour," Acupuncture Today, October, 2007, Vol. 08, Issue 10)

Every week, I teach a 1 hour class for new patients entering our acupuncture program at the HMO I work for. I use a PowerPoint Presentation to share quite a bit of information. I spend a good amount of time during the lecture on this very point: frequency of treatment matters to the outcome. Often Western patients of acupuncture mistakenly believe they can get treatment in a haphazard fashion or infrequently and still reap a great benefit from the therapy. The schedule that is convenient is not always the one that is medically efficacious.

I strongly urge acupuncture patients to get their treatments done as frequently as possible at first, with the possibility of slowing down after a while. What is frequent enough? The standard of care in Chinese hospitals for the treatment of chronic pain conditions (the bulk of what I treat at Kaiser) is daily acupuncture for a course of 10 treatments. On the outside, it's delivered every other day and in acute cases, up to 3x per day.

The first core idea around doing frequent acupuncture treatments is that the effect of acupuncture can accumulate if it is done frequently enough. We want to engage this accumulative effect in order to render long-lasting results in our acupuncture patients. Many times I have had patients return to my clinic and report that they received 1-2 years of great relief from their chronic pain condition after just 6 acupuncture sessions!

The second core idea is that in order to engage the accumulative effect one must prevent backsliding into pain (or other symptoms). A typical pain-relief result after just one acupuncture treatment is 1-3 days. Who is typical? Nobody! Everyone is a unique individual. Therefore I ask my patients to pay attention to their result so we can figure out their optimal frequency of treatment.

I'll give an example. "Betty" comes in for a treatment of her chronic lumbar pain due to spinal stenosis. She gets 3 days of relief following her first acupuncture treatment. This means that her optimal frequency of treatment is 2 sessions per week with 3 days in-between treatments. If she adheres to "the standard" weekly treatment schedule, she will get relief for 3 days but for 4 days her pain (or other symptoms) will have a chance to get back up to their original level - or get worse. Then, we must start over again at square one.

Allowing one's pain to backslide during a course of acupuncture treatment does not allow a patient the opportunity to build up momentum for healing and the optimal result from treatment. It is my belief that failure to achieve results with acupuncture has less to do with the practitioner's protocols or time spent with each patient and more to do with failure to achieve a proper treatment frequency.

I had an opportunity to study with Dr. Richard Tan while attending the Five Branches University DAOM program. His opinion on this matter is that treatment frequencies are spaced differently depending on how long the patient is undergoing treatment. The first few weeks or the first month of the course may be every-other-day to 2x/week. Then, for weekly treatments for 4 weeks. Then every-other week for 8 weeks, or something along these lines. This makes sense to me because theoretically, we are achieving results for the patient and their interval of relief is getting longer as they move through the course of treatment.

In my clinic I do not have an opportunity to treat patients in an ongoing fashion. I am given a referral or two of 6 sessions of acupuncture for any given patient with any given chronic pain problem. So for my clinical setting it is critical that patients do frequent treatment in order to render rapid and long-lasting relief from my acupuncture treatments.

Back Pain Warning Signs


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Back Pain Warning Signs The prevalence of back pain in our country often leads people to dismiss back problems as something that they just must learn to live with. We have a tendency to reach for whatever over-the-counter pain reliever is in the medicine cabinet and go about our daily business.

Often times, back pain is no cause for concern and a trip to the doctor unnecessary. However, in some cases back pain can signal a serious problem. Here are six fairly common back pain problems that are worthy of a call to the doctor:

Anytime you have severe back pain that lasts for more than three weeks, you should seek the help of a medical professional. While pain will often disappear with time and self treatment, persistent pain should be considered a warning sign and should never be ignored.

If you experience persistent and severe low back pain that extends down your leg, it could be a sign of a compressed nerve. If the pain increases when you raise your knee to your chest or if you bend over, chances are that a disc is irritating the nerve, and you should seek medical attention.

Persistent non-specific symptoms such as low back and buttocks pain, numbness, tingling, muscle tightness or weakness in the leg that is often aggravated by standing, walking and other activities could all be signs of a condition known as Spondylolsthesis, which occurs when a cracked spinal vertebrae slips forward over the vertebrae below it. Medical attention is required and there is an array of possible treatments available.

Numbness or weakness in the legs while walking can be caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is called Spinal Stenosis, a condition that requires medical attention.

If you have significant back pain after a fall, you may have injured your spine in some way, and a visit to the doctor is definitely in order. Individuals with osteoporosis should be particularly aware, as they are at an even greater risk of causing damage to the spine after a fall.

Back pain that worsens during the night and is accompanied by a fever may be a sign of infection or some other type of problem and is worthy of medical attention.

Causes of Back Pain For Cashiers


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Work-related back pain is a major cause of missed work days and disability. While strenuous jobs like construction work are most known for causing back pain, jobs that require being mostly stationary throughout the day can do just as much damage. Many cashiers find themselves suffering from back pain.

A cashier's job generally requires long periods of standing, moving items, lifting and twisting. Each of these activities can cause strain to the muscles, ligaments, spinal discs and joints of the back, particularly the lower back.

There are two components to preventing and recovering from back pain caused by a cashier's duties: 1) workplace ergonomics and 2) proper body mechanics.

Cash Register Ergonomics

An ergonomic workstation is designed with the needs of the human body in mind, limiting opportunities for strenuous actions like reaching and twisting. While extending your arm out to reach an item or twisting to view the display screen may not seem like strenuous activities, performing them over and over again throughout your shift causes cumulative stress that can lead to repetitive use injuries of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck or back. That is why the ergonomics of your workstation are so important.

The Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA) has a number of guidelines for cashier workstations. Some are designed to limit the amount of twisting you do; OSHA recommends using power conveyor belts that push items to the scanner and carry them away on the other side, placing display screens within view of the cashier from neutral posture and keeping the scanner and conveyor belts level to allow for sweeping motions across the scanner field. The guidelines also recommend ways to inhibit harmful reaching and bending practices, such as allowing toe space at the bottom of the register so that the cashier can stand closer to the workstation and making bagger stand height adjustable.

If your work as a cashier is causing back pain, review OSHA's guidelines at http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/retailgrocery/retailgrocery.html#front. If any of them are not met at your workplace, notify your manager or supervisor. A healthy business relies on a healthy workforce.

Cashier Body Mechanics

Body mechanics involve how you move and use your body. Many people develop poor movement and posture habits due to simple lack of awareness. An important part of back pain prevention, at work and everywhere else, is taking note of these harmful behavior patterns and reversing them.

The main culprits of back pain are twisting, bending and reaching. Adjusting the way you perform certain tasks will limit the strain caused by these movements.

There are a couple of easy ways to limit the amount of twisting you put your back through. One is to notice how you scan items. Make sure to use two hands, passing the object from the right to the left rather than using one arm. If you have to lift an item from the belt to the scanner, use two hands. Even lightweight items can cause strain over time. Another way to limit twisting is to turn your whole body to look to one side rather than twisting at the neck or back.

When you bend over, always bend from the hips and keep your spine straight. These guidelines are particularly important when lifting heavy objects, but should not be overlooked when bending for any other reason.

One of the main reasons cashiers reach for items to scan is to maximize speed. Many grocery and retail stores pressure cashiers to get customers through the checkout as quickly as possible. The speed at which you work should never compromise your health. Using high-powered conveyor belts and sweepers that move items into the cashier's reach are ways your employer can increase the speed of checkout without risking injury to cashiers.

Preventing back pain in cashiers requires an ergonomic workstation and an understanding of proper body mechanics. Review OSHA's workplace safety guidelines and talk with your manager about ways to prevent back pain at your store.

5 Common Types of Sciatica - Which Do You Have?


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A lot of people don't know this, but sciatica isn't a disease. It is actually a symptom of some other kind of problem. It is sort of a clue that something else is wrong, so to speak. You probably have sciatica, if you have a stabbing or shooting pain in your legs, buttocks, hips, or lower back.

There's a nerve in your body called the sciatic nerve, and sciatica is the result of this nerve being irritated on compressed. There are quite a few things that could cause trouble with the sciatic nerve, but here are 5 common causes of sciatica.

Piriformis Syndrome - It can be difficult to treat or diagnose piriformis syndrome since it is a muscular problem and hard to detect on an X-ray. Your piriformis muscle connects to your hipbone and it assists your hip rotation. The muscle is located in the lower pelvis.

When the muscles spasm or become too tense, you develop what is called piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve and cause significant pain. What happens is that the sciatic nerve runs behind your piriformis muscle and it can easily be irritated when the muscle tenses up or constricts around it.

Piriformis syndrome is what I used to suffer from, but thankfully it is actually one of the easier forms of sciatica to clear up with a few proper stretching exercises.

Bulging or the Herniated Disc - A herniated or bulging disc is a very common cause to sciatica. What's the difference between the two? When the soft nucleus of a disc breaks through your tough outer layer then a herniated disc occurs. When the nucleus does not break through the outer layer of the disc, but only bulges outward, that is a bulging disc. Since your herniated disc is not as reversible as a bulging disc, the consequences that you get from your herniated disc are much worse than a bulging disc.

It doesn't matter whether your disc bulges or herniates, this disc can press against an adjacent nerves in the spine and can compress them, causing sciatica. Often times there can be inflammation that follows which can lead to tingling or numbness.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Spinal stenosis is a slow and gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. This is where your spinal cord runs, and after the spinal canal becomes too narrow, you may experience pain and pressure on the nerves in your back.

Spinal stenosis is often related to age. This kind of stenosis condition can cause different spinal elements to sag or bulge from arthritis. The discs, joints and ligaments are affected as well. The changes that can happen with age, can have an effect in narrowing the spinal canal and can trigger spinal stenosis pain.

Spondylolisthesis - This is a condition where one of your vertebra in your spine is out of alignment and actually overhangs the rest of the vertebra. This problem can cause pain due to pressure or pinching of the nerves in the spine.

More often than not, this condition is something you're born with, but it can also be caused when you suffer a physical injury.

Inflammation - When the tissues in your body are irritated by injury or by toxins, inflammation can result. This is a natural defense mechanism for your body. Inflammation happens to protect you against further injury or damage.

However this swelling can cause pressure on the nerves and muscles in the back (or in any other part of the body, to be honest). Inflammation can be caused by many different things ranging from traumatic injury to even specific foods that are common in modern diets.

These are, of course, only five potential causes of sciatica. There are many other possibilities. Most cases of sciatica can be alleviated by correcting muscle imbalances, which are the root cause of most back pain problems.

If you have sciatica, and you don't know the specific cause, it is important to go see your doctor to learn the true cause to your condition and receive appropriate recommendations on how to fix it.

Exercise Your Back Pain Away!


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According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their life.

The traditional treatment for low back pain is increasing core strength to increase flexibility on tight muscles, provide better stabilization of the spine and exercises to correct the muscle imbalances. The muscles surrounding the spine provide stability and support of the spinal column. All the muscles between the hips and shoulders are included. These muscles are referred to as the core muscles. Back pain can be caused by muscle imbalances of any of these muscles. If the back of the thighs are weaker than the front of the thighs, there will be uneven pull on the front of the spinal column. This muscle imbalance can be caused from long periods of standing or sitting, improper strength training or running, this lordotic curve or sway back of the vertebral column can be painful.

There are more effective ways to integrate core strength training exercises into every exercise you perform, than by doing traditional crunches. One way is to use effective breathing. The following "Pilates" style breathing technique can be added to any strength training exercise. While performing a leg press, inhale during the bending part and exhale during the press. This deep breathing technique needs to be incorporated with the resistance or force of the exercise. You will utilize the diaphragm muscles which help to provide spinal support and lengthen the spine, by breathing from your diaphragm instead of shallow upper chest breathing.

The tummy tuck and bridge lift and can help reduce back pain and strengthen the core muscles. The tummy tuck is simply a pelvic tilt drawing the abdominals away from the floor. Simply lie face down and squeeze the glutes to lengthen the spine. Reach the tailbone down towards the heels instead of pressing into the thighs. Perform 10-12 repetitions of each exercise alternating them until you have completed 2-3 sets. For the bridge, simply place the feet on a bench or on the floor and scoop the pelvis upward; the rib cage should stay low to reduce the spine muscles irritation. This will relieve stress on the back and focus the muscle contraction into the hamstrings and glutes.

The lumbar side stretch, hip flexor stretch, and calf stretches can help to alleviate pull on the spine.

For the hip flexor stretch, bring one foot forward in a bent knee, 90 degree angle (knee to hip and knee to ankle) while the other leg is on the floor behind with foot pointing toward the ceiling. This stretch helps to open the muscles in the back on the sides of the spine near the hips. Squeeze the glutes to deepen the stretch with each exhaled breath. You should feel a stretch on the back leg, in the front of the thigh and the hamstrings on the front leg.

For the lumbar side stretch bring the legs wide with knees bent while sitting or standing. Bring one hand down towards the foot inside the thighs and the other behind the head.

The last stretch opens up the Achilles tendon; the most distant pull on the spine of the body. Place an object under your foot and lean your body weight forward. Keep a fluid breath while holding all stretches for 10-30 seconds .You should feel a stretch behind the knee and shin.

By exercising core muscles you will be able to continue working out without sacrificing your back. Check with your doctor before starting ANY exercise program!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Is Cracking Your Back And Neck Safe?


spinal stenosis



Many people are concerned that cracking their backs and necks will lead to painful conditions like arthritis. Others consider cracking a normal part of maintenance; after all, chiropractors help people with back pain by cracking their backs with manipulation techniques. Is it safe to crack your back and neck?

The answer to this depends on the method and frequency of cracking. First, consider what happens when you crack a joint. The bones of the joint move apart, which creates a temporary vacuum (since more volume equals less pressure). Gases that have dissolved in the joint's protective fluids undergo a reconstitution of sorts when volume decreases; the dissolved gases now form into bubbles. The pop you hear is the sound of these bubbles popping as pressure drops even lower.

Cracking the back and neck often feels good because it involves stretching joints, ligaments and muscles. If you hear your joints crack when you stretch, this is generally nothing to be concerned about. When cracking becomes excessive, such as when a person habitually and forcibly cracks his or her back and neck multiple times a day, hypermobility becomes a concern.

Hypermobility occurs when the ligaments surrounding a joint become overstretched. The ligaments fail to support the joint and the joint is susceptible to excess range of motion. Though cracking knuckles doesn't cause arthritis, the extra wear and tear hypermobile spinal joints are subjected to can likely increase your risk of non-rheumatoid arthritis if you crack your spine habitually. Joints that crack regularly without much prompting may be a symptom of hypermobility.

Another problem that occurs with hypermobility is tight muscles. Muscles surrounding lax ligaments tense up to protect and support the area, compensating for the ligaments. This muscular tension increases your perceived need to crack your back and neck, and so the cycle continues.

Neck cracking comes with a unique risk: stroke. The vertebrobasiliar artery runs the length of the cervical spine and is most vulnerable at the top of the spine, where it loops into and out of the vertebra (C1). This artery provides nutrients and oxygen to parts of the brain that facilitate many functions, including vision, balance and consciousness. Cracking the neck forcibly changes the position of the vertebra and can condense the artery enough to cause a tear. Blood clots can pass along to the brain or block the flow of blood to it resulting in possible stroke and death. The risk is present for both self adjustments and chiropractic manipulations. See http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20030512/neck-cracking-raises-stroke-risk for more on this.

Is cracking your back and neck safe? Cracking that occurs when stretching is often safe, but if it happens with very little effort it may be a sign of hypermobility. Excessive intentional cracking may cause hypermobility of ligaments and joints coupled with tense muscles. Joint wear can accelerate if you crack your spine constantly. Finally, cracking your neck comes with a rare but serious risk of stroke. If you experience pain when cracking a joint, this could be the sign of a joint problem and deserves medical attention.

There are many myths surrounding back cracking. Keeping yourself informed will help you know which actions are healthy and which are harmful.

Back and Body Roller


spinal stenosis



The effects of the Back and Body Roller on the Spine

As a chiropractor I'm always looking for different ways to explain just what it is I'm trying to accomplish to the patient as far as what is going on when an adjustment is delivered and what I am trying to accomplish as an end result. The Back and Body Roller's end result as far as assisting in inducing spinal motion back into the vertebrae is the same as what we do as chiropractors when we do an adjustment, the Back and Body Roller just does it more passively by gently rolling over the high center therapy balls that are located in the center of the device.

Chiropractors have therapy machines in their office called Spinolators in which you lay backside down and rollers from inside the table roll along side your spine inducing what we call "intersegmental traction", these therapy tables cost in the neighborhood of around $4000.00, the Back and Body Roller does the same thing only YOU have control over the direction of the therapy, instead of laying on a therapy table (spinolator table) and it having full control, and for a lot less money, only $59.95, and not only is it portable but a lot more versatile, it has handles which allows you to do body work on a friend or loved one, not just on the spine but on the entire body musculature for great massage work.

To explain further, achieving this "intersegmental traction" or "release of fixation" you lay the Back and Body Roller on the floor or against the wall and place your spine on either side of the therapy balls and roll up and down, what happens is as the spine rolls over the higher center therapy balls and it induces what we call "intersegmental traction" which is basically tractioning the adjacent vertebrae thus releasing the "fixation" that is causing the pain in the spine. Each individual vertebrae are suppose to move separately upon one another which gives the range of motion in our spines and allows us to move freely in our daily, recreational or sporting activities. If you can imagine a piano player and how they place the back of their fingers on one end of the key board pressing down and sweeping their hand to the other side of the key board causing the individual piano keys to go up and down, you can see that each piano key has freedom of movement, well the vertebrae is supposed to have the same type individual movement.

When a "fixation" happens in the spine it would be like 3-4 piano keys being "stuck" together so as the piano player tries to sweep his hand down the key board to move each individual piano key he would come to the few keys that are "stuck" and could not accomplish that task, of course this is an over simplification but you get the idea. The spine is the organ of movement, and also houses and protects the spinal cord and exiting nerves, so it is very important to keep this organ healthy and flexible, purchase a Back and Body Roller and invest in helping your spines ability to keep you moving.

Dr. Robert M. Siegfried, D.C.

Reasons You May Need Physical Therapy


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Physical therapists help patients manage and recover from debilitating physical conditions that leaves them unable to function normally. The purpose of physical therapy is to help people who have conditions that limit their ability to function in their daily activities. A physical therapist uses many techniques and devices to assist clients with recovering physical strength and range of motion, improving mobility of injured body parts, managing pain, improving posture, and managing physically debilitating conditions. Conditions patients normally suffer can be the result of an injury, illness, or chronic disease such as diabetes. Therapeutic equipment can include ultraviolet and infrared lamps, EMS machines, whirlpool baths, and ultrasonic machines.

Physical therapy consists of a therapist assessing a patient's ability to function, monitoring motor function, improving balance and coordination, increasing muscle strength, improving range of motion, creating treatment plans for the rehabilitation facility as well as at home, and recording a patient's progress. They also instruct patients on how to use therapeutic medical devices such as canes and crutches, wheelchairs, braces, artificial limbs...etc.

Many people are not sure if they are in need of physical therapy. Physical therapy can be used for all neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunctions. If you have any of the following conditions, you may require physical therapy:

Sports Related Injuries: Sports or exercise injuries can be the result of training mishaps, incorrect warm up methods, trauma from a fall or other accident resulting in a physical injury.

Chronic Diseases such as Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage covering the ends of the bone wears away. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There is distinct pain and difficulty moving with these conditions.

Surgery Issues: One may require muscle conditioning and strengthening before or after surgery.

Chronic Fatigue and Pain: An example would be a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is an aching condition characterized by extensive soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and regions of tenderness in the body.

Balance or Mobility Problems: This problem can result from a head injury, brain condition, or trauma resulting from an accident.

Sprains and Muscle Injuries: These injuries can result from slip and fall accidents, repetitive motion injuries, and other incidents causing a physical injury. This can include such injured areas as the arms, shoulder, knees, feet, ankles, hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Neck pain is also an area that can be treated with physical therapy.

Lower Back Pain: This can result from muscle strains, ligament strains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia and more.

Abdominal Pressure causing Incontinence or Bowel Problems: Special physical therapy techniques can be used to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Neuro-Rehabilitation: Physical therapy techniques are used after such incidents as a stroke, spinal cord injury, or head injury.

Physical therapy uses non-invasive techniques and devices to promote healing and restore function. It also focuses on health, fitness, and overall well being.

Because of an increased aging population, more people playing extreme sports, and an increased number of people enrolling in fitness clubs, physical therapists are in great demand. Most people can benefit from physical therapy, so it is important to discuss this method of rehabilitation with your doctor.

Travel Tips For People With Chronic Back Pain


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Travel can be stressful for anyone, but it is extra stressful for those with chronic back pain. Whether by car, bus, train or plane, prolonged sitting is the hallmark of long-distance travel. For people with back pain, this often means increased pain.

There are steps travelers can take to reduce the negative impacts that travel has on their backs. Consider the following list of tips to bring the merry back into this holiday season.

Find Ways To Move: Inactivity leads to stiff muscles and joints. Motion is needed to get blood pumping through your tissues. Those who drive their own vehicle while traveling have the advantage of being able to take several breaks to stretch and move around. People using trains and buses are more limited, but can take advantage of stops. Plane travelers find themselves at the most disadvantage in this area.

It may feel odd, but it is possible to stretch while on a plane. Be courteous of fellow passengers and flight staff. You can ask staff if you may walk up and down the aisle between snack services, and ask your seat neighbor if he or she minds if you do some light stretching. Seat stretches are non-invasive by nature, so it is unlikely anyone would object. See the link at the bottom of this page for examples of stretches to do on a plane.

Make Use of Seating Aides: No matter what kind of dreadful seat you're given, you can make use of inexpensive ergonomic seating aides to maximize comfort. Foot rests are handy for people who won't have the option to adjust seat height. Dangling feet leave the job of supporting the legs to the lower back, pelvis and thighs, causing strain on muscles and joints.

Lumbar support cushions are available for people who have a hard time maintaining their lumbar curve while sitting. This is a common problem, especially for people with weak cores. The cushion will help to maintain natural spinal curvature, which takes pressure off of muscles and discs.

Cushions can be of great assistance to people with sciatica. Sitting can exacerbate sciatica pain because it causes further compression of the nerve. A cushion can limit the pressure placed on the buttocks.

Sitting Posture: Proper posture is important for everyone, but is of key importance to people traveling with disc-related back pain like sciatica. While lumbar cushions and foot rests may be enough to relieve back pain for some people, those with sciatica should consider another seat feature: reclining.

A study by Canadian and Scottish researchers assessed the MRI results of the effects various sitting angles have on spinal discs. A 135 degree angle between the thighs and the upper body was found to place the least amount of stress on the discs of the spine. Sciatica and other nerve problems are often caused by disc herniation and bulging, therefore reclining slightly backward is optimal. This may not be possible while driving your own vehicle; if you have a fellow passenger, switch on and off and recline in the passenger's seat. Note: While reclining, it is important to avoid craning your neck forward. A neck cushion could help you to maintain your natural cervical spine curve.

More on the above study can be viewed at http://www.radtech1895.com/2008/05/mri-reveals-the-best-sitting-position.html/. See http://www.fitsugar.com/Plane-Stretches-Flying-3747822 for ideas on stretching on a plane.

Take the doom and gloom out of holiday travel this season by getting educated on the ways in which you can alleviate back pain during your trip. Attention to your bodily needs and a little help from ergonomics may be all you need to travel comfortably.

Obesity & Social Security: Can One Get Disability for Obesity?


spinal stenosis



Social Security has a set of Impairment Listings. At one time "obesity" had an impairment listing. Thus, if the applicant was of a certain height and weight, then the applicant received Disability. For example, if you were 5'2" and 300 pounds, then you were well on your way to winning a Disability Case if you had any impairments in addition to your "obesity".

In 1999, Social Security changed the Rules and deleted the Impairment Listing for "obesity". Social Security did say it would consider the effects of "obesity" with regard to other listed impairments such as respiratory impairments, cardiovascular impairments, and muscoloskeletal impairments (back problems).

In a recent case I had a young lady who was 400 pounds and had spinal stenosis. Prior to 1999, she probably would have met the Impairment Listing for "obesity". Since the rules have changed, we had to go to a hearing before a judge and demonstrate the severity of her back problem. We won but the primary focus of the decision was on the back problem and not her "obesity."

In another case I had the applicant was a man who was over 375 pounds with congestive heart failure. Again, prior to 1999 he would have met the "obesity" listing. Instead, we had the hearing and the judge denied the claim on the grounds he had not done enough to lose weight. The United States District Court reversed the social security judge and we were granted a new hearing. We won this time with an on the record decision. But again, this case shows the rules have changed and "obesity" no longer is the "slam dunk" winner it once was.

This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or Advertising Material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in Virginia. This note is designed for general information only. The information presented in this note should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Sciatica Syndrome


spinal stenosis



Pain across the low back, mid-back (lumbosacral), or on the low broad bone (sacrum), or in the joints formed by the sacrum and the hip bone (ilium), the sacroiliac joints, can precipitate an acute sciatic attack. This occurs when there is a severe trauma, a wrong movement, or anything that can cause an irritation or pinching of the nerve roots involved. When the low lumbar and the higher sacral roots that form the sciatic nerve are involved, the back, buttocks and the outer border of the thigh and the calf will be extremely painful. If the lesions involve the more numerous nerves of the lower sacral plexus (Cauda Equina), it may produce symptoms bilaterally (both buttocks), and of the lower extremities. The symptoms may also affect the groin, and can also produce sexual dysfunction.

The incidence of sciatica can increase with age and at age 60 can be as high as 50% for those with low back problems. These problems can be of many varieties. The most prevalent causes of low back pain that can result in sciatica are due to degenerative joint disease. Other causes can be; congenital defects (Spina Bifida, a defective closure of the spinal column), bulging or ruptured discs, inflammation, pinched nerve, tumor, forward slippage of a vertebra on the one below (spondylolisthesis), and osteoarthritis are but few of the possible precipitating factors of the onset of sciatica.

If any of the above conditions are present, they may remain dormant until there is a trigger mechanism that will set off an acute attack of sciatica. That trigger can be a trauma, such as a fall, golf or tennis swing, wrongly lifting an object (no matter how light or heavy), reaching for an object above your head, a minor auto accident, or any overexertion of the back that causes a severe sprain/strain. Another less obvious trigger can be such an innocuous thing as keeping a thick wallet in your back pocket and constantly sitting on it. That will cause a pressure on the sciatic nerve where it exits from the spine into the buttock area inflaming the nerve, thus precipitating an acute attack.

Misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine is one of the greatest causes of sciatic syndrome. The misalignment reduces the foramina (opening) between the vertebrae where the sciatic nerve exits the spine, causing a pinching of the nerve. The pinching results in inflaming the nerve and causing an acute attack. Poor posture over the years can also place stress on the spine with the same result. A Chiropractor can generally correct these anomalies with manipulation of the spine.

A severe sciatic attack will also affect deeper lying tissues, such as the paravertebral muscles and ligaments (the muscles and ligaments alongside the spinal column), causing inflammation, pain and muscles spasms. The severity of the muscle spasms will determine the amount of limitation of motion of back movement. In severe cases the patient will be unable to move without eliciting sudden severe, sharp, stabbing pain. The patient will present "Antalgic Posture" (bent over and unable to move). Coughing, straining or sneezing will cause a sudden sharp stabbing pain. Your Doctor will refer to this as the "Valsalva's maneuver. Lifting the leg straight up while lying on your back will increase the pain in the leg and back.

A less common form of sciatica can be due to "Spinal Stenosis" This form of sciatica resembles a circulatory condition in that it will involve the nerve roots and manifests itself by causing pain in the buttocks, thighs and or calves when walking, running or climbing stairs. Here again the causative factors can be pinching of the nerve as it exits the spine. The numbness and tingling may be more pronounced here. At times rest will alleviate the pain, but not the numbness and tingling. Another causative factor can be toxic inflammation due to alcoholism or diabetes. Although rare, diabetes can cause a diabetic neuritis.

Seeing your Chiropractor or Physician can help determine the causative factor of your condition. The Chiropractor, once the condition is diagnosed, can correct any spinal misalignment or imbalance that causes a pinching of the nerve. He will also use several modalities, consisting of physiotherapy that will reduce muscle spasms and reduce the inflammation. There are also many things that you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica. Sufficient rest is of the utmost importance. Prevent overexertion of the back in any form, such as lifting, excessive bending at work or sports. Over the counter pain relievers can take the edge off the pain. Using analgesic gels will aid in reducing the pain. Taking hot showers and the use of a heating pad can be soothing to the back.

When symptoms permit, the individual can start walking for short distances, but should be using the proper back brace to prevent further muscle injury at this time. The patient with vertebral joint arthritis may also respond to a proper back support. Wearing of a proper back brace will help the muscles that have become spastic to relax and limit motion by splinting them. Mild exercises can be started when symptoms permit. Exercise will help strengthen the back and abdominal muscles that maintain the integrity of the spinal column. Lumbosacral flexion exercises should be avoided if they make you feel uncomfortable, as they can also aggravate the condition. The overweight or seriously obese individual should make every effort to lose weight. The extra pounds place an enormous amount of strain on the spinal column.

In conclusion, the condition of sciatica can be an extremely painful and debilitating as previously stated. Do not ignore it, but make every effort to help yourself. An acute flare-up of sciatica when ignored can easily become a chronic condition that will plague you for life. Follow the previous suggestions and life will be more bearable. And remember, in the final analysis, when symptoms permit start your exercise program to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, which in the future will help prevent recurrences.