Can a Chiropractor Fix a Bulging Disc?

spinal stenosis

Many people are intimidated by chiropractors because they don't really know very well what chiropractic specialists do and if they can actually fix their bulging disc. Chiropractic care was basically invented to help you eliminate or diminish back pain. But will a chiropractic specialist be able to really fix a bulging disc?

The short answer is yes, a chiropractor can help fix a bulging disc, if additional treatments are employed. The big bonus that chiropractors come with is that they completely focus on your back only. A chiropractor understands nearly anything there is to comprehend concerning the back discs, the spinal cord, the nervous system structure as well as the biochemical processes going on in the back. That is actually the key motivation why many people consider chiropractic specialists not alone to obtain assistance but also for a diagnosis.

Another important detail would be that chiropractors don't use any kind of medications plus they never perform any surgical procedures. They will aim to solve the condition in non invasive approaches and whenever they may discover that the ways that they employed didn't work, a good chiropractor is going to send you to someone else who they think are more suitable to fix your back problems.

Most people are introduced to chiropractors because they have been involved in some kind of injury, generally a vehicle accident. More often than not a car accident that has hurt the back may bring about a painful bulging disc, and soreness in the muscles and joints that are connected to the spinal column. A chiropractor in many cases can take care of it through focusing on the right places around the spinal column. An excellent chiropractor will also continue working on your back for an extended period of time and maintain the alignment of the vertebrae so that you can keep your life quality.

Despite the fact that chiropractic specialists are completely accepted as health specialists by all health care institutes and physicians it is still part of what has become known as alternative treatment and usually employed in cases where the standard medication couldn't help. You will find that numerous medical practitioners might send you to the chiropractor after they detect the condition you have and realize that the standard medications will fail to benefit. Oftentimes the hospital will have its very own chiropractor staff members who can provide you with help even at the clinic itself.

Chiropractic treatment can help fix bulging discs, but it should always be utilized in addition to further effective treatment options for disc dysfunctions. Seeing that each back condition is different, this mix of therapies has to be fitted to the specific disorder of the affected individual. Alternative therapy possibilities like acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical exercise are extremely good solutions to make use of in combination with chiropractic care.

Symptoms and Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or on spinal nerves as they leave the spine. Compression of the nerve interferes with communication between the brain and the body, and results in sensory problems or loss of function to an area of the body. Compression can occur in the spinal canal, in the nerve root canals or the intervertebral foramen. It can be localized to one area or widespread throughout a section of the spine.

Causes

Spinal stenosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital conditions that cause spinal stenosis include scoliosis, a congenitally narrow spinal column or a bone defect called achondroplasia.

Most spinal stenosis is acquired, usually as a result of aging, and it usually appears in individuals over 50 years old. Women are more prone to it than men. Normal degenerative changes that occur with aging are most often to blame, especially if arthritis is also present. Spinal stenosis can also be caused by tumors or injury or as a result of another disease, such as Paget's disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on where the narrowing is. Most spinal stenosis affects the lumbar, or lower back, area. You experience pain radiating down your leg that is relieved if you sit or bend forward. In severe cases, you could lose bowel, bladder or sexual function and have difficulty walking.

The second most common area for spinal stenosis to occur is in your neck, or cervical spine. People with cervical stenosis may feel pain radiating down an arm, or aching, numbness or tingling in the arm or leg. They may have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as picking things up with their fingers or writing, problems walking or loss of bladder and bowel control.

Symptoms usually appear gradually and get worse over time.

Treatment

Conservative methods of treatment are used as long as possible. They don't cure the problem, but most people get relief of their symptoms for quite a while by doing prescribed exercises, including flexion. Most people have good results with physical therapy. Chiropractic, massage and acupuncture often help, too.

Most doctors prescribe muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis. If those don't work, epidural cortisone treatments and nerve blocks may be helpful.

Eventually, many people need surgery to correct spinal stenosis. Outpatient arthroscopic surgery may be sufficient to open up the intervertebral foramen or to relieve pressure from surrounding structures.

Sometimes, however, the entire spinal cord must be decompressed, requiring open surgery. A decompression laminectomy may be necessary to remove enough bone and tissue to relieve the pressure on the spinal column.

Spinal stenosis can be very debilitating. Conservative treatment relieves the symptoms and allows you to function normally for quite a long time. The disease is progressive, however, and eventually surgery is necessary to correct the narrowing and relieve pressure on the nerve.

Correcting Forward Head Posture

spinal stenosis

Forward head posture is a common postural dysfunction today. It occurs when the head is habitually held in front of the body's midline so that its weight is not properly balanced over the spine and shoulders.

The body works best when it is aligned. The muscles of the neck as well as the cervical spine, with its joints and discs, are designed to support the weight of the head, but only when it is centered over the shoulders. When the head moves forward, the pressure exerted on the spine, and the shoulder and neck muscles increases drastically as they have to work harder to hold the head up.

Forward head posture results in and is perpetuated by a muscle imbalance. How does it all start? Modern culture involves a lot of sitting. We sit in school, in the office, in front of the TV and when commuting. It is typical, particularly when driving, looking at a computer screen or using a small electronic device, to crane your head forward to bring it closer to what you're looking at. Many people do this unconsciously (you're likely doing it right now). After a length of time, the body adapts to this posture. Muscles in the upper back become overstretched and weak, while muscles in the chest become short and tight. The upper trapezius, the portion of the muscle in the neck, can become chronically tight from working overtime to hold the head upright when in a forward position. The brain learns this pattern of tension and automatically sends signals for the pectorals and upper trapezius to contract, and the upper back and shoulders are pulled forward.

Forward head may also be caused by an unbalanced workout routine. Gym buffs who spend more time on their chests than their upper backs often end up with the postural dysfunction.

The chronic muscle tension associated with forward head can lead to the development of knots and spasms. It also puts the spine at risk, since the joints and discs of the cervical spine become compressed as vertebral angles change.

Correcting Forward Head Posture

To restore the head to proper alignment, a two-pronged approach works best. First, correct muscle imbalances. Second, increase posture awareness and use ergonomic aides, if necessary, to encourage proper posture.

Correcting the muscle imbalances involved in forward head means restoring flexibility to chest muscles and strengthening the upper back muscles, particularly the middle trapezius. See the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l2TLBkFnP0 to learn a simple chest stretch and back exercise that, repeated a number of times a day, will help prepare your body for alignment.

Being aware of your head position is a crucial part of reversing the harmful muscle memory you've developed. You may find it necessary to readjust the way you do things like send a text, surf the
web or read a book. One easy way to encourage your head to stay upright is to keep things at eye level. When using an iPhone or similar device, hold it up to eye level, keeping the shoulders low and loose. Adjust your computer screen so that you can easily see it without craning forward. For book reading, consider investing in a book holder. This will prevent fatigue on your arms and hands from holding a book high for long periods of time.

Forward head posture can wreak havoc on your spine and muscles. Simple exercises and ergonomic changes to your daily activities may suffice to correct this condition. Massage therapy, physical therapy and myofascial release are treatments that can help in cases of advanced postural distortion.

Weakness in the Legs

spinal stenosis

Weakness in the legs is a common sciatica symptom often linked to a spinal abnormality, such as a bulging intervertebral disc or an osteoarthritis condition in the lumbar or lumbo-sacral regions. Weakness is a neurological symptom which is deemed quite serious by most back pain care providers, as it raises the possibility of nerve compression issues in the lower back, such as those typically caused by spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis or even cauda equina syndrome.

Sciatica is a broad term used to describe pain, tingling, weakness and/or numbness in the lower body, including the buttocks, legs and/or feet. It is not a diagnostic conclusion unto itself, but rather a set of variable symptoms sourced by some better defined causative condition. True sciatica is always deemed to be caused by a spinal issue, while pseudo-sciatica is sourced in non-spinal concerns, such as piriformis syndrome or a variety of sacroiliac joint problems.

Weakness in the legs may be felt generally or in specific muscle groups. Many patients have wide spread weakness in the lower body which may be accompanied by pain, tingling or numbness. Other patients have more defined symptomatic patterns, including weakness or other symptoms in a specific set of lower body muscles. This can occur in the rear thighs, rear calves or feet in the most common examples, with foot drop being one of the most notably associated with a spinal source.

Patients diagnosed with a spinal causation enacting their symptoms must be very careful with how they pursue treatment. A great number of these pain syndromes are misdiagnosed, which explains why sciatica has such a reputation as a treatment-resistant chronic disorder. The clues to misdiagnosis are usually obvious to any who look for them, but unfortunately, most patients are not aware of the true facts of sciatic nerve pain and most doctors will blame the most convenient possible structural reason, even if the suspected source is obviously nothing more than a scapegoat...

True and well defined muscular weakness conditions in the legs, which affect a specific set of muscles exclusively, have the best chance of being correctly diagnosed. Far ranging pain and general weakness issues in the lower body are often blamed on some spinal issue, although it is usually quite impossible that the symptoms exist in such a large area due to any one disc or bone concern. Of course, it is well known that most sciatica patients have variable pain and neurological symptom patterns, which are highly unlikely to be sourced in any structural issue, but instead are almost always the direct result of an oxygen deprivation condition known as ischemia.

My advice for patients is to always get involved in their own care and learn all they can about their theorized diagnosis. It is crucial to compare the expected symptoms to the actual clinical expression and to be incredibly detailed in this process. If the symptoms do not correlate exactly, then misdiagnosis may be possible. For patients who have tried a multitude of sciatica treatments without enjoying lasting or significant relief, the chance for misdiagnosis increases exponentially. Many doctors will explain inconsistencies by saying that this is the nature of nerve pain, but this is a falsehood perpetuated by care providers who can not otherwise answer the common patient query, "Why does my pain never end, despite active treatment?" Do not buy into this mythology casually. Instead, do some independent research and learn the real facts about sciatica for yourself.

Lower Back Pain Treatment - Benefits and Risks of a Laminectomy

spinal stenosis

According to most experts, only about five percentage of those with back pain require surgery and only after other conservative methods have been tried. That is the good news however if you are one of the five percentage facing surgery, the prospects of going under the knife can be scary. So the question is what are the common types of back surgery and how successful are they?

One of the most common types is a laminectomy. A laminectomy broadens the spinal canal by removing one or both sides of the lamina. The lamina is part of the vertebral bone removing a piece of the lamina decreases pressure on the spinal cord caused by spinal stenosis. The surgery involves an incision or two incisions in the small of the back. The surgeon opens the back spreads the underlying muscle and removes the portion of the lamina and the herniated disc that is pressing against the nerve. The doctor usually will also create a space around the nerve to ensure that the vertebra or disc does not come in contact with the nerve.

The average success rate for this surgery is 80%. Of Those eighty percent 10-20% return for another back surgery. Failed back surgery even has a name "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome". Most back surgeries can take up to one to one and a half years to fully recover. In my own case it's been nine months and although I am back at work and can do most everything except heavy lifting I still have some pain and discomfort.

Surgery may be the answer for some back problems. But it is important to know all the facts, risks and success rates. Having an open and frank discussion with your doctor is vital. Also be sure to explore other more conservative, non-invasive treatments first. But how do you prevent and or cure lower back pain? How do you lose the pain and get on with your life? Well the answer is to find a system that strengthens the back and abdominal muscles correcting muscle imbalance.

One of the top rated programs is This program developed by The Healthy Back Institute has helped thousands to lose their back pain for good. The Lose The Back Pain System custom designs a program of specific movements and exercises tailored to your exact needs.

How to Manage the Pain of Scoliosis

spinal stenosis

If you have a diagnosis of scoliosis and are experiencing back pain, you need to see your health care practitioner. Pain is not typically a related symptom so any other underlying cause must be ruled out. However, if your pain has been diagnosed as part of your scoliosis, you may be seeking ways to manage it. In this article we will take a closer look at the condition of scoliosis, along with some pain management techniques.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity where a normally straight spine begins to curve. It usually starts with the rapid development that takes place during puberty and, for some unknown reason, it affects more females. Starting the adolescent years with this condition can have a lot of consequences, one of which may be pain.

Adolescence is the transition time from childhood to adulthood. It is the period where children start to value the importance of appearance and attraction to the opposite sex. They begin to become conscious of how they look and what their peers think about them. Being diagnosed with scoliosis can be a traumatic event in the life of a budding teen.

Youth affected with scoliosis not only suffer from bad posture but also from a poor body image. Even a mild case can tend to make the teen appear different. The curving of the spine with its resultant posture deformity can't be covered up by clothing or hairstyles. Looking unlike one's peers at this age can lead to low self-esteem. Having low esteem in dealing with other people can lead to emotional trauma and mental stress and have a lifetime effect.

How Can It Cause Pain?

In addition to postural deformity, the abnormal curvature of the spine can cause limited movements. It decreases back flexibility and strength. The misalignment of the spine also produces increased pressure on the surrounding muscles and tissues which may lead to pain. This pain can be not only annoying but debilitating.

As you age, and if the scoliosis is untreated, the intensity of pain may increase. It is best to treat scoliosis immediately to prevent any pain from worsening and to avoid further complications.

Dealing with pain that may be intense at times may be the worst part of having scoliosis. Pain can hinder you from effectively performing the activities of daily living. It is important to find ways to manage this discomfort early so you can continue to enjoy life. Here are some ideas that may help you manage your pain.

Natural Pain Relief Remedies

Natural, non-surgical remedies that may be effective in dealing with the pain of scoliosis are breathing techniques, physical therapy, chiropractic care, relaxation techniques, back stretches and exercises.

These options are effective in relieving the symptoms associated with scoliosis but they are not intended to treat the scoliosis itself.

Medications

If your pain does not respond to natural pain relief measures, taking pain medications may be the answer. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications for mild pain or prescription drugs for more severe pain. Always work with your doctor in finding the right medication to relieve your pain.

Use of a Back Brace

If you have scoliosis, a back brace becomes necessary when the degree of curvature gets to about 20 - 25 degrees. The internal organs are already affected in these cases. The increased spinal curve can cause pain and also lead to other problems like breathing, bowel and bladder difficulties.

A back brace aids in correcting abnormal body posture by keeping your head up straight and your shoulders back. Forcing your body in this position helps in aligning your spine and maintaining an upright position. Initially, the brace may cause discomfort as you are retraining your muscles and straightening your spine. However, in time, the brace can help to improve your blood perfusion and make your back pain disappear.

Surgery

This procedure is often advised for severe curvatures or older people. A spinal surgery aids in repairing the abnormal curvature of the spine. It also provides stability that can decrease or eliminate the pain that is felt.

Enduring the discomfort of scoliosis is not always easy. Finding pain relief may take some time but you do have pain relief options to choose from. So, if one doesn't work, there is the hope that something else may.

The various interventions and treatment regimens should help to not only alleviate your physical pain but also lessen the emotional pain that you may have.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments For The Cervical and Lumbar Spine - Brace Specialists Near You

spinal stenosis

1.) Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease. It is a term that is used, however, to describe changes that happen to your spinal discs as you get older. A normal progression for the discs is to age and as they get older there will be physical change. - Spinal discs are typically soft in nature and have an ability to compress (acting as shock absorbers). These discs allow your spine to move more freely in both flexing and twisting movements. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can develop at any place in the spine, but it most often occurs in the lower back and cervical (neck) region.

Pain in the back at the site of the DDD can develop, along with osteoarthritis, a herniated disc and/or spinal stenosis. These all can be related to the changes we are talking about with your discs.

A.) Osteoarthritis: This is the break down of cartilage that protects and actually helps to cushion the joints.
B.) Herniated disc: This occurs when there is an irregular bulge or when the spinal disc breaks open.
C.) Spinal stenosis: This refers to the narrowing of an individuals spinal canal. The spinal canal is what houses the spinal cord.

As a result of these conditions, more pressure may be exerted on the spinal cord and this may lead to pain and compromised nerve function.

2.) Causes of DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease)

As a person ages, our spinal discs begin to age as well. They break down (degenerate) which causes a loss of fluid in the disc (loss of elasticity) and as a result they will lose some of their ability to act as shock absorbers. Loss of fluid in the disc also makes the affected disc thinner and this will narrow the distance that once was found between each vertebra (spinal bone).

3.) What Can A Brace Do To Help Me?

A quality made back support (either for your lumbar or cervical spine) will help to stop movements that will cause pain for your back. Many times when people put them on they notice a few key things:

A.) Pain Decreases
B.) Increased Spinal Stability
C.) Improved Posture

These back (or neck) braces do not heal degenerative disc disease. A cure for this problem is not widely available currently. However, a quality back support can help to relieve the painful symptoms of the problem and this can help to give you your life back! - The use of high grade orthopedic supports are a conservative treatment option that is recognized by physicians and other medical professionals throughout the world to help treat pain problems conservatively.

4.) Does Insurance Cover Back or Neck Braces?

It is very possible for your insurance to cover an orthosis (orthopedic brace support). If you are interested in any type of back (or neck) support contact your local licensed orthotist for more information. They will (almost always) help to facilitate a claim on your behalf, doing most of the leg work for you in the process. If the brace is not covered at 100 percent then many times a very large portion of the brace can be covered.

Note: This is health information. For medical advice regarding braces speak with your local, licensed orthotist.

Back Pain: Cancer, Stones and Tumors

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Although not as common, prostate cancer, kidney disorders (stones) and spinal tumors represent a small percentage of back pain. Since low back pain is a common condition, many people ignore it and do not realize that there may be a more serious underlying problem that is causing the pain. All three should be considered as a differential diagnosis in order to treat it properly and effectively. Luckily, the majority of back pain is benign and self limiting.

The good news is that most low back pain is due to mechanical causes (muscles, joints) that can be treated and resolved within weeks to months.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, excluding skin cancer. After lung cancer it is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and about one third of them will die from it. Men over the age of 50 have an increased risk. The cause of prostate cancer is both hereditary and environmental. Diets low in selenium, high in red meat fat, and/or smoke, increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Although there are no symptoms of early prostate cancer, symptoms such as chronic low back pain (months), difficulty with urination (starting and stopping), a poor stream during urination, a burning sensation while urinating or excessive urination at night should not be ignored.

These symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer, but can also indicate other urinary problems. Early detection is very important in order to treat it successfully. Yearly physical examinations are necessary for all men over the age of 50. Along with the examination of the prostate, be sure that your physician also orders blood tests, to measure the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA is a substance that is produced in the prostate. Once the prostate is enlarged, there are higher levels of PSA found in your blood. An increased level of PSA in your blood, is one of the earliest signs of prostate cancer.

If prostate cancer is detected early, it can be treated. Surgery and/or radiation therapy are the primary methods of care. A proper diet is critical in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin D and E supplements along with a reduction in overall dietary fat will decrease the risk of prostatic cancer.

Another rare source of back pain comes from the kidney. There are many conditions that can affect the kidney, which can refer pain to the low back. Any type of inflammation/infection in the kidney or an obstruction in the ureter can cause low back pain. Since kidney stones are probably one of the most prevalent kidney conditions, special attention should be directed to it.

The kidneys are the body's filtering system. The blood in your body passes through them and any unwanted substances are excreted in the urine. Unfortunately, if there is a build-up of certain chemicals or minerals, kidney stones are formed. There are many factors that play a role in the formation of these stones. Age, sex, a family history of kidney stones, the amount of water consumed, climate, and dietary factors are just a few things that contribute to their formation. Calcium oxalate (most common), calcium phosphate and uric acid are three different types of kidney stones.

The pain that is caused by kidney stones is due to an obstruction of the ureter, the organ which connects the kidney to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it's time to get rid of it. Kidney stones are not always smooth and round; they can have jagged edges. As these kidney stones pass through the ureter they scrape the inside of it, causing severe pain. Symptoms include blood in urine, a burning sensation while urinating, difficulty urinating, nausea/vomiting and/or excruciating back, abdominal or groin pain.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have kidney stones and it's important to visit your doctor immediately.

Drinking a lot of water and keeping well hydrated is one of the best ways to decrease your risk of having kidney stones. The stones are usually small enough that you will pass them in due time. If the stones are too large to pass, shock wave lithotripsy and various types of surgical procedures are done.

Spinal tumors are probably the rarest of the three conditions that we are discussing. These tumors are uncommon but still represent a small percentage of causes of low back pain.

Spinal tumours can either be benign or malignant. Benign tumors of the spine grow slowly and are less aggressive. These tumors can become a problem when they get too large and compress or impinge the spinal cord or peripheral nerves. There are several benign tumors that originate in the spine, including hemangiomas, osteoblastomas and osteochondromas. Depending on the type of tumor and its characteristics it may be left alone or removed. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used

Healing a Herniated Disc - Pain Resolution Requires a Personalized Treatment Plan

spinal stenosis

To solve the most complicated herniated disc and structural pain problems, three types of tissue must be specifically evaluated and repaired. These three are:

1. Passive Spinal Tissues including spinal discs, ligaments, cartilage and bones

2. Active Spinal Tissues including muscle and associated connective tissues

3. Control Tissues including both ingoing and outgoing nerves, the spinal cord and the brain and brainstem

Corrective procedures must be designed specifically for your condition to minimize the stresses on all these tissues and to optimize their function to allow your spine to be as close to normal as possible. Only then can you heal properly.

Water and nutrition must be supplied to all tissues of the body. The healthy spinal disc nucleus is 88% water. Degenerative discs are dehydrated and have abnormal function. You must begin with hydrating your body to achieve disc rehydration and reduction of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Muscle spasm prevents motion of the spine which will not allow spinal structural correction. Proper treatment will reduce these spasms and any accompanying adhesions and begin remodeling of scar tissue in old spinal injuries. This will reduce the soft tissue resistance to the structural improvement you need to make.

Then the disc must undergo alternate loading and unloading cycles to soften the hard dehydrated discs. This will temporarily remove the elastic energy from the disc so spinal change can occur. This will also aid in disc rehydration. Sometimes the use of a specially designed exercise chair such as a Pettibon Wobble Chair, will focus motion directly at the lowest spinal discs and magnify the healing process.

Spinal axial decompression may be required after the soft tissues have been prepared. Decompression is utilized to create motion throughout the spine. A unit such as the DRX-9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression unit can be used for this procedure because of its' safety and comfort features.

The best spinal structural correction can only be accomplished with full spinal movement. This may require alignment of the upper body on top of the lower body using specific spinal adjustments. Most herniated disc treatment programs fail at this step and leave you with less than ideal results.

You may also use head and body weights to allow structural and postural correction of the spine. This helps strengthen the muscles of the spine,restores the normal lordosis and accelerates correction of the spine.

Once these steps have achieved most of the correction, the muscles must be strengthened to allow the curves to stabilize. As the muscles strengthen they will be better able to hold the new corrected curves.

Only then can the postural coordination patterning be programmed into your nerve system so it becomes correct and unconscious. Just like any new habit, it takes time for your body to get fully adapted to these changes.

Unless all three tissue types are fully addressed and allowed adequate time to adapt to the changes made there will be a tendency for the body to fall back into the same pattern and healing will be incomplete.

Achondroplasia Treatment

spinal stenosis

Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder. It is a condition that results in abnormally short height and is the most common cause of short height with excessively short limbs. The normal height of an adult with achondroplasia is 131 cm, which is 4 foot 4 inches in males and 124 cm, which is 4 foot 1 inch in females. The exact means of achondroplasia is "without cartilage formation," the defect in achondroplasia is not in forming cartilage, but in turning it to bone, specifically in the long bones.

Indication of achondroplasia

• Achondroplasia is a unique condition that mostly can be noted at the time of birth.
  


• The child with achondroplasia has a relatively long, narrow torso with short arms and legs and an irregular shortening of the proximal segments of the limbs (the upper arms and thighs).
  


• In this condition there is a typically large head with prominence of the forehead (frontal bossing), underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the midface with cheekbones that lack prominence, and a short nasal bridge with narrow nasal passages.
  


• In this condition fingers of the child appear short and the ringer and middle fingers diverge giving the hand a trident (three-pronged) shape. Many joints can extend more than normal. For instance, the knees can hyperextend further the normal stopping point. Not all joints are lax like in this way. However, extension and rotation of the elbow are adversely limited. Hip extension is also limited.
  


• At the time of birth there is often prominence of the mid-to-lower back with a small hump. With walking, the hump goes away and a lordosis of the lumbar region commonly known as lower back becomes apparent. The lumbar lordosis is persistent. The legs are bowed.
  


• The baby shows some decline in muscle tone (hypotonia). Because of the large head, especially compared to rest of the body, and the declined muscle tone, the child suffers from achondroplasia will run behind "schedule" in reaching the usual motor developmental milestones.
  


• Intelligence is usually normal in victims of achondroplasia. Enlargement of the brain (megalencephaly) is normal with achondroplasia.

Gene causes achondroplasia

• Achondroplasia causes by the mutations in the FGFR3 gene, which codes for a protein which is fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 this is substantial for the maintenance of bone and brain tissues. The mutation restricts the process of ossification, or the formation of bone from cartilage. The FGFR3 gene is placed on the short (p) arm of chromosome 4 in chromosome band 4p16.3.


• Children and adults suffering from achondroplasia can live normal lives provided they receive attentive, informed care by their doctors and parents. Attention in monitoring children with achondroplasia which include careful measurements of development (length/height and weight) and head circumference using curves specially standardized for those with achondroplasia. Knowledgeable pediatric care and regular orthopedic and neurologic examinations are critical.

When special problems which make achondroplasia complicate, prompt and expert intervention is important. For instance:

• The foramen magnum, which is the large opening under the skull may need to be surgically enlarged in cases of stern narrowing and compression of the spinal cord.


• The back of victims suffering from achondroplasia can develop a marked sway to the lower back while disabilities in the mid-back may bring about a small hump in babyhood and compression of the spinal cord in adolescence. The spinal cord compression may require surgery to decompress it.


• Orthopedic procedures may be carried out for lengthening of the limb bones and correction of bowed legs.


• Surgery like lumbar laminectomy is also used when spinal stenosis causes symptoms, which tends to be noticeable in young adults.


• Imbalance between the brain and the base of the skull can sometimes result in the form of hydrocephalus which means water on the brain which needs to be immediately detected and treated by placing a shunt to get rid of the excess fluid.


• Pregnant females with achondroplasia should be delivered their babies cesarean section, due to their small pelvis, and severe risk of birth related trauma.


• Middle ear infections are common and can also cause mild to moderate hearing loss. As a result, ear infections should be quickly suspected and treated with antibiotics or with ear tubes.

Lower Back Pain - Sciatica

spinal stenosis

Sciatica occurs when there is pain, numbness or tingling in the lower back or down one leg. This discomfort comes from pressure on the sciatic nerve as it leaves the spinal cord into the lower back. With more severe cases, people experience pain in one particular side of their buttocks and/or down there leg-sometimes all the way to the foot.

For many of us sciatic pain comes and goes. Here are some quick tips to addressing the onset of your lower back pain:

• Avoid sitting (or standing depending on which causes more pain)


• Alternating between hot and cold on the effected area


• Get a message


• Sleep on your side


• Wear Low-heeled shoes


• Practice good posture while walking, standing and sitting


• Start your supplements

Before we get into the natural solutions, I want to explain what is usually happening with the body. Aside from trauma causing this condition, I usually associate the pain with the lower spine being out of alignment-but WHY? This problem is usually simple. A muscle group above the area of discomfort (usually on your buttocks on the side you have pain) is in spasm (contracting) and a muscle group below the area of discomfort (usually in the bladder region on the opposite side of the body from your pain) is in spasm. It is this tug-of-war that causes your spine to come out of alignment and pinch the nerve as it leaves your spine and in turn cause your sciatic pain.

Example: You have pain in your right hip and maybe even down your right leg. Usually a muscle high on your buttocks-I call a hotspot-will be sensitive to moderate pressure with your thumb. This is on of the areas that need to be relaxed or messaged. On the front side of your body on the left side down in the pelvic region you will find another hotspot. For most, this area is very low and somewhere near the bladder. This muscle group also requires message. When these two muscle groups finally relax, the spine will go back into alignment and the pain will be resolved.

What causes these muscle spasms?

This is a great question and the answer is-It depends. I have learned that most people suffer from this issue due to an underlying bladder or bowel issue. Too many times when I ask a sciatic pain sufferer if they have problems with one of these two areas the answer is yes. Examples of problems are:

• Constipation


• Diarrhea


• IBS-and related health challenges


• Bladder Infections (usually chronic or more than 2 per year)


• Overactive Bladder


• Incontinence


• Pregnancy (supplements mentioned in this article are not intended for use during pregnancy)

There are obviously other causes of sciatic pain (Trauma, degenerative issues etc), but these are where I usually begin. For those with trauma, my suggestions are the same; it just will take much longer to heal the body. If you get rid of the root of your problem, the body will heal itself.

The modern medicine approach is usually to address the inflammation and suppress the pain. My approach isn't much different accept my treating inflammation is a temporary fix until my other support supplements take over. Let's take a look at how to fix your aching back.

I. Inflammation and Pain: Using supplements that fight inflammation and pain are at the top of most peoples list for having an immediate impact on your discomfort. Supplements like Celadrin, Zyflamend, and FlexNow are a good start. The benefit of Celadrin is that you can use both the oral form and a topical form for a 1-2 punch. I have also used yucca root as a way of dealing with this issue as well. Dosing is sort of strange in that I have people start out on 5-6 grams per day and slowly decrease by a gram per day until they get to a 1 gram per day dose. As strange as this may seem, the tapered dosing of 6,5,4,3,2,1 works great. I also like the addition of fish oil when fighting inflammation. 2-3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from fish can also give you the added support you need.

II. Relax the muscles: My herb of choice is Passion Flower (not standardized). Passion Flower possesses muscle relaxing properties. I recommend anywhere from 250-1500mg at bedtime. The higher dose is used to make sure you sleep well and relax the muscles. I follow this nighttime dose with a smaller dose (250-500mg) mid-morning and mid-afternoon (whatever that is based on your day). The lower dose will hopefully maintain some of the relaxation effect, but without the drowsiness associated with a higher (bedtime) dosage.

III. Message: This is the key to a quick recovery. Supplements can do the trick, but to get the relief you want, going for message at least once a week will speed your recovery. Make sure to stress the importance of the two muscle areas I mentioned above. A quality message therapist will already know what I am writing about.

IV. Treat the root of your problem: This means addressing what is really causing your problem. You probably don't have a back problem (unless it is from trauma) and need to resolve what is truly triggering your muscles and spine to react the way they are. Treat your bladder or bowel health issues naturally. If your problem stems from exercise, then change your workouts or make sure to stretch before and after. Whatever it is-take care of it naturally. Other issues such as being overweight, poor posture, bone spurs etc. should all be addressed in order to assure you of not having recurrent back problems.

Take Care of Your Back

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When we are young we seem to think that we can stand up to anything. We think that our body parts are invincible and that we are going to live forever. We like to think that the human body is a complete, finished design and that it is the most advanced that it will ever be. We think that we are invincible.

But, those of us who suffer from back pain caused by spinal stenosis, herniated, ruptured or bulging disc symptoms, or any form of degenerate disc disease or spinal malady will most likely disagree.

We back pain sufferers sometimes wish spinal discs were more durable and could stand up to more of the stress and trials of aging. Wouldn't it be great if we had a lifetime, money back guarantee for our backs? Sadly, spinal discs are not covered by mother nature's warranty as if they were your pickup truck's last set of new tires.

A natural problem with spinal discs is that they are made out of cartilage. This cartilage, known as fibrocartilage, is "avascular", meaning it is without blood vessels. If these spinal discs happened to have blood vessels, recovery from spinal injuries would happen much more naturally, similar to how a broken bone can mend itself with proper care over time. Comparatively, imagine if our bones were without blood vessels. A broken arm would never heal and life would become increasingly difficult and miserable.

Fibrocartilage acts as a buffering cushion between the individual vertebrae of the spine, and also acts as a protectorate insulator for the spinal cord. Fibrocartilage helps support the backbone in the joints of the spine, known as facet joints. It absorbs shocks and enables flexibility of the spine. This is how we turn our bodies, bend, and perform our everyday activities. This fibrocartilage is a strong, durable, natural tissue, but as we age it tends to deteriorate, and can cause much pain in the backs of those who experience the phenomenon.

Aside from the general process of aging, standing upright and walking is often the number two cause of degeneration of the spine and herniated, bulging disc symptoms. Although we think we are invincible, and that our bodies will last forever, evolution has not brought us entirely to the perfect adaptation of walking upright. The spine of the human species has evolved from ancient times from those of horizontal moving animals, who were amphibious, living both on land and undersea. Working more like a flexible suspension wire in these ancient creatures, the spine supported their bodies' organs horizontally, whereas with modern man, the spine has become a vertical column which bears the weight of all of the body's stresses throughout its natural living actions.

Knowing this, it is wise for all of us humans to be careful with our spinal columns, to treat them with care, and understand that they are not invincible, and cannot last forever. Our backbones are vulnerable and fragile, and until evolution can bring us through another hundred million years, to a point where our spines becomes vascular, strong and self-healing like the bones of our arms and legs, we must take care of our backs.

Scoliosis of the Spine - A New Perspective

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Scoliosis of the spine is equally complex and confusing to doctors and patients alike. Over 80% of case have an unknown cause (idiopathic) and generally affects adolescent girls who may experience rapid spinal curvature increases by as much as 20 degrees per month during large growth spurts. Until recently, relatively ineffective spinal bracing and high-invasive spinal fusion surgery have been a patient's only treatment options.

The work we are doing is based on the fact that scoliosis is not just a spinal curvature, but involves abnormal spinal curves in the neck, as well as hip rotation. Active scoliosis patients always present with forward head posture and loss of cervical lordosis (seen on x-ray). There is also abnormal biomechanical mal-position of the head and neck. Therefore before the lateral scoliotic curvature can be corrected the cervical lordosis in the sagittal plane must be re-established. After which the lateral curve (Cobb angle) is reduced. These results are achieved with a combination of specific spinal adjustments done with instruments, specific rehabilitative procedures including proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education, muscle and ligament rehab and vibration therapy. The scoliotic spine compresses and rotates three dimensionally; therefore it must be de-rotated, and de-compressed in order to correct. We use, among other things, vibration platforms and a vibration scoliosis traction chair as well as specific bracing to pull the Cobb angle back into proper alignment.

Scoliosis is the body's natural and innate response to the loss of mechanical function provided by the normal curves of the spine. When these curves disappear, the body re-inserts them in another dimension. If scoliosis has a "cause," then it can only be described as the laws of physics.

Scoliosis is caused by a dysponesis (miscommunication) between the motor-sensory input/output from the upper trunk to the lower. This is in turn caused by a unilateral (one-sided) impairment of the spino-cerebellar loop, which is located in the area between the occiput and the first cervical vertebra. Supporting this theory is the fact that 100% of scoliosis patients have a problem with proprioception (orientation of the

body in time and space), and 100% of scoliosis patients have a loss of the curve in their neck, resulting in forward head posture.

Exercise rehabilitation therapy is mandatory to reverse the scoliosis. Without patient compliance, no amount of care can help. It is necessary to retrain the postural muscles of the body. Vibratory stimulation overrides the body's proprioceptive signals and mechanoreceptors, thus facilitating retraining of the postural muscles.

Cobb angles over 30 degrees cannot be reduced in the same manner as Cobb angles under 30 degrees. The muscles contract more on the convexity of the curve, rather than the concavity, as is the case with angles under 30 degrees. Normal laws of biomechanics do not apply in patients with Cobb angles of more than 30 degrees! One component is universally lacking in nearly all forms of scoliosis treatment today: the effect of the cervical spine in determining spinal pathology, gait, stance, and overall posture. The head controls all components of the spine below it, much like how the engine controls the direction of a train. Without regard for which direction the locomotive is heading in, how is it possible to control the boxcars behind it? The very first aspect that must be addressed in scoliosis correction is the cervical spine; specifically, correcting the forward head posture by restoring the curve and the normal ranges of motion in the neck, especially between the occiput (C0) and the atlas (C1).

This is why lateral cervical views in neutral, flexion, and extension are necessary. Follow-up x-rays should be performed roughly every three months as objective proof of improvement; should the patient's progress plateau or regress, additional rehabilitation or alterations to the protocol may be required. Obviously thoracic views are necessary to measure the Cobb angle, but stay away from full-spine views! The rate of distortion is too high to allow for consistency and accuracy when comparing measurements between pre-and post-x-rays. It is also important to evaluate the curve in the low back, and rotation in the hips with lateral and A-P lumbar x-rays, and correct any deviation from normal that is found.

Dr Brian T Dovorany

Dr Clayton J Stitzel

Big Bucks in Older Patients With Spinal Stenosis

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Spinal Stenosis surgery, according to the American Medical Association Journal, was the fastest growing lumbar surgery in recent decades.

Although implications are decompressive surgery offers an advantage over nonoperative treatment, it seems surgeons are recommending fusion procedures which are more invasive than decompression surgery and more costly.

The study indicates there were 32,152+ operations in 2007 for the primary diagnosis of lumbar Stenosis, performed on Medicare patients meeting the criteria of the study.

Adjusted hospital charges for the complex fusion procedures were $88,888 while decompression alone averaged just $23,724. The total hospital charges.........$1.65 billion dollars.

Although surgical rates declined from 2002 - 2007, the rate of complex fusion procedures increased from just over 1% to nearly 20%.

Now, I realize that I look at such figures from a perspective that does not include all the actual facts. As an example, I'm sure that the cost of Liability insurance for a spinal surgeon would look like a telephone number to me. But it is obvious that spinal surgery is "big business."

Remembering that this study was for Medicare patients over the age of 65 only, you can see where concern over motivational factors by the industry as a whole have to be considered when deciding on whether to have spinal surgery, and certainly the more invasive types.

Along with this increase in more invasive procedures, comes more complications and mortality. Those numbers have also jumped up across the board.

If you are considering having spinal surgery done, or a loved one is, you might want to take a peek at the entire abstract presented by the Journal of the American Medical Association. You can access it from this link, or from our links menu on our home page. You can also download it in PDF format from their site.

I Hope this helps you on your journey......

Rebecca

Can Chiropractors Really Help People With Scoliosis?

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Scoliosis is a condition in which the sufferers spine curves in an unnatural manner usually either forming into an S shape. People with this condition can suffer with pain and discomfort and their lives become a little less normal as they often can't comfortably participate in sports and many other activities. Catching the scoliosis early in childhood can result in treatments that can stabilize the spine preventing further curvature from taking place. The less the spine curves the better chances a person with scoliosis has of being able to enjoy all the activities of other people. So, how do chiropractic doctors actually help people who have scoliosis?

Detection

To begin with many chiropractors offer free clinics so that people can come in and be checked to see if they have scoliosis. Since chiropractors work with the spine and spinal adjustments they are quick to note any curvatures in the spine even slight ones often before other professionals or a persons family MD notices anything amiss. This can lead to the earliest detection of this condition which means that procedures to stabilize the spine can be undertaken at an early stage allowing those people with this condition to enjoy a better quality of life.

Advise and Pain Management

Many chiropractors also keep an eye on the progress of the scoliosis and offer the patient advice on diet nutrition and exercise and also sometimes do spinal manipulation to help relieve some of the pain associated with scoliosis allowing the sufferer to feel better overall and maintain as healthy a life as possible.

When To Use A Brace

Many times it is also the doctor of chiropractic who determines if and when a brace is needed to help stabilize the spine. Once that decision is made this caring professional then explains the need of the brace and how to put it on and take it off correctly as well as answering any questions the patient may have.

Referrals

A doctor of chiropractic will also refer patients with scoliosis to professionals who specialize in the treatment of this condition especially when spinal surgery is indicated. Today, thanks to changing attitudes many times you will see chiropractors and traditional medical doctors working together as a team to provide the scoliosis patient with the best care and options that are available.

You don't need a scientific study to understand how doctors of chiropractic help those suffering from scoliosis.

Has Osteoarthritis Met Its Match in David Shuey?

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Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a chronic condition which involves the destruction of joint cartilage, resulting in stiffness, pain and limited or loss of movement in the affected joint(s). Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can be caused by one's osteoarthritis; it has symptoms such as numbness and pain in the neck, back, buttocks, thighs or calves that can be worsened by physical activities, such as walking and exercising. It is not unusual for people with OA and/or spinal stenosis to limit their physical activity in hopes of reducing the pain with which they have to deal. West Chester, Pennsylvania's David Shuey took a different tack; he decided to take osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis for a bicycle ride across the U.S. this summer. Here's some of his inspiring story.

When David's mother was about to turn 60, her OA and spinal stenosis took a sudden turn for the worse. The result was a hip replacement, six spinal fusion procedures, and spending the last 15 years of her life in a wheelchair in a nursing home (the last two years bedridden) and of course suffering much debilitating pain. Upon receiving the diagnosis in his early fifties that he had the same two ailments, David resolved to do what he could to not suffer and end up like his mother. Recognizing that his mother's being overweight and sedentary had greatly aggravated her condition, he decided to stay active and keep his weight in check. One of his ways to keep moving was to become an avid cyclist.

As his 60th birthday approached, David decided he would honor his mother, raise awareness and funds for the fight against arthritis, and have the adventure of a lifetime by cycling across the U.S. His well-thought-out plan was to begin his epic journey in Seattle, Washington on June 5, 2009, and averaging about 60 miles a day, reach Cape May, New Jersey on August 9th -- his 60th birthday.

Having traveled through 14 states and the District of Columbia, climbed over the Rockies, endured endless storms, and shared the road with many motor vehicles (and their drivers) that didn't seem too keen on sharing the road with a biker, David arrived in Cape May right on schedule. There to greet him and help him celebrate his birthday and successful coast-to-coast trek was a host of family and friends. One of his goals had been to raise $50,000 for the Arthritis Foundation and for research to find a cure for OA; he raised $65,000 and counting.

David, despite his osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis, which require him to take anti-inflammatory medicine twice a day to make the pain manageable, was able to peddle his bike 3,606 miles to achieve his lofty goal. He averaged close to his planned 60 miles per day on his 64-day journey, made many new friends, saw the country up close and personal, and got his message out: "I may have arthritis. But arthritis doesn't have me!" -- and, arthritis can't stop you if you keep moving.

To see extensive photos of his journey and read David's daily blog entries and to donate to the cause if you'd like, you can visit: community.arthritis.org/David9/blog

Remember, whether you have (a) potentially-debilitating condition(s) such as David deals with on a daily basis or one that has you stymied like his mother's situation, check with your doctor or other medical professional to see if physical activity might help you, too. Who knows, muscular movement might just be what the doctor ordered (orders).

Avoid Back Pain While Horseback Riding

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Horseback riding can become difficult for those suffering back pain. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent lower back pain caused by riding.

Unless you have a chronic back pain condition, your pain is likely caused by your riding posture. Even on a gentle ride, the continuous rocking back and forth places pressures on your pelvis and back that can only be absorbed properly when posture is correct; these pressures and the pain they cause are increased in proportion to the intensity of your ride.

Anatomy of Proper Posture

The lumbar spine in the lower back naturally arches inward. Every structure of the back - the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine, the joints connecting vertebrae together and the cushioning discs between vertebrae - absorb pressures and shocks optimally when the lumbar arch is maintained.

When the spine is flexed (bent forward) or extended (bent backward), there is a change of force distribution throughout the structures of the back. When flexed, The erector spinae muscles and surrounding ligaments in the back are stretched while the abdominal flexors are tightened. The anterior sides (closest to the stomach) of the lumbar vertebrae move closer together, placing pressure on the anterior portion of discs that promotes herniation and nerve impingement as the disc is enlarged on the posterior side near the spinal nerves. Forces are not properly absorbed by the stretched muscles and ligaments, meaning they fall primarily on the compressed spinal discs. Lower back, hip and leg pain may result.

When the spine is extended, spinal joints are compressed as the posterior portion of vertebrae move closer together. The facet joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joints that connect the sacrum to the pelvis take the brunt of the forces applied to the body. This can cause joint pain. The muscles and ligaments of the lower back are compressed in this position as well, which can cause muscle fatigue, spasms and cramping.

Keeping a strong, balanced core muscle group will encourage proper posture while riding your horse.

Posture Tips

On horseback, your posture should be upright. An imaginary line should connect your ear, shoulder, hip and ankle.

Riders who stoop over with the spine in a flexed position may do so for a sense of security and stability. Balance and strength exercises can make you more secure in an upright position and prevent the perceived need to stoop. Using shorter reins will also improve balance and stability.

If you ride with a hyperextended back, you may find that you tend to have your feet positioned away from your body's midline toward the horse's head. This may be a nervous reaction, locking the knees and acting as though you're putting the brakes on. Being aware of your foot position will help keep the rest of your body aligned. Shorter reins will help to keep your body from bending backward.

Ergonomic Saddles

The type of saddle you use greatly impacts your posture. Ergonomic saddles are made of soft leather to cushion your buttocks and are designed to distribute your weight evenly on the horse's back, which benefits both you and your horse. The less hard you have to work to stay balanced, the less muscle strain you experience. The less concentrated your weight is on certain areas of the horse's back, the less strain he or she will experience. Ergonomic saddles may also have raised pommels and cantles (front and back sections of the seat). This helps secure your pelvis in its proper position.

Ergonomic saddles can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what type you by and whether or not it is custom-fit to you and your horse. The type of investment you make should reflect the frequency with which you ride, the duration of your rides and the back pain you seek to prevent.

Body awareness, a strong core and ergonomic aides can all help prevent back pain while horseback riding. Address back pain early on to avoid the development of a chronic pain condition.

Joint Supplementation - Why Glucosamine and Chondroitin Are Overrated Joint Supplements

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Joint Supplements - The Inside Scoop

Let's take a brief look at the current science of supplementation for joint pain, including my own clinical experience, and then we'll go over the bigger picture of body inflammation, hydration, and some neuro-structural considerations. Of course, this information is not a substitute for seeing your healthcare practitioner, but will help you make more informed decisions in choosing with joint supplementation for joint pain.

Joint Supplement Science

There are a handful of controlled, double-blind studies on glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia. The problem is that the vast majority are for osteoarthritis, which is a very advanced and difficult to treat form of joint damage. They also never exclude NSAID use (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and NSAIDs inhibit cartilage repair.

With any sort of inflammatory disorder, the supplement with the greatest quantity and quality of science behind it, by far, is fish oil. EVERYONE should supplement with fish oil.

Joint Pain Supplementation - Clinical Observations- Joint Supplement Reviews:

I have about twenty-five years of clinical experience with the various supplementation schemes for joint issues. Here are my observations:

Chondroitin and Glucosamine: These popular sulfur-bearing, biological polymer building-blocks rarely give good results and I have seen allergic reactions to them all too often. This is likely due to their high sulfite content, and the fact that most are derived from shellfish. I never recommend these as a joint supplement anymore.

Boswellia: Derived from an east Indian tree yielding a resin used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, this joint supplement works well for some people, but is definitely hard on the gut. Many people experience an intolerance in the gut when taking Boswellia. This joint supplement is a less strong cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and seems to have a similar action as do the NSAIDs, that is, it's an anti-inflammatory but doesn't seem to help joint-rebuilding directly.

Kaprex^TM: An extract of hops, rosemary and olive leaf that works well for some people but not others. I believe this to be due to variations in the underlying cause. If your joint problems are due to an underlying pro - inflammatory state, then Kaprex works great. I have not seen any gut problems with Kaprex, but it is an expensive joint supplement.

Aloe Vera: The allantoin in Aloe has been shown to increase cell turnover. This can be helpful to speed up cartilage repair, and Aloe has a long clinical history of use as a joint supplement.

Runner's Edge^TM: An antioxidant enzyme supplement that will clear "grit" out of joint fluid if you give it time.

Wobenzyme^TM: The original proteolytic enzyme anti- inflammatory joint supplement with a lot of science behind it. The proteolytic enzymes break down the protein signaling molecules to mitigate the inflammatory cascade process.

Acute^TM: A very effective proteolytic enzyme joint supplement. This one also has other ingredients besides the enzymes to promote effective healing. A great alternative to NSAIDS without any liver or kidney toxicity, and in my experience, more effective than Wobenzyme. This effective joint enhancer also contains natural vitamin C, Zinc, Manganese, and Copper; known essential nutrients for collagen repair and the best vitamins for joint repair.

Vitamin D: Best from the sun, essential for normal immune function, can be very helpful to reduce immune over-activity.

Hyaluronic Acid: Pulls moisture into the tissues. Best from food, including most whole fruits and vegetables, especially starchy root vegetables, help the body to retain moisture and assist the body in its own lubrication; like- wise, stock prepared from bones and joints of wild or humanely-raised animals. This is also good taken as a supplement.

Methy Sulfonyl Methane (MSM): This is basically a highly-bioavailable form of sulfur- and my favorite supplement for joint pain. About 80% of people who use it notice a positive improvement. Easy to use-just buy it in bulk and mix it with water. Inexpensive too, but don't bother with the Chinese-sourced stuff; it's not worth it. If you aren't low in sulfur, MSM may not help. People who respond to chondroitin/glucosamine typically respond even better to MSM by itself. If you are low in bioavailable sulfur, it will soften up and hydrate scarred- up and thickened connective tissue and improve cartilage repair rates, providing increased flexibility and effective relief.

The Pro-inflammatory State and Joint Pain

Sometimes the joint is just where the inflammation is being expressed. Whether you have elbow joint pain, hand joint pain, or hip joint pain, this may indicate that you have pro-inflammatory metabolic state in your body. A diet high in Omega-6 fatty acids and refined carbohydrates and/or excessive calories are all associated with a pro-inflammatory balance. Spicy food can increase inflammation as well. Some other factors that promote inflammation in the body include food allergies, impaired metabolic detoxification pathways, acidity (from high-acid foods and beverages, stress, and inactivity), and chronic infections.

Hydration

You need both general hydration (drinking and absorbing water) and local hydration, that is, getting fluids inside the cartilage itself. There are two known ways to accomplish this. One is through hyaluronic acid since it pulls moisture into the tissues. As mentioned, the best food-source known for hyaluronic acid is any soup stock made from bones (also available as a supplement). The second factor is the mechanical action of the joint.

Hyaline Cartilage

Joint cartilage, known as Hyaline cartilage is like a very smooth and slippery sponge. Like all connective tissue it consists of living cells within a non-living matrix.

If you look through a microscope, the cartilage-building cells (called chondrocytes) in this matrix have a little space like a pool that they live in called lacunae. It's important to note that hyaline cartilage contains no blood vessels! The only way those cells get the oxygen, blood sugar and nutrients they need to survive and thrive is to absorb the joint fluid directly through movement.

This is called imbibition-the direct drinking in of water. When you put weight on your knee, it compresses the cartilage "sponge" and squeezes water and waste mate- rial out. When you pick up your leg, it de-compresses the "sponge" allowing it to absorb water and nutrients again. This is essential for the normal nightly burst of cartilage repair in the body essential for healthy joint function.

Neuro-Structural Integrity

If your knee is misaligned, it can be compressed in one area and not another. This spot will have accelerated cartilage wear, and reduced repair, because it is not decompressing and getting the imbibition it needs.

Often knee alignment is secondary to hip and low-back alignment, which is secondary to neck alignment. If your neck is missing its natural curve, that puts tensile stretching forces on the spinal cord, which increases nerve tension throughout the body. Since nerves cross joints and the spinal cord contains more important tissue than a knee, the body will compress the knee trying to reduce the pulling on the spinal cord. In this case, the entire knee may not effectively decompress at all. If this is the case, a joint supplement will have little effect.

It may sound strange that having a good chiropractor work on your neck and spine can improve your knee pain, but time and time again I hear my clients tell me how much better their knees feel after a few sessions.

So if you have aching joints, experiment with the above joint supplements with the assistance of your practitioner, and be aware of other factors, like the overall tendency to inflammation in the body. Drink plenty of water and take a close look at the possibility of any loss of neuro-structural integrity. So what is the best joint supplement? The joint supplement that works best for you!

Pinched Nerve in Lower Back

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Anyone who has suffered from a pinched nerve in their lower back knows that the pain they have to put up with can be excruciating. Understanding the mechanics of nerves will help you to make sense of the discomfort and why it happens. Nerves play a vital role in a person's body as they transmit electrical pulses to and from the brain. They maintain various functions of the body which include digesting, breathing, hearing and movements to name but a few. If a nerve gets trapped or pinched these impulses are disrupted. A pinched nerve in lower back causes this interference and prevents the nerve from sending these vital impulses.

It is usually herniated discs, spondylolisthesis and stenosis that are associated with pinched nerves in the lower back area. But it also may be as a result of some sort of imbalance in the muscles around the area of the lower back which puts pressure on the affected nerve. There are other contributing factors which include reduced circulation, muscle spasms and tightness involved in pinch nerve conditions.

One example of this is sometimes referred to as piriformis syndrome. Lorry drivers or other people who spend a lot of time driving often suffer from the condition. The simple movements it takes to drive a car or a lorry will change how a person sits so that they reach the pedals more comfortably. This eventually leads to an imbalance in the muscles around the lower part of the spine and this in turn will result in more pressure being put on the nerves in the lower back causing the pinched nerve in lower back problems.

Pinched nerves in the lower back can also be caused by trauma, injury and bruising but there are other conditions which have to be considered and this includes the swelling of extremities that often occur during pregnancy. It is also thought that the condition may be hereditary so, if a person has a family history of the condition, they may be more prone to suffering from it.

The most common symptoms are severe pain, numbness to the area that is affected and a tingling sensation as well as a weakness in the muscles found along the path of the nerve that has been affected. The tingling sensation people experience with a pinched nerve can be likened to 'pins and needles' and this can stretch along the nerves' path which results in a stiffness down the length of the leg.

When consulting a doctor or back specialist there are various questions which will be asked about the pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and any other symptoms that are prevalent as well as the type of work a person does. On examination the doctor will be able to identify the root cause of the problem and enable a correct diagnosis and if further tests are necessary. Occasionally an X-ray may be needed to assess whether or not there has been an injury to the spine or if arthritis may be the cause of the pinched nerve as this is a more serious scenario that may need immediate medical attention.

If the pain persists the doctor may recommend a CT scan or an MRI to identify the problem and to determine whether or not surgical intervention is actually needed. But in most cases it is just a question of time, a little rest and a course of anti-inflammatory medication whether prescribed or bought over the counter pain relief tablets such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol that will help with a patients' recovery. Surgical intervention is seen as a last resort only if no other treatment or therapy has proved to be effective and the pain and discomfort persists.

It is more common for pinched nerve in lower back conditions to be treated with anti-inflammatory non-steroidal medication, heat dressings, ice, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation and sometimes steroid injections. But exercise, massage and physical therapy are by far the more favoured forms of treatment and it has now long been recommended that avoiding chemical based drugs is the best route to take for a speedier recovery from the condition. Attitudes towards the condition also play a vital role in how quickly people recover.

How To Treat Paracentral Disc Herniation And Get Back To A Normal Life

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To understand a paracentral disc herniation, one needs to know a little bit about the structure of a disc. There are two general structures associated with a disc, which includes the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus is in the center of the disc, which contains a gelatinous center that acts as a weight-bearing fluid along the vertical axis and acts as a pivot point to allow some movement around the trunk of your body. The annulus fibrosus forms a bag around the nucleus pulposus and is mostly made of multiple concentric layers of collagen (a protein). The annulus fibrosus functions to contain the gel of the nucleus pulposus under a wide range of pressures. Where the disc meets the spinal cord there is a thecal sac. This thecal sac is another form of tough connective tissue that surrounds the spinal cord. If you have a tear in the annulus fibrosus, the nucleus fluids may protrude and put pressure on the thecal sac. This is a common problem and may occur from improper lifting of heavy objects, accidental trauma and aging.

You will need to set up an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine if you have a paracentral herniated disc. Discus your family history and let your doctor know what kind of pain you are experiencing as well as severity. Your doctor will give a physical exam and possibly take X-rays to determine any structural abnormalities that may be present. One of the things doctors look for is to determine what pain you are experiencing. Are you experiencing a nerve pinch? In this case, the annulus fibrosus is torn and the fluid from the nucleus pulposus is causing the annulus to bulge, which in turn presses against nerves of the spinal cord. This is known as nerve root pain that is also known as sciatica when you have a lumbar herniated disc. On the other hand you may be experiencing disc pain also known as axial pain as there are no nerves involved.

Paracental herniated discs may generate a pinched nerve in the lower back. A pinched nerve in the lower back can compress the sciatic nerve causing sciatica. A herniated disc may also cause spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), which may pinch nerves at that level. Common symptoms associated with a pinched nerve include pain, numbness, tingling sensation (needles and pins) or weakness of muscles associated with that nerve bundle. The pain may radiate down your back, legs and buttocks. Quite often the doctor can identify the nerve involved based on what part of your back, leg and buttock that is affected. How does one treat a pinched nerve? Rest and cold compresses work well. Braces are sometimes used for a short time to limit movement around the pinched nerve to prevent further damage and allow for healing. There are a number of pain/anti-inflammatory medications that can be used for example ibuprofen that can reduce swelling and decrease pain. Your healthcare provider may need to prescribe something stronger for serious pain. Physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary for stretching and strengthening muscles to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. If these therapies do not work for you, surgery may become necessary particularly if you develop loss of bowel or bladder control, as this is a sign of more serious nerve damage. It may be necessary to remove part of a disc to stop the nerve compression. If this is done then you may require a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine. These are unusual situations and in most cases, patients recover from pinched nerves with home therapies without long-term symptoms.

Axial pain is generally not related to a disease state and is the most common type of low back pain. A number of structures can cause axial or mechanical pain and is difficult to identify which structures are responsible. Axial pain gets worse with certain activities such as sitting for long periods of time, exercise (sports) and gets better with rest. This type of disc pain may become worse with the presence of a degenerated disc, joint problems, muscle damage, ligament or tendon damage. Axial pain problems are generally localized and don't radiate down your legs, feet or buttocks. It is generally not necessary to identify the particular structures involved, as this will resolve itself in a short amount of time. Treatment for axial back pain can be done at home. You will want to rest for a few days and make use of cold/hot compresses in alternating fashion. Physical therapy involving strengthening and stretching of the muscles is next when it is comfortable for you to do so. It is a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain reliever/anti-inflammatory as well. If you axial pain continues for more than 6 to 8 weeks, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider again for additional testing to determine other therapies that will work for you. Generally, axial disc pain goes away within a few weeks with simple home treatment. The ideal situation is to avoid axial pain all together. A healthy lifestyle is paramount. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise (strengthen your back muscles and keep them in balance), eat properly and get plenty of rest.

On June 30, 2010, a research study was published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism revealing a possible role of the immune system and back pain associated with herniated discs. When the annulus tears/ruptures, the fluid in the center comes in contact with the blood system. This gelatinous fluid of the disc has never been exposed to the immune system (the internal part of the disc contains no blood vessels). Since the white blood cells have not seen this fluid before, they see it as foreign and attack it to get rid of it generating inflammation. This causes a local nerve root and other tissues to become inflamed, damaged and compressed. The molecule that activates the inflammatory reaction has been identified as interleukin-17 (IL-17), which is a chemical messenger molecule produced by a particular white blood cell. This particular subpopulation of white blood cells are known to be involved in autoimmune responses such as asthma and arthritis. If scientists can find a way to block the production of IL-17 by this particular subpopulation of cells, autoimmunity along the spinal column and hence inflammation can be brought to a halt. This should allow the herniated disc to go about normal healing without having to contend with chronic inflammation and pain. This will work for both acute and chronic inflammation and pain.

Depending on the symptoms of a paracentral herniated disc, there are a number of ways to deal with the situation. Most patients respond well to conservative treatments without the requirement of surgery. Make use of chiropractors, physical therapists, rest, hot/cold compresses and home exercise. Make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating properly to maintain a proper weight. Perhaps in the near future researchers will have a drug that will prevent excessive inflammation and pain that will allow for faster healing without discomfort with an IL-17 blocker.

Now that we know more about cellular pathways and the workings of the genome, medical advances are growing at an increasing rate. It's a good idea to keep yourself well informed by reading as many of the medical websites as you can. Make sure you bring this information to your next doctor's visit.

How Spine Diseases Can Be Debilitating

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There are many types of spine diseases and people suffering from any of them can be really laid down low. The most common of them is associated with lumbar pain which mainly affects the lower back and is caused by muscle strain or vascular problems or arthritis or a ruptured intervertebral disc. Spine surgery is usually the last resort after all other methods have become ineffective in alleviating the pain. Spine disease treatments can be non-surgical as well as surgical though that is in very severe cases.

Spinal stenosis is a type of spine disease and can take two forms; lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical stenosis. In the former, the lower back gives trouble since the nerve roots over there get compressed or choked and this radiates pain. Sciatic pain where numbness, tingling or pain shoots from the low back into the buttocks or legs especially with activity is also a result of this problem. In the majority of cases, the pain is bad and increases with walking and is reduced with sitting. This is known as claudication which maybe caused by poor circulation in legs. Treatment is only sought if the pain gets debilitating and hampers normal activities severely. Cervical stenosis is a form of spinal stenosis in the neck region and can become far more dangerous because it can compress the spinal cord itself and lead to weakness of the body and in extreme cases, to paralysis.

When the normal curve of the neck begins to straighten, the condition is called cervical kyphosis. This disease can progress to the level where the curve of the neck starts going in the opposite direction from its normal position. The causes of this disease may be ascribed to the wear and tear of degenerative discs wherein the vertebra begins to weaken. Traumatic injuries such as fractures or infections and diseases like osteoporosis as well as congenital conditions also cause this problem. Cervical lordosis is the inward curvature of the neck area in an abnormal way. While the cervical spine should have a typical lordotic curve, some people have an increased curvature whose existence may not be discovered for years. There are hardly any symptoms linked with this disease and only a small number of people may experience any pain.

A bulging disk is also related to spine diseases and occurs when a disc protrudes through the spine. A disc cushions the vertebrae of the spine and when it shifts out of its normal position it is called a bulging disc. The bulging disc normally affects the lower back but sometimes it may happen in the neck causing pain in the shoulders or arms.

Spine diseases can be treated if they are diagnosed in time.

Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

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Lumbar transformanial epidural steroid injections are performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain.

The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica, and herniated discs. The patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach area to provide comfort and to flex the back.

This position causes the spine to pull allowing for easier access to the epidural space. The physician uses a fluoroscope to locate the appropriate lumbar vertebra and nerve root and a local anesthetic numbs the skin. All of the tissue down to the surface of the vertebral transverse process is anesthetized. The physician slides a thin bent needle with a slightly curved point through the anesthetized track.

With the aid of a flouroscope, the physician carefully guides the needle into the foraminal space near the nerve root. The physician injects a contrast solution and uses the fluoroscope to see the painful areas and confirm the correct location of the needle tip. A steroid anesthetic mix is injected into the foraminal epidural space bathing the painful nerve root with soothing medication. the needle is removed and a small band aid is used to cover the tiny needle surface wound. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure as much as 3 times to provide the full benefit of the medication. However, many patients feel significant relief after only one or two injections.

Additional pain management options my be extremely beneficial in conjunction with epidural injections. These may include physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal decompression, and pain medications.

Types Of Neck Injury And Pain

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To begin with, any neck pain should be seen to immediately. Any damage or strain that can herald a potential neck injury will eventually cause injury to some other part of your body, most often because we will overcompensate for the original pain and strain or damage something else. Too often, busy people simply ignore the pain, pop a few aspirin and go on with their lives.

Neck pain can be a symptom of several different kinds of neck injury possibilities. The only way to truly determine what is causing it, as well as gaining any kind of neck pain relief, is to be examined by your physician. A physical examination, as well as x-rays, ultrasounds and even an MRI may be needed to determine the exact cause of the pain. Once the tests are done, you will more likely be diagnosed with any of the following neck injuries.

Types of Neck Injuries

• Crick in the Neck: The term crick or kink is used to describe the morning pain associated with sleeping in an awkward position. It can also occur from working for too long in an immobile position, as well as sudden, sharp movements of the neck during sports or accidents. This is not a true medical diagnosis, even though the reason behind it may be. Arthritis, muscle spasms and even a spinal disc condition may be the root cause of this kind of neck pain.

• Muscle Strain: Strains usually occur as an injury to the muscles along the spine. While it may manifest in the neck, the actual injury may be in the lower back instead. The symptoms of this condition will often include muscle spasms, reduced flexibility and pain.

• Neck Sprain: Sprains are caused by injuries to the ligaments. This can be caused by falls or sudden twists that can overload or stress the joints. Symptoms of a neck sprain can include swelling, reduction in flexibility and pain. If you believe that this may be the cause of your neck pain, see your doctor immediately because your spine and neck will need to be immobilized to prevent further injury.

• Pinched Nerve in Neck: This condition is one of the most difficult to effectively diagnose. Assessing nerve pain is not always straightforward, because the actual damage could be further along the nerves than the area where pain is felt, especially when dealing with nerves so close to the spine. See your doctor immediately if you experience any numbness, intermittent tingling or radiating pain along your neck and spine.

• Whiplash Injury: Whiplash associated disorders is a set of symptoms that occur following any incident where the head is thrown forward, backward, or side-to-side, especially in car accidents. The hyperextension that happens during whiplash conditions can also cause damage to joints, nerves, spinal discs and the spinal cord itself. The neck should be immobilized to prevent further injury, and you should be seen by a doctor immediately after the incident so that your true injuries can be quickly assessed.

• Herniated Discs: Recurrent neck and back pain may be a sign that you have a herniated disc. This happens when the soft material covering a spinal disc is damaged, worn, or pushed out. This is often associated with continuous heavy lifting when your body is not aligned properly, and has symptoms of muscle weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation that radiates from the neck through the arms.

• Aging: Simply growing older often causes unexplained neck pain that may be due to arthritis, cervical dislocation, or spinal stenosis. As we age, our bones grow thicker in some places and weaker in others. The bones that support the neck are prone to growing thinner and weaker, while those at the base of the spine can thicken and place pressure along the spinal nerve, causing neck and back pain intermittently.

The main thing to remember about any neck injury or pain is to see your doctor immediately, as soon as you experience any pain, tingling, or pressure from your neck to your spine. Anything affecting the spinal area can be a serious health risk if treatment is delayed. Some conditions can degenerate quickly, so immediate attention is best under all circumstances.

Lower Back Pain Cause: Tight Hamstrings

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The hamstrings and the lower back are connected by the pelvis. The hamstring is composed of tendons and three muscles that run from the back of the knee to the back of the pelvis; this network is responsible for bending the knee behind the middle line of the body when the hip is extended (such as when running or walking). Via the hip connection, tight hamstrings can cause lower back pain.

When a muscle is tight, its length is shortened. This can occur in a number of ways. Overuse of the hamstring without stretching can cause it to be chronically tight. This is often accompanied by weak quadriceps and hip flexors such as the psoas, since the hamstrings will fail to relax and allow them to do work. Failure to stretch and exercise in a balanced manner can lead to this muscle imbalance. On the other hand, the opposite imbalance can cause the hamstring to tighten. If the hip flexors and quadriceps are overly tight, the hamstrings will be stretched and weak. Weak muscles can quickly experience fatigue due to their lack of strength. Fatigued muscles have a difficult time relaxing. If a weak hamstring does not relax when the quadricep contracts, it can become torn or pulled. This is a very common type of injury, especially in athletes.

Muscles work as a sort of pulley system; if they are not balanced in length, strength and flexibility, then any number of structures within the body may be pulled out of alignment. The hamstring muscles and hip extensors are intricately related; if one is tight, the other is bound to be tight also. If these are tight, the muscles performing the opposite functions - hip flexors and knee extensors (quads) -- will be weak and lengthened. Muscles of the upper legs and hips are a crucial part of pelvic stabilization. Since the pelvis is the base of the spine, pelvic stabilization is the foundation of spinal stabilization.

Shortened, tight hamstrings exert a downward pull on the pelvis. Since the quadriceps and hip flexors are long and weak, they cannot balance this force with an equal pull in the opposite direction. As the pelvis is pulled downward in the back, the lower back loses its natural arch (called lordosis). As the spine is forced to flatten, the discs between vertebrae experience increased pressure in the front, possibly leading to early disc degeneration.

The muscles of the lower back are also strained by tight hamstrings. The proper way to bend forward is at the hip joints. When the pelvis is pulled backward, however, you have to bend from the lower back. This type of work in unnatural for the lower back muscles, and can lead to chronic strain.

Because of the compensatory tendencies of tight muscles, it is necessary to loosen them before attempting exercise. While stretching is a good way to restore length and flexibility to tight muscles, a technique called self-myofascial release (SMR) is more effective and the best first step of treatment for tight hamstrings. In this technique, you use a dense foam roller to compress and loosen the hamstring, effectively turning it off so that other muscles can begin to work. See this video of hamstring SMR for a better idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNm79lJLyz0. As with any form of back pain exercise, it is best to be trained by a physical therapist in proper technique.

Once your hamstrings have been neutralized, you can move on to develop your quadricep and hip flexor muscles, which will help to stabilize your pelvis. Consult a physical therapist to assure that your exercise plan does not create the same or another painful imbalance. Educating yourself on how muscles work together will help protect you from back pain.

How Simple Is a Lumbar Laminectomy Procedure?

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Undergoing a lumbar laminectomy procedure involves removing a little bit of bone to free up a nerve root that is getting pinched. It is also a procedure that is performed to free up multiple nerve roots that are being pinched as is commonly seen in spinal stenosis.

In the world of spine surgery, undergoing a laminectomy is a minor procedure. Granted, anytime surgery is being done to you it should not be considered minor, but in the scheme of overall magnitude of spine surgery it is in fact considered minor. After having a laminectomy, most patients are able to go home the next day. When you look at who has spinal stenosis, most patients are in an older age range between the 50s to the 80s. Because of this most patients find it is better to stay in the hospital for one night.

What are the reasons that patients need a laminectomy,? Well the first reason as mentioned is spinal stenosis which involves typically arthritis having extra bone and soft tissue formation and causing nerves to get pinched and pain flareup.

With this, what you have is a quality of life decision where patients need to decide if conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, epidural injections, chiropractic treatment, spinal decompression therapy, are working and if not a laminectomy may be in order. Another reason to undergo a laminectomy is for a herniated disc. A herniated disc procedure does involve removing a little bit of bone in order to safely pull the nerve root that's getting pinched out of the way and remove the piece of disk that has herniated. So in actuality when people undergo a discectomy it really is a laminectomy/discectomy.

As mentioned the most common reason for having a lumbar laminectomy procedure is to fix up nerves that are being compressed due to spinal stenosis. The typical procedures lasts under an hour, however if the procedure is being performed in conjunction with a spinal fusion with screws and rods then that will increase the procedure time and risks substantially.

What are the risks of a lumbar laminectomy?

The risks of undergoing a lumbar laminectomy include the risk of anesthesia complications, bleeding risk, infection, injury to the nerve that is being decompressed, and if too much bone is taken the patient may end up with spinal instability and increased pain. A lot of patients with spinal stenosis have minimal back pain and only leg pain from the pinched nerves. Studies have shown that 50% of patients will end up with back pain and stiffness after a laminectomy procedure. Thankfully it typically is not overly severe.

A laminectomy procedure continues to be the gold standard for a lot of spinal conditions patients suffer from. There are some newer types of minimally invasive surgeries to have a laminectomy performed, and that should be discussed with your surgeon prior to your procedure if one becomes necessary.

More Tips to Improve Extreme Sciatica Pain!

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Have you read the recent news on sciatica nerve pain?

Extreme Sciatica Pain

Dealing with extreme sciatica pain can be challenging. Simple activities such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and standing up can become almost impossible. Extreme sciatica pain creeps into every part of a person's life. A person never seems to get enough sleep because a shift in position can cause enough pain to awaken. Driving becomes difficult because sciatica nerve pain may prevent full control over the clutch, gas and brake pedals. That same pain also interrupts concentration, making it hard to work.

Drug Therapy

Once the pain has stopped responding to over the counter pain relievers, a doctor may prescribe stronger drugs. Sometimes a stronger NSAID may do the trick. Drugs such as nabumetone, are often used for the inflammation associated with arthritis and can be very effective in treating sciatica nerve pain. Other times, a doctor may prescribe steroids to be taken over a period of a week. Steroids mimic the body's own steroid hormones which inhibit production of proteins responsible for inflammation. In some cases of extreme sciatica pain, an epidural steroid injection may be effective. The steroid is injected into the space within the spine just outside of a sac which surrounds the nerve roots. Less commonly, narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed.

Surgery for Extreme Sciatica Pain

If sciatica nerve pain still persists without improvement, getting an MRI scan can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of the sciatica. Once a physician identifies the problem, more aggressive therapies can be used to treat extreme sciatica pain. Surgery is often recommended for a multitude of lower back problems that cause sciatica. Two back conditions that may require surgery are a herniated disc and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.

Treating a Herniated Disc

Microdisectomy addresses the problem of a herniated lumbar disc. Through a small incision, the disc is located and the herniated portion of the disc is removed. In many cases, this surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Less invasive forms of disectomy are being used with success. Percutaneous disectomy involves using a tube with a cutting edge to cut away the damaged area of the disc. Lasers are also being used to locate and remove the herniated tissue, helping reduce sciatica nerve pain.

Creating space in the spine

Lumbar laminectomy removes growths that can cause extreme sciatica pain by compressing the sciatic nerve. The most common types of growth are bone spurs caused by various diseases such as osteoarthritis. In this surgery, the spurs are either removed completely or shaved off depending on how the sciatic nerve is compressed. In both types of surgeries, sciatica nerve pain can be improved immediately, but full healing of the nerves and muscles can take several months. As in all surgeries, risks such as nerve and muscle damage, and infection can occur.

While surgery can alleviate extreme sciatica pain for a longer length of time, there is no guarantee that the problem will not reoccur and may require another surgical intervention.