Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica Treatment

For severe or ongoing flare ups of sciatic nerve pain the condition may need to be treated so that it does not get worse over time.

For others, when the pain is severe or does not get better on its own, a more structured treatment approach, and possibly surgery, may offer the best approach to finding pain relief and preventing or minimizing future pain and/or dysfunction.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Sciatica Non-surgical sciatica treatments encompass a broad range of options, with the goal of relieving pain caused by compressed nerve roots.  One or some combination of the treatments below are usually recommended in conjunction with specific sciatica exercisis.

ICE and HEAT are very simple and underrated for treatment of acute sciatic pain, Use heat  Sparingly, HOT showers for 10 minutes and or hot tub soaks Followed by 20 or 30 minutes of ICE. Works wonders.   The best ones I can find are the “clay type Ice packs and are readily available on amazon. A word of caution the shipping may be more than the actual product. If you do not have a “prime account” Contact me and can help with that extra cost. http://tinyurl.com/good-ice-pack-amazon another option is a bit less expensive only because the casing is just a bit thinner both work but you may be replacing the blue one just a little bit sooner and you will need to be just a bit more careful with it. http://tinyurl.com/blue-ice-pack-with-thiner-case   if you have problems I have the black ones. (Same Price as anazon) the Ice will help temporarily alleviate the leg pain, especially in the initial phase.  Usually ice or heat is applied for approximately 20 minutes, and repeated every two hours.  I recommend using heat first in moderation and then ice. Remember Ice shrinks swollen tissues which is generally responsible for the pain. Ice also speeds up healing time.

Pain Medications

Over the counter prescription medications may also be helpful in relieving sciatica pain.  Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or COX-2 inhibitors), or oral steroids can reduce the inflammation that is usually a contributing factor in causing sciatica pain. Use this only for two weeks

Biopuncture Injections for Sciatica

If the pain is severe, an injection www.biopuncture.infoor can be performed to reduce inflammation.  An biopuncture injection is different from traditional steroidal medications because it injects healthy herbal remedies directly to the painful area around the sciatic nerve to help decrease the inflammation and increase healing time unlike steroids which simply mask the problem that may be causing the pain.

While the effects of a steroid injection tend to be temporary (providing pain relief for as little as one week up to a year), and it does not work for everyone, an epidural steroid injection can be effective in providing relief from an acute episode of sciatic pain.  Importantly, it can provide sufficient relief to allow a patient to progress with a chiropractic conditioning and exercise program.

Dr. David Thomson  

www.thespineline.ccom

What Causes Back Pain During Pregnancy?

Back pain during pregnancy is common. Approximately half of all pregnancies are complicated by back pain.

About 10% of the time, the pain becomes so severe that it can interfere with the ability to work or carry out normal activities during pregnancy.

This article explains the common risk factors, causes and treatments of back pain during pregnancy.

Risk Factors for Back Pain during Pregnancy

Key factors that are associated with increased risk of developing lower back pain during pregnancy include:

Physically strenuous work

Lifting, bending and child care

A history of low back pain prior to pregnancy

Common Causes of Back Pain during Pregnancy

Malfunction in the sacroiliac joint is the most common cause of back pain in pregnancy. While it can be quite painful, this condition is treatable and (especially with treatment) tends to get better after delivery of the baby.

The sacroiliac joint forms the functional unit of the pelvis that allows normal alternating movement during walking. As the pregnancy advances, hormonal changes prepare the pelvis for delivery of the child by loosening the strong ligaments that control the function of these joints.

The increased elasticity of these ligaments during pregnancy is necessary for the birth canal to expand as the baby passes through it. However, the associated increase in motion and instability around the sacroiliac joint can also be a source of sacroiliac pain.

For patients experiencing back pain during pregnancy, chiropractic may provide effective pain relief with just a few simple treatments. For example:

Manipulation or adjustment of the pelvis has provided relief and restored function for 91% of patients studied. To assist the effect of this type of treatment, your chiropractor or medical provider may recommend:

Easy stretching exercise routines

A pelvic support belt.

Low Back Pain Relief after Pregnancy

Additionally, the pain usually subsides soon after delivery of the baby. Over the six-week period following delivery, the pelvic ligaments regain their rigidity and are better able to support normal weight bearing and motion during normal daily activities.

Remember, the good news is that appropriate treatment can help provide significant back pain relief during the pregnancy and, importantly, minimize the chances of having chronic back pain in the lower back after the pregnancy.

About half of all women experience low back pain and/or sciatica at some point during their pregnancy. The added weight and change in the center of gravity during the course of pregnancy puts additional strain on the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint. These changes can lead to pain in the lower back or down the legs. This video explains the common causes of back pain during pregnancy and treatments available to prevent or reduce back pain.

Back pain during pregnancy is quite common – approximately half of all pregnancies are complicated by back pain. In about ten percent of the time, the pain can become so severe that it interferes with the ability to work or carry out normal, everyday activities. Risk factors for back pain during pregnancy include a pregnant mother who has a physically strenuous job who’s continued working or perhaps is taking care of other children. Also, a history of low back pain prior to the pregnancy predisposes a pregnant mother to back pain during that pregnancy.

Common causes of back pain during pregnancy are typically related to two general structures of the lower back, that is the sacroiliac joint – the SI joint – as well as the lumbar spine. There are two reasons why the lower back and these structures in particular are more affected specifically in pregnancy. One is because as a mother’s abdomen grows outward, the center of gravity changes and the pull of the weight of the baby, of the fluid, of the amniotic sac – all those structures pull anteriorly, pulls towards the front, and increases the curvature of the lumbar spine. Also, the sacroiliac joints – or the joints that connect the sacrum to the ilium (to the pelvis) – are a fulcrum point, it’s a point of maximum leverage where the abdomen can pull forward as a lever arm and pull against the SI joint and cause pain in that area and painful inflammation.

One of the important is that mothers produce certain hormonal substances and have hormonal changes which allow the pelvic girdle to open up to allow the passage of the baby. Unfortunately, these hormonal changes aren’t specific for the pubic symphysis, which is where we like to see a little play to allow the passage of the baby’s head. The hormonal changes cause relaxation in multiple ligament structures, including the SI joint and the lower lumbar spine at its point where it’s most affected by the weight of the baby you have this compounding effect.

In order to treat low back pain in pregnancy, the first thing that should be done is it should be preemptively treated. That is a women who plans to get pregnant should work on core strengthening program before pregnancy. Exercise in pregnancy is extremely safe and even high levels of exercise are safe as long as the mother is doing these exercises before pregnancy, as long as their body is conditioned, and as long as they don’t exercise to exhaustion, then most likely the exercises are safe. So, if a mother has a strong core, strong abdominal musculature, a strong back, obliques – if the core is strong, then those muscles will help support the baby and support the spine so that there is not an exaggeration of that curvature of the spine and undue pressure placed on the sacroiliac joints.

During pregnancy, the exercises should be maintained and there are several different programs that someone can go to including Pilates or yoga or even physical therapy to teach someone who doesn’t know which exercises to do. Also, chiropractic manipulations as well as osteopathic manipulations – which are geared towards a healthcare practitioner applying certain forces and treating the actual curvature and muscles surrounding the spine – can oftentimes be quite effective in treating pregnancy-related pain. A mother should maintain their activity level, do stretches, and keep their core strong. Oftentimes a pelvic support belt – which can be purchased at a medical supply store with the guidance of your doctor – can be used as an additional support device to help with the relaxation of those joints in the lower back and pelvic area.

By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD via Spine Health

video transcript by:

Dr. Marco Funiciello, DO

References:

Berg G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J, Linden U, Throbald JL: Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstetrics and Gynecology 71 (1): 71-5, 1988.

Gariola DM, Tarver RD, Gibson L. Togers RE, Wase JL: Anatomic changes in the pelvis after uncomplicated vaginal delivery: a CT study on 14 women. American Journal of Roentgenology 153 (6): 1239-41, 1989.

Daly JM, Frames PS, Rapoze PA: Sacroiliac subluxation: a common, treatable cause of low-back pain in pregnancy. Family Practice Research Journal 11(2): 149-51,1991.

Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain Video

Related Articles:

Back Pain in Pregnancy

Exercise for Back Pain During Pregnancy

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)

Hidden Dangers of Stress

It’s extremely common, easy to dismiss, and affects everyone differently, but it’s becoming more and more apparent that stress is a serious and dangerous health hazard.  When the body and mind is subjected to high levels of stress a wave of issues can take us over. Extended and intense periods of tension are detrimental to your wellbeing. It has influence on all systems of the body, creates a vicious and self-feeding cycle, and is easily contagious.

Stress can be attributed to many hidden health hazards, both directly and indirectly, but its presence almost always has a way of interfering will your wellness. Stress takes on many forms, but some of the most common are:

• Weight Gain


• Infertility


• High Blood Pressure


• Compulsivity and Unhealthy Habits/Coping Mechanisms  (overeating, smoking, substance abuse)


• Insomnia


• Cardiovascular Disease


• Accelerated Aging


• Poor Immune System Function


• Insulin Resistance


• Numerous Inflammatory Conditions and Subsequent Complications

How do you deal with stress and what do you do when you feel it taking over? How often does your stress level take control of you instead of the other way around?

Source:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/09/18/hidden-risks-of-chronic-stress

Sciatica – What You Need To Know

The condition known as sciatica can be confusing for the fact that it’s really a series of symptoms resulting from one underlying cause.  When many patients come to know the effects of sciatic, they have some difficulty finding relief for the fact that they are treating the symptoms instead of addressing the source of their discomfort.

Aptly named, sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Symptoms take the shape of pain, tingling, burning and numbness that affects the toes, feet, and legs. The effects can be aggravated through sudden or abrupt movement, or when sitting or standing for excessive periods.

If you’re seeking genuine relief of these symptoms, there’s no better time to come in for an appointment.  Chiropractic care can relieve sciatica by getting to the source of the discomfort: nerve pressure. Through spinal adjustment, subluxations and misalignments that are causing nerve pressure can be corrected.  Therapeutic exercises and temperature based therapy can also provide effective and natural relief of sciatic discomfort.

Sources:

 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3212

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3127

http://www.livestrong.com/article/265787-chiropractic-sciatica/

Ear Infections

If you are a parent, chances are that your child has been diagnosed with an ear infection at point in their life.  This common infection is responsible for 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States.  While many treat ear infections with rounds of antibiotics, eardrops, and tubes, I have found that chiropractic care is not only successful but a great deal less invasive.  My experience has shown me that there is a direct relationship between the spine, nerves and lymphatic systems.  When children are suffering from ear infections, there tends to be a problem in the upper neck or cervical spine.

Ear infections occur when the lymphatic system is unable to drain the fluids in the middle ear.  Through lymphatic massages and gentle spinal adjustments, balance is returned to the child’s system and the inner ear is healed.  Chiropractic care is also great for preventing ear infections before they occur, keeping children healthier and more attentive than they would be otherwise.  If your child regularly suffers from ear infections, chiropractic care could help treat and prevent reoccurring infections.

-Dr. David Thomson

Acupuncture and Low Back Pain

Lower back pain affects eighty percent of us at one point in our lives.  It could take shape as acute pain for a few days to chronic pain that lasts for months or even years.  Although the severity varies, low back pain is still uncomfortable and disruptive to our quality of life.

Treatments for lower back pain does not have to involve dangerous medication.  Through acupuncture, lower back pain can be treated naturally and effectively.  I recommend acupuncture for my patients that are suffering from acute and chronic pain and have not found relief.  Not only does acupuncture reduce pain, but also improves overall function. Metabolic systems in the body are millions of times more complicated than ever expected, acupuncture is an ancient medical practice that has over 3000 years of clinical documentation. Modern medicine has not been effective in treating low back pain even with DRUGS OR SURGERY.  If you are interested in the relationship between acupuncture and low back pain and how it can help you find pain relief, contact me at my practice.  I’m happy to help you find the relief that you need.

-          Dr. David Thomson

Headaches and Chiropractic

Do you frequently suffer from headaches?  If you do, you know just how frustrating and obstructive they can be.  While many look for painkillers that cover up the pain of their headache until it temporarily passes, there are natural ways to find relief.  I have helped many patients find headache relief through chiropractic adjustments and manipulations.  Instead of using drugs, medications and invasive, risky methods, chiropractic addresses the underlying cause of the headache and helps patients find natural relief and prevent future occurrences.

Many Americans are used to living a sedentary life both at work and at home.  Unfortunately, this sedentary lifestyle strains muscles in the back and neck.  This results in tension and headaches.   When the spine is properly aligned, there is less strain in the neck and the headache is relieved.  Instead of opting for painkillers, I recommend that chronic headache sufferers come in for adjustments and follow specific nutritional guidelines that I have developed from years of being in practice to rid your self of this problem. If you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, remember to get up and walk around every once in a while to ease the strain on your neck.

-Dr. David Thomson

Chiropractic Adjustments and the Immune System

It’s started, many of my patients are coughing, sneezing and more thanks to any number of seasonal illnesses.  If you’d like to avoid it altogether, and frankly who wouldn’t, you’ll need an immune system that’s in top shape.  But how do you shape up your immune system?  A healthy diet is a great way to contribute to this. And while many people are aware of that—regardless of how well they comply-- fewer know how the body’s immune system is impacted by another biological network: the nervous system.  The primary nexus point of your nervous system is found at your spine.  It’s the foundation of the traditional chiropractic care I provide, but what does it have to do with getting sick or being able to fight off illness?

The alignment of your spine can play a big role in the way your body communicates across systems, including your immune system.  If your spine is misaligned, or if subluxations are present, the result can be a lack of immune defense, like when you become susceptible to the flu, or an improper immune response, as is the case with many allergies.  While it’s not very hard to tell if you’re coming down with a bad cold or if hay fever is taking its toll, you can’t always tell if the root cause is a subluxation. While fundamental to health, misalignments and subluxations may not be something you may be able to feel directly.  If you’re masking your symptoms with medicine, you’re only silencing your body’s immune response.  To alleviate your symptoms, you must correct your immune response by realigning your body so it can function at its best.

This is accomplished through tried and true, natural chiropractic adjustments. When the spine is in proper alignment the complex communication that occurs throughout your body’s networks is restored, and when that happens, your body can heal innately and defend against illness.  So before you consider a flu shot or restock your medicine cabinet in preparation for cold, flu and allergy season, try a spinal adjustment as your best line of defense, as well as the most efficient, non-invasive and natural method for enabling your body to do what it should do best: heal and thrive.        

-          Dr. David B. Thomson B.Sc. D.C.