Jun 26

An Informative guide on the treatment of Sciatica and Back pain

An Informative guide on the treatment of sciatica and back pain by Olivia O Leary D.C BSc Hons Chiropractic

Sciatica

Sciatica

 If you have suffered with Low back pain or Sciatica you are certainly not alone. Most people in their lifetime will suffer at least one episode of low back pain but unfortunately for most this is not a solitary experience. A person can experience multiple episodes of low back pain- hoping each time it will just go away.

A condition called Sciatica occurs when the low back pain does not just localise in the low back but also runs down the leg along the course of the sciatic nerve.  Here at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic we aim to prevent the unneccessary steps often taken and provide a comprehensive solution focusing on treating the root cause of the problem.  So let’s examine this difficult condition….

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica

Suffering from Sciatica

Sciatica refers to a pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve- the sciatic nerve being the longest nerve in the body which branches from the lower back into the hip and buttocks and travels down the back of your leg to the toes. Typically Sciatica affects only one side of the body.

There are many causes of Sciatica but most commonly Sciatica occurs when tissue of the spine compresses or irritates part of the nerve for instance a prolapsing disc or a bony spur. This causes inflammation, pain, sometimes accompanied by numbness or pins and needles in the affected leg with occasionally weakness of the affected  leg also present.

Although the pain associated with Sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve well with conservative care (for instance Chiropractic treatment, anti inflammatories, modification of activities). Surgery is only recommended as a last resort for cases where there has been a failure to recover after  conservative care measures have been administered or if the spinal injury is very severe.

Sciatica Symptoms

Pain which radiates from your lower back to the buttocks and down the back of your leg is the most familiar and common symptoms of sciatica.  You may feel discomfort anywhere along the nerve pathway but it is most likely to present in the low back, buttocks and the back of your thigh and calf.

Often clients presenting to Gorey Family Chiropractic that have experienced sciatica describe a tightness in the leg and throbbing sensation in the calf and these types of symptoms can mislead them from thinking they have an issue with the back.
The pain can vary widely from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.  Often people experiencing sciatica can feel an electric shock sensations.  It may be worse when you cough or sneeze and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms.

Causes of Sciatica

•    Bulging or protruding discsProtruding disc
•    Spinal stenosis
•    Piriformis syndrome
•    Trauma
•    Lifestyle factors
•    Bony spurs
•    Spondylothesis

Risk factors for Sciatica

Occupation:  A job which requires you to twist your back, carry heavy loads or drive for long periods can increase the likelihood of the  development of sciatica.

Proper lifting techniques

Prolonged sitting:  People who sit for long periods of time or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than active people.
Obesity:  Excess weight increases the stress on your spine and contributes to the spinal changes such as bony spurs which can cause sciatica. The lack of fitness of the core muscles is also contributory.
Age:   Age related changes in the spine such as degenerated discs and bony spurs can predispose individuals to the development of sciatica if they injure the spine.

Prevention of Sciatica

Strong Core:
Keeping the core muscles strong reduces the risk of herniated/prolapsed discs, a common cause of sciatica.  A strong core is needed to maintain proper posture, which takes stress of the spinal joints and discs.

Strong core

Exercise:
Low impact aerobic exercises are also recommended as they help increase the endurance of the core muscles.  Walking, swimming and using a bike are examples of good low impact exercises.

Stretching:
Stretching on a daily basis is very important particularly stretches which promote flexibility between the vertebrae improving the elasticity of the spine reducing the incidence of simple back strains/ sprains or more complicated injuries involving the disc or nerve roots.

Posture:sciatica
Adequate support is required to prevent slouching, which places excessive stress on the lower  back.  A straight line should exist between the ear, shoulder, elbow and hip whilst sitting thereby creating good alignment and reducing postural strain on the spine which contributes to back or neck pain.

A good supportive mattress is also important. Mattresses that are too hard or too soft do not offer appropriate support to the back. Consider choosing a medium firmness pocket sprung orthopaedic mattress.

Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, which again can increase the stress  and strain on the lower back particularly if you are employed in an occupation which requires this day to day. Try to move and stretch periodically.

What do you do if your Sciatic Nerve Flares up?

  •  Try to keep mobile- bed rest is not advisable
  •  Use an ice pack on the lower back for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and repeat every 1-2 hours
  •   Do not use heat on the area
  • Anti inflammatories, painkillers and muscle relaxants are often recommended to help ease the pain   but should not be used to mask symptoms on an ongoing basis.
  •  Make an appointment at  Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic to facilitate a full diagnosis of of the condition and the most appropriate treatment and exercise options will be explained to you to help you recover fully, faster and prevent injury in the future.

 

Here at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic we offer diagnosis of the causes of sciatica with onsite x ray facilities available and provide treatment for low back pain and Sciatica as well as offering lifestyle and ergonomics advice and exercise rehabilitation. Should MRI be clinically necessary we can refer patients directly.

We strive to correct the root of the problem and aim to improve the flexibility and  the stability of the spine.  We will encourage a rehabilitation programme if appropriate as we are committed to decreasing the likelihood of future episodes of low back pain and sciatica.

Many of our clients we have seen  from the Gorey, Arklow, Wexford, Wicklow and  Carlow areas have come to our chiropractors at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic as a last resort having found that their medication or procedures had not worked for them, sometimes in the short and sometimes in the longer term.

We Look Forward to Helping You..

If you, a friend or family member requires low back pain or sciatica treatment, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services at Gorey Family Chiropractic and look forward to helping you in the future.

For your convenience all of our Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338   or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie    

Jul 16

Top Tips for a Healthy Spine

Understanding-Different-Types-Of-Back-PainA healthy spine is an often overlooked and essential part of a healthy lifestyle. People who suffer from back pain, particularly if it is long-term back pain, are generally less healthy than those who do not. In fact, back pain costs are staggering not only financially, but also in terms of lost time from work and because of psychological and psychosocial problems that often arise and are associated with long-term back pain.

Unfortunately, approximately 80-90% of the Irish population suffers from back pain at some point. People who are overweight or obese, and who smoke, lift heavy objects, or had a previous episode of back pain, have been found to be more likely to experience back pain.

Because so many people suffer from back pain, and as chiropractors in Gorey dealing with back pain on a day to day basis  we understand the value of trying to keep your back as healthy as possible and we encourage our clients to adopt a preventative approach to back pain. Following simple posture, lifting, and healthy lifestyle guidelines can help you keep your back in good shape and prevent back pain.

The Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic Chiropractors recommend the following spinal health tips:
 
Standing
•    When standing, if your suffer back pain, avoid remaining in the same position for more than 5-10 mins and try to stand with the feet shoulder width apart to reduce strain.
•    Do not stand bent forward at the waist for prolonged periods of time. The muscles in your low back become strained in this position, which may lead to back pain.
Lifting392814_591808957498080_1365665759_n
•    At all times, avoid twisting while lifting. Twisting is one of the most dangerous movements for your spine, especially while lifting.
•    If the item is too heavy to lift, pushing it is easier on your back than pulling it. Whenever possible, use your legs, not your back or upper body, to push the item.
•    If you must lift a heavy item, get someone to help you and or use mechanical hoists, wheelbarrows etc to assist. Rushing is frequently associated with back pain injury so take a little time and work out the best way of moving heavy objects.
sitting_posture2Sitting
•    Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips, with your head up and back straight.
•    Avoid rolling your shoulders forward (slouching).
•    Try to maintain the natural curve in your low back. Use a small cushion or support if neccessary behind your lower back.
Reaching and Bending
•    When reaching for something above shoulder level, stand on a stool. Straining to reach such objects may not only hurt your mid-back and neck, but it can also bring on shoulder problems.
•    Do NOT bend over at the waist to pick up items from the floor or a table.
•    Instead, kneel down on one knee, as close as possible to the item you are lifting, with the other foot flat on the floor and pick the item up.
•    Or bend at the knees, keep the item close to your body, and lift with your legs, not your back.
Carrying
•    When carrying objects, particularly if they are heavy, keep them as close to your body as possible.
•    Carrying two small objects—one in each hand—is often easier to handle than one large one.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
•    While the proverbial jury is still out, it is suspected that extra weight puts undue strain on your spine. e5868e57d50c83ebe0fd0f292fa608c7Keep within 10 lbs. of your ideal weight for a healthier back.
•    “Beer belly” is likely the worst culprit, as it puts unwanted pressure on the muscles, ligaments and tendons in your low back.
•    The most efficient and effective way to reduce weight is by eating a sensible diet and exercising regularly.
•    Consult with your chiropractor or other health professional before beginning any exercise program, particularly if you have a health condition.
Sleeping
•    Sleeping on your back puts approximately 50 pounds of pressure on your spine.
•    Placing a pillow under your knees while lying on your back cuts the pressure on your spine roughly in half.
•    Lying on your side with a pillow between your knees may also reduce the pressure on your back.
•    Never sleep in a position that causes a portion of your spine to hurt. Most often, your body will tell you what position is best.
Quit Smoking
Smokers have more back pain than nonsmokers, and they also heal more slowly when they have an episode of back pain because the chemicals in tobacco smoke restrict the flow of blood to the tissues in and around your spine.

While following these instructions is no guarantee that you’ll be free from back pain for your entire life, it can certainly reduce your risk of developing it. These simple steps will help you keep your spine in good shape, making you a healthier, happier person.

GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC: SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY AND MAITwitter-pic-1NTAINING IT

Our specialist Co. Wexford based Chiropractic team are trained and hold extensive experience both in Ireland and the U.K in back pain diagnosis, back pain treatment and back pain rehabilitation. Equipped with on site x ray and state of the art gait scanning equipment, we consider not only your back pain, but the root cause of your problem and will work with you to help maximise your recovery through tailor made treatment, education  and rehabilitative exercise, where appropriate.

For your convenience all of our Gorey Family  Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement for back pain treatment from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers. We also provide care under the GAA injury scheme.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338   or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie