Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
3 Steps to Eliminate Sciatica By Graeme Teague
Sciatica is now officially one of the most common forms of lower back pain. Over 80% of adults suffer from back pain at some stage. Sciatica is the one form that people fear the most.
Sciatica can be a debilitating condition where movement and day to day life is painful. The pain radiates down the leg to the foot if severe, it creates a sickening type pain that affects you emotionally as much as it does physically.
Although most of you will have heard the horror stories of how sciatica is caused by disc injuries, spinal stenosis or other major lower back pain issues. In fact – less than 10% of sciatic nerve irritation is created by these conditions. Most sciatic nerve irritation comes from 3 simple processes.
Correcting these 3 processes gives you the 3 steps to sciatica relief.
Step One: The sciatic nerve is formed from five nerve roots exiting the lower back region. If the lower back joints or muscles are irritated then sciatica may develop.
Step one is therefore to balance the lower back, which can be simply performed by using stretches and joint techniques for the area.
Step Two: The pelvis is the foundation for the spine. If the pelvis is distorted then sciatica occurs. You can notice pelvic distortion by having your pelvis at different heights, twisted, leg length changes or shoulder twisting. These all indicate pelvic distortion which will irritate the sciatic nerve.
Step two therefore requires you to correct the pelvic alignment and ease pressure off the sciatic nerve.
Step Three: probably the easiest and most common irritant to the sciatic nerve – the Piriformis muscle. As the sciatic nerve runs through the Piriformis muscle, when it tightens sciatica develops quickly.
Step three is essential to eliminate sciatica and maintain permanent sciatica relief. Sciatica stretching should incorporate the Piriformis muscle, and stretching should be three times each day, with one session just prior to bed. If you stretch the muscle and then use it (walking, lifting or general activity) the benefit of the stretch disappears. Stretching if done before bed will relax the muscle and then sleep helps to maintain this relaxed position for a longer period of time.
Sciatica stretching of the Piriformis muscle is essential for sciatica relief.
You may now be asking – how do you perform steps one, two and three. These 3 steps to eliminate sciatica can be performed at home in your own time easily. Self help sciatica relief will help the 90% of people who have common sciatica. Those with the more severe conditions will need professional help, although using these 3 steps of sciatica relief will create benefit.
For more in depth details of these 3 steps to Sciatica Relief, visit the Back Pain Advisor and view their web pages on Sciatica, Sciatica Relief and Sciatica Stretching.
Dr Graeme Teague is an expert in the structural field, and has been in practice since 1991. His newly launched web site The Back Pain Advisor - strives to give you valuable and expert advice, tips and information on your back pain issues.
For more information on Sciatica issues just visit Sciatica - http://www.back-pain-advisor.com/sciatica.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graeme_Teague
Sciatica can be a debilitating condition where movement and day to day life is painful. The pain radiates down the leg to the foot if severe, it creates a sickening type pain that affects you emotionally as much as it does physically.
Although most of you will have heard the horror stories of how sciatica is caused by disc injuries, spinal stenosis or other major lower back pain issues. In fact – less than 10% of sciatic nerve irritation is created by these conditions. Most sciatic nerve irritation comes from 3 simple processes.
Correcting these 3 processes gives you the 3 steps to sciatica relief.
Step One: The sciatic nerve is formed from five nerve roots exiting the lower back region. If the lower back joints or muscles are irritated then sciatica may develop.
Step one is therefore to balance the lower back, which can be simply performed by using stretches and joint techniques for the area.
Step Two: The pelvis is the foundation for the spine. If the pelvis is distorted then sciatica occurs. You can notice pelvic distortion by having your pelvis at different heights, twisted, leg length changes or shoulder twisting. These all indicate pelvic distortion which will irritate the sciatic nerve.
Step two therefore requires you to correct the pelvic alignment and ease pressure off the sciatic nerve.
Step Three: probably the easiest and most common irritant to the sciatic nerve – the Piriformis muscle. As the sciatic nerve runs through the Piriformis muscle, when it tightens sciatica develops quickly.
Step three is essential to eliminate sciatica and maintain permanent sciatica relief. Sciatica stretching should incorporate the Piriformis muscle, and stretching should be three times each day, with one session just prior to bed. If you stretch the muscle and then use it (walking, lifting or general activity) the benefit of the stretch disappears. Stretching if done before bed will relax the muscle and then sleep helps to maintain this relaxed position for a longer period of time.
Sciatica stretching of the Piriformis muscle is essential for sciatica relief.
You may now be asking – how do you perform steps one, two and three. These 3 steps to eliminate sciatica can be performed at home in your own time easily. Self help sciatica relief will help the 90% of people who have common sciatica. Those with the more severe conditions will need professional help, although using these 3 steps of sciatica relief will create benefit.
For more in depth details of these 3 steps to Sciatica Relief, visit the Back Pain Advisor and view their web pages on Sciatica, Sciatica Relief and Sciatica Stretching.
Dr Graeme Teague is an expert in the structural field, and has been in practice since 1991. His newly launched web site The Back Pain Advisor - strives to give you valuable and expert advice, tips and information on your back pain issues.
For more information on Sciatica issues just visit Sciatica - http://www.back-pain-advisor.com/sciatica.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graeme_Teague
Friday, June 12, 2009
Video - Stretches for Piriformis Syndrome
I found this video incredibly helpful in relieving sciatic pain caused by piriformis syndrome.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Video - What Causes Sciatica
I found this video from sciaticaselfcare.com on youtube that explains sciatica and some common causes that are easy to understand and well illustrated. For the record, my sciatica was caused from piriformis syndrome.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Uncover the Hidden Truth about the Sciatica Nerve By Korie Jacobs
The sciatica is the longest nerve in the human body.
The Role of the Sciatica Nerve
Sciatica Defined
By definition, sciatica refers to the pain that occurs when the sciatica nerve becomes injured or inflamed. Sciatica can occur anywhere along the route of the sciatica nerve, but is most commonly felt in the back of the thighs and in the calves. Causes of sciatica can vary widely. Sciatica can be a result of direct trauma to the sciatica nerve as in an accident or it can be caused by something as common as a muscle spasm that puts pressure on the nerve.
What does the Sciatica Nerve do?
The sciatica nerve, the longest in the body, runs a path from the base of the spine, through the pelvis and buttock regions, and down the backs of the thighs. Once the nerve reaches the calf area, it branches off into two sections. One section travels down the inner side of the calf and ankle and the other section follows a path down the outside of the calf around the ankle through the tops of the feet and into the toes.
This nerve provides sensation to many areas in the legs, calves, feet and toes. The sciatica nerve is also responsible for assisting muscles that allow movement in the knees, ankles and feet. When the sciatica nerve is damaged, it is not uncommon for a person to feel numbness, weakness or pain in any place the nerve passes through.
Causes of Sciatica can vary
Many causes of sciatica exist. Instances of trauma to the sciatica nerve have been reported from accidents injuring the pelvic region, diseases such as diabetes damaging the sciatica nerve, osteoarthritis induced bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal and tumors placing pressure on the nerve. More commonly, however, the cause of sciatica can be found in a herniated lumbar disc. Either through injury or just constant wear and tear, the disc can become less supple and shift between the vertebrae. When this happens, inflammation of the sciatica nerve can occur through direct pressure of the bulging disc or through chemicals released from the cells of the herniated disc.
Diagnosing Causes of Sciatica
While many forms of treatment will help the sciatica nerve to heal, the most improvement will occur when the root cause of the sciatica is addressed. In order to do so, a visit to the doctor may prove to be helpful. Physicians will combine a patient’s history along with neurological tests and a physical examination to determine the most likely causes of sciatica. Sometimes, a MRI scan may be necessary to correctly diagnose a patient’s condition. A MRI can help a physician to see herniated discs, bone spurs, nerve damage, and tumors. Knowing the causes of sciatica can help a doctor to treat the patient much more effectively.
Nerve Damage usually temporary
In the majority of cases, the sciatica nerve will not be permanently damaged. Healing may take several months, but the pain will most likely continue to decrease as the healing progresses. Adopting a regimen of daily exercise at this time will speed up the healing process as well as help to prevent future episodes.
For the ultimate guide on sciatica visit us at http://www.sciaticaguide.com
Author Korie Jacobs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Korie_Jacobs
The Role of the Sciatica Nerve
Sciatica Defined
By definition, sciatica refers to the pain that occurs when the sciatica nerve becomes injured or inflamed. Sciatica can occur anywhere along the route of the sciatica nerve, but is most commonly felt in the back of the thighs and in the calves. Causes of sciatica can vary widely. Sciatica can be a result of direct trauma to the sciatica nerve as in an accident or it can be caused by something as common as a muscle spasm that puts pressure on the nerve.
What does the Sciatica Nerve do?
The sciatica nerve, the longest in the body, runs a path from the base of the spine, through the pelvis and buttock regions, and down the backs of the thighs. Once the nerve reaches the calf area, it branches off into two sections. One section travels down the inner side of the calf and ankle and the other section follows a path down the outside of the calf around the ankle through the tops of the feet and into the toes.
This nerve provides sensation to many areas in the legs, calves, feet and toes. The sciatica nerve is also responsible for assisting muscles that allow movement in the knees, ankles and feet. When the sciatica nerve is damaged, it is not uncommon for a person to feel numbness, weakness or pain in any place the nerve passes through.
Causes of Sciatica can vary
Many causes of sciatica exist. Instances of trauma to the sciatica nerve have been reported from accidents injuring the pelvic region, diseases such as diabetes damaging the sciatica nerve, osteoarthritis induced bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal and tumors placing pressure on the nerve. More commonly, however, the cause of sciatica can be found in a herniated lumbar disc. Either through injury or just constant wear and tear, the disc can become less supple and shift between the vertebrae. When this happens, inflammation of the sciatica nerve can occur through direct pressure of the bulging disc or through chemicals released from the cells of the herniated disc.
Diagnosing Causes of Sciatica
While many forms of treatment will help the sciatica nerve to heal, the most improvement will occur when the root cause of the sciatica is addressed. In order to do so, a visit to the doctor may prove to be helpful. Physicians will combine a patient’s history along with neurological tests and a physical examination to determine the most likely causes of sciatica. Sometimes, a MRI scan may be necessary to correctly diagnose a patient’s condition. A MRI can help a physician to see herniated discs, bone spurs, nerve damage, and tumors. Knowing the causes of sciatica can help a doctor to treat the patient much more effectively.
Nerve Damage usually temporary
In the majority of cases, the sciatica nerve will not be permanently damaged. Healing may take several months, but the pain will most likely continue to decrease as the healing progresses. Adopting a regimen of daily exercise at this time will speed up the healing process as well as help to prevent future episodes.
For the ultimate guide on sciatica visit us at http://www.sciaticaguide.com
Author Korie Jacobs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Korie_Jacobs
Back Problems That Will Cause Sciatica Pain By Samick Jack
What is sciatica?
Why do I have sciatica?
Is there successful treatment available?
Most work-related sciatica injuries are caused or aggravated by actions such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture.
The ordinary low back troubles and other spinal situations that can cause sciatica - pain along the sciatic nerve - include:
1). Lumbar Herniated Disc. A herniated disc happens when the inner core of the disc breaks through the fibrous outer core of the disc and the bulge places force on the nearby nerve root as it exits the spine. In general, it is said that a sudden twisting movement or injury can lead to herniation and sciatica. But, most discs get worse due to recurring stress and then herniation. A herniated disc is usually referred to as a slipped, ruptured, bulging, or protruding disc...or a pinched nerve.
2). Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. This usually causes sciatica due to a tightening of the spinal canal. It typically results from a grouping of one or more of the following: enlarged facet joints, overgrowth of soft tissue and a bulging disc placing force on the nerve roots as they exit the spine.
3). Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. This condition rarely causes back pain or sciatica pain. Caused by a combination of disc space collapse, the fracture, and the vertebral body slipping ahead, the L5 nerve can get pinched as it exits the spine.
4). Piriformis Syndrome. The sciatic nerve can also get aggravated as it runs under the piriformis muscle in the rear. If the piriformis muscle irritates or pinches a root that includes the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica-type pain. The most familiar source of sciatic pain and is made when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.
5). Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Irritation of the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the spine can also aggravate the L5 nerve, which lies on top of it, and cause sciatica-type pain. This is radiculopathy, but the pain can feel the same as sciatica caused by a nerve irritation.
If you do not know which one is the culprit, I would start with the fundamentals. Sciatic nerve
pain are usually caused by muscle disproportions you have, you should start to see progress right away...and your sciatic pain should subside in a few weeks or less. Sometimes even the next day or two!
Sciatica usually is derived from a traumatic event, muscle disproportion, or a combination of both.
Sciatica soreness is caused by force on the sciatic nerve, normally caused by a tightening and shortening of the piriformis muscle. This is more often than not produced by a disproportion between the inner and outer hip rotator muscles.
There are many different methods of treatment for your sciatica pain...but...unfortunately, most of them don't work.
Many of the specialists just want to schedule another "appointment" for a later time. This is done for a reason.
You can also get prescription drugs that you get from your doctor. This is also a repeatable action. This is also done for a reason.
You might even be in such pain, that you consider very expensive back surgery.
Whatever the treatment, you should consider all of your options at hand.
Here's to getting rid of your sciatica pain,
Samick N. Jack
Samick N. Jack . 2006 (c) All Rights Reserved World Wide.
For more information on getting rid of your sciatica pain, visit http://www.sciatica-solutions.com , the most valuable website on the internet for sciatica relief.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samick_Jack
Why do I have sciatica?
Is there successful treatment available?
Most work-related sciatica injuries are caused or aggravated by actions such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture.
The ordinary low back troubles and other spinal situations that can cause sciatica - pain along the sciatic nerve - include:
1). Lumbar Herniated Disc. A herniated disc happens when the inner core of the disc breaks through the fibrous outer core of the disc and the bulge places force on the nearby nerve root as it exits the spine. In general, it is said that a sudden twisting movement or injury can lead to herniation and sciatica. But, most discs get worse due to recurring stress and then herniation. A herniated disc is usually referred to as a slipped, ruptured, bulging, or protruding disc...or a pinched nerve.
2). Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. This usually causes sciatica due to a tightening of the spinal canal. It typically results from a grouping of one or more of the following: enlarged facet joints, overgrowth of soft tissue and a bulging disc placing force on the nerve roots as they exit the spine.
3). Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. This condition rarely causes back pain or sciatica pain. Caused by a combination of disc space collapse, the fracture, and the vertebral body slipping ahead, the L5 nerve can get pinched as it exits the spine.
4). Piriformis Syndrome. The sciatic nerve can also get aggravated as it runs under the piriformis muscle in the rear. If the piriformis muscle irritates or pinches a root that includes the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica-type pain. The most familiar source of sciatic pain and is made when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.
5). Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Irritation of the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the spine can also aggravate the L5 nerve, which lies on top of it, and cause sciatica-type pain. This is radiculopathy, but the pain can feel the same as sciatica caused by a nerve irritation.
If you do not know which one is the culprit, I would start with the fundamentals. Sciatic nerve
pain are usually caused by muscle disproportions you have, you should start to see progress right away...and your sciatic pain should subside in a few weeks or less. Sometimes even the next day or two!
Sciatica usually is derived from a traumatic event, muscle disproportion, or a combination of both.
Sciatica soreness is caused by force on the sciatic nerve, normally caused by a tightening and shortening of the piriformis muscle. This is more often than not produced by a disproportion between the inner and outer hip rotator muscles.
There are many different methods of treatment for your sciatica pain...but...unfortunately, most of them don't work.
Many of the specialists just want to schedule another "appointment" for a later time. This is done for a reason.
You can also get prescription drugs that you get from your doctor. This is also a repeatable action. This is also done for a reason.
You might even be in such pain, that you consider very expensive back surgery.
Whatever the treatment, you should consider all of your options at hand.
Here's to getting rid of your sciatica pain,
Samick N. Jack
Samick N. Jack . 2006 (c) All Rights Reserved World Wide.
For more information on getting rid of your sciatica pain, visit http://www.sciatica-solutions.com , the most valuable website on the internet for sciatica relief.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samick_Jack
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)