‘Sciatica was gone’: hospital performs robot-assisted spinal surgery in Canadian first

From msn.com/en-ca/health

Dave Meyn didn’t think much about being the first patient in Canada to receive a robot-assisted direct lateral spine surgery two months ago. He was just looking for anything to relieve the pain.

Now he says he feels thankful the robot enabled minimally invasive surgery and reduced recovery time. 

“When I woke up from surgery, the sciatica was gone. It’s just amazing.”

He still has about four months to go until the fusion of his impacted vertebrae is considered complete, but he says everything is progressing well.

Meyn suffered from chronic back pain that led to sciatica in his right leg and extreme pain in his lower back, impacting his daily life “to the point that the shooting pain in my right leg caused me to stumble and fall.”

After numerous visits with his family doctor, chiropractors and massage therapists, he ended up at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ont., as the first patient in the country to undergo the procedure with the Mazor X Spinal Robot.

                                                             Dave Meyn, left, and Dr. Victor Yang, right.            © supplied by LHSC

While robotics have been used in spinal surgeries in Canada before, LHSC said this was the first time it was used in a direct lateral surgery, which basically combines two surgeries in one.

“Normally when we do back surgeries we put the patient on the operating table when they are facing downwards,” Dr. Victor Yang, neurosurgeon at LHSC, explained.

“In Dave's scenario, he also needed surgery done from the side of the spine as well…In the old days, we will do this surgery in two stages. And sometimes they (were) even spread over different days. And even if we can do it on the same day, we'll still have to flip the patient between two positions. And that means that the patient will be under anaesthetic for a longer time.”

The robot allowed Yang and the rest of the team to perform two surgeries in one, in a minimally-invasive way. The robot allows the team to “virtually” see where the patient’s bone is and then guide them in the right direction. Because it was minimally invasive, it also sped up recovery time, meaning Meyn was discharged from the hospital in just a few days.

Robotic surgery is not as simple as purchasing a robot and booking surgeries. In this case, the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University funded the original cost of the robot for research purposes before it was fully approved by Health Canada. Yang said they spent over a year studying the robot, learning how to use it and training the team. The Mazor X received Health Canada approval in July 2021 and the technology was transferred to LHSC for clinical use.

“Having a robotic surgery program takes a whole village, it is not a one-person job,” he said. “We have Dr. (Marcelo) Oppermann, who is my clinical fellow, and also all of our operating room nurses, and they were trained over multiple sessions…the neuro-radiologist, as well as a neuro-anaesthetist and the vascular surgeons, they (also) form part of our team to make this new technology available for our patients.”

The clinical neurosciences team has since successfully performed five more minimally invasive surgical spinal procedures with the robot.

Yang believes its use will become more and more commonplace in spinal surgeries, where robotics is not yet as well-established as it is in other surgeries, as it provides “more consistency and, in general, better outcomes and care.”

Meyn, meanwhile, is excited about the possibilities the surgery has granted him.

“I am excited to get back to my everyday life and some of the things I enjoy and also have a summer that is not full of pain, but rather freedom to do the things I want.”

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/sciatica-was-gone-hospital-performs-robot-assisted-spinal-surgery-in-canadian-first/ar-AA1nFvHC?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

Sciatica: Gentle stretches to help relieve pain and improve mobility

From health.harvard.edu

The sharp, radiating pain of a sciatica flare-up can make everyday activities such as moving or even sleeping a challenge. However, for some people who experience it, simple, effective exercises can help relieve sciatica pain.

What is sciatica?

You may hear someone say that their "sciatica is flaring up." But sciatica isn't a single, specific medical condition. Rather, "sciatica" describes the symptoms that arise from irritation or compression on some part of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the body's largest nerve. It runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, down the back of each leg, and into the foot. So, an irritation or injury of this nerve can potentially affect a large portion of the lower body.

Most cases of sciatica result from compression of nerve roots in the lower body that affect the sciatic nerve. This causes heightened sensitivity and pain.

Irritation of the sciatic nerve, or the nerves connected to it, can occur for various reasons, including:

• herniated disc, when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc, which creates a cushion between the bones of your back, bulges out of position. This is the most common cause of sciatica.
• spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
• spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one of the bones in your spine slips out of alignment
• injury.

Sciatica may also result from other causes, such as pregnancy.

Sciatica pain varies greatly between individuals, differing in intensity and location. For some people, sciatica feels like a mild ache. For others, it can feel like sharp, unrelenting, shooting pain radiating from the lower back through the buttocks and down one or both legs. In some cases, the pain is localized to the leg and foot, with no discomfort in the back or buttocks. The pain can feel more intense at certain times of the day or in certain positions.

How stretching helps

Certain home remedies and self-care techniques may help reduce pain and prevent symptoms from worsening. It may be tempting to rest when sciatica flares up, but inactivity can make symptoms worse.

Stretching is one of the most effective ways to relieve sciatica pain and promote long-term healing. Movement and gentle stretches may provide several benefits, including:

• Increased flexibility and range of motion: Stretches that target the hips, lower back, and legs can reduce tension in muscles that may press on or irritate the sciatic nerve.
• Stronger supporting muscles: Building flexibility helps to support proper spinal alignment and reduce stress on the lower back, reducing the chance of future episodes.
• Circulation boost: Improved blood flow accelerates the healing process by delivering oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues.
• Reduced pain perception: Gentle movement releases endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers, helping to ease discomfort.

It's important to approach stretching with care. Avoid overexertion or excessive bending that could strain the spine. Focus on slow, controlled movements and listen to your body. If stretching worsens your pain or feels uncomfortable, consult a healthcare provider to ensure you're on the right path to recovery.

Gentle stretches to relieve sciatica pain

Incorporating stretch-focused routines into your home routine can help to improve back pain, including sciatica. Try the following gentle stretches for relief.

Knee to chest stretch

• Lie on your back with both knees bent, feet on the ground.
• Cross your left leg over your right, with the ankle of your left leg resting just above the knee of the right.
• Hold your right thigh with both hands and pull it toward your chest until you can feel the stretch in your buttocks. Hold it for 10 to 30 seconds.
• Return to the starting position.
• Repeat with the other leg.

Knee cradle

• Lie on your back with your legs straight out.
• Bend your right knee and rotate your hip so that the lower leg is across your chest, pointing to the left. You should feel this stretch in your thigh.
• Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then return to the starting position.
• Repeat 5 times with each leg.

Cat-cow

• Get down on all fours (tabletop position) with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Keep your back flat.
• As you inhale, lift your collarbone and tailbone toward the ceiling as you let your belly relax toward the floor, like a cow.
• As you exhale, round your back, bringing your chin toward your chest and tucking your tailbone under like a cat as you pull in your navel toward your spine.
• Continue moving with your breath; do not hold.
• Repeat 3 to 5 times.

Lower back press

• Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet on the floor.
• Gently flatten your lower back to the floor and hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax.
• Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Exercises to avoid if you have sciatica

While staying active is important for managing sciatica, certain exercises and movements can aggravate the condition.

Here are some types of exercises to avoid, especially in the early stages of sciatica:

Heavy lifting. Lifting heavy weights puts significant strain on the spine and can worsen sciatica pain. Avoid activities that involve lifting, especially those that require bending or twisting your back.

Twisting movements. Twisting or rotating your back, especially with added weight, can exacerbate irritation of the sciatic nerve. Avoid activities like golf, tennis, or certain yoga poses that require sharp spinal rotation until sciatica pain subsides.

Overly intense stretching. While gentle stretching is beneficial, aggressive or deep stretches can put too much strain on your lower back, hips, and legs, leading to more pain. Avoid any stretches that cause discomfort or sharp pain, especially those that push you beyond your current range of motion.

Exercise photos by Michael Carroll

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/sciatica-gentle-stretches-to-help-relieve-pain-and-improve-mobility 

Acupuncture Found Effective for Chronic Sciatica Pain in Groundbreaking Study

From prweb.com

A new study in JAMA Internal Medicine confirms acupuncture's effectiveness in relieving chronic sciatica caused by herniated discs. The trial showed significant pain reduction and improved functionality, with benefits lasting up to a year. Acubalance Wellness Clinic in Vancouver combines acupuncture with Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for enhanced pain relief and accelerated healing. This holistic, evidence-based approach offers a safe and effective alternative to medications and surgery for lasting relief and improved mobility.

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine confirms that acupuncture provides pain relief and improved functionality for individuals suffering from chronic sciatica caused by herniated lumbar discs. This randomized clinical trial provides evidence supporting acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment option. Acubalance Wellness Clinic in Vancouver, has helped individuals manage pain, including sciatica, through holistic, evidence-based treatments like acupuncture and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

Study Highlights: 

Conducted in six major hospitals in China, the trial enrolled 216 patients with chronic sciatica caused by herniated discs. Participants received either acupuncture or sham acupuncture over 10 sessions in four weeks. Researchers measured changes in pain and disability using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

                                                                                               ACUBALANCE BC sciatic pain CARE

Key findings include:

• A 30.8 mm reduction in pain on the VAS for the acupuncture group compared to a 14.9 mm reduction in the sham group.
• A 13-point improvement in disability scores (ODI) for the acupuncture group compared to 4.9 points in the sham group.
• Benefits were evident within two weeks and persisted for a full year.
• No serious adverse events were reported, affirming acupuncture's safety.

"This study highlights acupuncture's ability to provide relief for chronic sciatica patients, improving their quality of life significantly," said Dr. Lorne Brown, clinical director at Acubalance in Vancouver].

Combining Acupuncture with Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

To maximize treatment outcomes, we incorporate Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) alongside acupuncture. LLLT, or photobiomodulation, uses light wavelengths to penetrate tissue, reducing inflammation, stimulating cellular repair, and accelerating recovery.

Why Combine LLLT with Acupuncture?

• Enhanced Pain Relief: LLLT blocks pain signals and reduces inflammation.
• Accelerated Healing: It promotes tissue repair at the cellular level.
• Non-Invasive and Safe: Both therapies are gentle yet effective.

This combined approach creates a powerful synergy, providing comprehensive relief and recovery for sciatica patients.

Implications for Sciatica Sufferers:

With evidence and safety history, acupuncture and LLLT together offer a compelling alternative to medications or surgery. Patients are encouraged to explore these options for lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

About Acubalance

Acubalance, located in Vancouver, BC, for over 25 years, have helped individuals manage pain, including sciatica, through holistic, evidence-based treatments like acupuncture and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

https://www.prweb.com/releases/acupuncture-found-effective-for-chronic-sciatica-pain-in-groundbreaking-study-302347500.html

7 Best Sciatica Exercises to Relieve Back Pain, According to Fitness Experts

From bestlifeonline.com

These simple stretches could help reduce that burning, numb feeling 

The pain and numbness of sciatica is, unfortunately, an all too common problem. At some point in their lives, roughly 40 percent of people in the U.S. experience this nerve irritation that leads to a tingling and burning sensation down the back, buttocks, and legs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Thankfully, certain stretches and workouts could help alleviate the issue before it worsens. Read on for the best sciatica exercises to relieve back pain, according to fitness experts.

1 | Elephant walk

Shutterstock

For this exercise, you’ll need a bench or plyo box. Place both hands on the surface, keeping the lower back flat and both knees slightly bent. Then, drive one knee back at a time until you straighten it, feeling a stretch in the back of the leg and knee.

Hold the stretch for five to 10 seconds and then alternate to the other side, doing 10 to 20 reps per side. Raising or lowering the platform makes it easier or harder, respectively.

“This is a great stretch for the lower back and hamstring, while also incorporating nerve flossing of the sciatic nerve,” says Jacob Lesher, chiropractor at LifeClinic and national provider lead at Life Time. “The hamstrings and muscles of the lower back are common tight muscles involved in lower back and hip issues.”

He says that nerve flossing of the sciatic nerve relieves tension and pain in chronic issues, adding, “This is an excellent exercise to do during the warmup for your workouts.”

2 | Posterior pelvic tilt

Shutterstock

Pelvic exercises can help with a lot of issues, including sciatica.

To perform the posterior pelvic tilt, Devin Trachman, physical therapist and clinic director at Physical Therapy Central, says to take a deep “belly breath” in, then exhale.

As you exhale and your belly falls towards the ground, think of gently drawing the front of your hip bones towards each other, then gently pull your belly button toward the table or ground. As you do this, your back should start to flatten against the table/ground. Perform 10 to 15 total repetitions, holding each rep for three to five seconds.

“This exercise helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which are a part of your core muscles,” Trachman explains. “All muscles of your core must work together to support and control pressures that come through your body.”

He explains that if one part of this system is not functioning properly, then that puts added stress on the other parts, like your back or hip. The added stress can cause pain, such as sciatica pain.

3 | Single leg, leg raise

Shutterstock

Need a simple exercise that doesn’t require any equipment? All this requires is lying flat on your back and lightly pressing both heels into the floor while tightening your core. While maintaining slight pressure on one side, raise the other leg up to 70 to 90 degrees. Hold this for three to five seconds and lower back down with control before switching sides.

You should perform this exercise for 10 to 20 reps for two to five sets as a warmup for any workout. “If there is pain in the lower back, keep the non-working leg bent with the foot flat on the ground and perform all reps on one side before switching,” Lesher suggests.

“This is a great exercise for both strengthening and stretching the common imbalances present in the hip,” he explains. “The hip flexor and the hamstring/glutes are in constant battle for the support and stability of our hips and lower back. Ensuring balance keeps our hips and spine healthy and feeling good.”

4 | Cat-cow (or cat-camel) stretch

Shutterstock

Spinal compression can be one of the culprits behind sciatica, according to Cleveland Clinic. But this basic yoga pose can work wonders against it.

“This exercise is excellent for spinal mobility,” says Trachman. “It can help decompress the lower back and relieve tightness.”

Begin on your hands and knees with your hands below your shoulders and your knees below your hips. Then, arch the upper portion of your back as much as possible while bringing your head toward your chest.

Return to the starting position, and immediately arch the lower portion of your spine so that your stomach comes toward the floor while simultaneously raising your head. Repeat three sets of 10 reps.

5 | 90/90 hip stretch

Shutterstock

According to Trachman, hip mobility is a key factor for the health of our lower back and knees. That’s why focusing on the all-important joints’ health with another form of sciatic flossing is vital with a movement like this.

“This stretch challenges our hip range of motion in the two most limited areas: Internal and external rotation,” he says. “It’s a great warmup or cool-down exercise!”

Start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent in front of you, wider than shoulder-width apart. Then, rotate one leg internally and the other externally until your thighs are 90 degrees apart while the knees are creating a 90-degree angle. You should also try to hold your torso upright with a tight core.

Hold this stretch for five to 10 seconds and rotate your hips in the other direction to work the other side of this stretch. Repeat this motion for 60 to 90 seconds.

6 | Knee to chest stretch

Shutterstock

According to Trachman, the sciatic nerve can be compressed in the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks area. A knee-to-chest stretch can reduce tension and improve flexibility in the piriformis.

Perform this exercise by lying on your back on a bed or firm surface. Bring the knee of the side you wish to stretch up toward your chest. Next, place both hands around your knee and gently but firmly pull the knee as close to the chest as pain permits. Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat three repetitions on each side.

7 | Planks

iStock

Planks can feel like punishment in the gym, but they can also help with sciatica. “This exercise strengthens the core and offloads the spine,” Trachman explains.

Begin by lying on your stomach with your hands close to your chest. Keeping your abdominals tight, push up through your hands, fully extend your arms, and keep your feet straight out behind you, hip-width apart.

You should engage your lower abdominal muscles by drawing in from below your belly button and tighten your buttock muscles to maintain a neutral spine position. Hold 30 seconds and repeat three times.

We offer the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you're taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.

https://bestlifeonline.com/sciatica-exercises/

Low back pain and sciatica, two very common ailments in Spain and worldwide

From lavanguardia.com

Between 60 and 80% of the population experiences back pain at some point in their life

The first chronic health problem in Spain is back pain. Between 60 and 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Each year, nearly 15 percent of the population visits a medical consultation for this issue. Most people who suffer from back pain usually locate it in the lumbar area, although there are also patients who seek consultations for cervical and dorsal pain. Lumbar pain is the leading cause of physical activity limitation, especially in adults under 45 years of age and the main cause of work absenteeism.

Lumbago or low back pain is located in the lower back area between the last ribs and the buttock, and is usually caused by alterations in ligaments, muscles, vertebral discs, or vertebrae in that area of the back.

Low back pain can involve different types of injuries, so it is essential to correctly diagnose them before applying treatment

                                  AI-generated

When lower back pain is caused by a disease or a problem in the structure of the spine, it is known as specific low back pain. However, when the pain cannot be identified with any of these causes, it is called nonspecific low back pain, with 90 percent of cases related to this type of low back pain. If the pain that causes low back pain lasts less than a month, it is called acute low back pain; if it lasts between one and three months, it is considered sub-acute; and if it persists for more than 12 weeks, it is termed chronic. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by the year 2050, chronic low back pain could affect more than 800 million cases, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

The WHO believes that by the year 2050, chronic low back pain could affect 800 million people worldwide

Low back pain is not the only pain that affects the back. When that pain is accompanied by weakness, tingling, and numbness, then it is sciatica, a problem that occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lumbar region and runs down from the buttocks to each leg. It controls the muscles in the back of the knee, the lower leg area, and provides sensitivity to the back of the thigh, the lower leg region, and the sole of the foot. “Sciatica usually occurs when a herniated disc or excessive bone growth (arthritis) puts pressure on the nerve roots of the spine. This travels up from the sciatic nerve causing pain, inflammation, and often some numbness in the affected leg,” explains Dr. Juan Antonio Aguilera, clinical head of the Spine Unit at Quironsalud Badalona Hospital. “Most people fully recover from sciatica caused by herniated discs with medical treatment, however, sciatica can damage the nerves,” adds the doctor.

Doctor Juan Antonio Aguilera, healthcare coordinator of the Spine Unit at Quironsalud Badalona Hospital

 Quironsalud Group

The treatment of low back pain and sciatica focuses mainly on reducing pain and inflammation, so the specialist will start by prescribing analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the case of low back pain, the treatment also depends on the cause of the pain. Once the pain is controlled, physical therapy is recommended to strengthen the abdominal, lumbar, gluteal muscles, and the muscles of the spine. Physical therapy also corrects postural problems, improves range of motion, allowing the patient to resume physical activity and exercise. In severe cases, “myofascial or articular injections, that is, injecting the anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication directly into the affected area, provides short-term pain relief.”

On the other hand, epidural infiltrations are applied as a steroid injection in the epidural space of the spinal column to reduce inflammation and pain,“ emphasizes Dr. Miriam Puyo, healthcare manager of the Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Badalona Hospital. Additionally, ”high-frequency electrical currents can also be used to control the transmission of pain through the affected nerves at the disc level, the ganglion, or the vertebral joints. This treatment can be an effective option for patients with chronic lower back pain who have not responded to other conservative treatments," Dr. Puyo continues.

If conservative treatments do not yield results, in the case of severe lower back pain, surgical treatment may be necessary

When conservative treatments do not yield the expected results in cases of severe low back pain causing structural damage, surgical treatment may be necessary. In the case of sciatica, “90 percent of patients with a herniated disc improve without surgery; only in cases of failed conservative treatment or the presence of neurological deficits should surgery be considered,” according to Dr. Aguilera. Surgery is only performed when sciatica causes severe weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or if the pain does not respond to other treatments. In these cases, the surgeon removes the bone spur or the part of the herniated disc that is putting pressure on the nerve.

Doctor Miriam Puyo, healthcare provider at the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Badalona Hospital

 Quironsalud Group

To avoid the onset of lower back problems, it is important to maintain a series of preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, as excess weight can cause increased pressure on the spine and joints; exercising to strengthen the lumbar area, for example, Pilates or yoga, which improve posture, increase flexibility, and reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally, for weight control, it is advisable to follow a healthy and balanced diet and engage in regular physical exercise.

https://www.lavanguardia.com/mediterranean/20241220/10227043/low-back-pain-sciatica-common-ailments-pain-health-quiron-hospital-barcelona-spain-lumbago-disease-disc-vertebrae.html