How To Begin Using Yoga For Sciatica

By Faye Martins

As many wellness experts know, sciatica is a debilitating condition that can problematize an individual's ability to enjoy life and maintain mental and emotional balance. However, there are a plethora of solutions available that can limit and even eliminate symptoms. One such solution is yoga. Yoga is a great form of exercise that places primacy on creating unity between the mind and body while fostering a feeling of well-being and calm through the use of physical movements. Individuals who are interested in using yoga for sciatica can implement these three simple strategies to get started:
1. Take A Class
Because yoga has become an immensely popular form of exercise, it's relatively easy to find a recreation center or gym that offers classes. These group settings can be particularly advantageous for individuals who struggle with sciatica and are just starting to learn the exercise because they include the instruction and support of a trained instructor. Additionally, classes often bring the added benefit of group camaraderie and support from other participants. If you opt to take classes in this group setting, be sure to bring a towel, water bottle, and mat with you.

2. Purchase Instructional DVDs
This is another great option for individuals who have sciatica and want to eliminate or limit the symptoms. Instructional DVDs are a great alternative to taking group classes, especially for individuals who are introverted or simply don't enjoy exercising in front of other people. Typically, people can find instructional DVDs in their local supermarket. One great benefit of instructional DVDs is that people can utilize them at a time which is convenient for them rather than having to maintain the group class schedule of a gym or recreation center.
3. Hire A Professional Instructor
Hiring a professional instructor is yet another wonderful option for individuals who want to rid themselves of sciatica symptoms. Generally, professional instructors have extensive experience in the field and can offer individuals the type of detail-oriented, customer-centered instruction that yields great results. Hiring a professional instructor can be a fairly simple process. To get started, individuals can do a keyword search for local personal instructors on the internet or call a local gym.
A Note About Comprehensive Health
As many people already know, doing yoga is an effective way to limit the symptoms associated with sciatica. However, it's important for sciatica sufferers to note that attaining optimal health is contingent upon maintaining a lifestyle marked by holistic wellness. This means that sciatica sufferers should pay careful attention to both their diet and exercise habits in order to make their condition a thing of the past or effectively manage symptoms. Thus in addition to doing consistent exercise, sciatica sufferers should maintain a healthy diet comprised largely of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also important that sciatica sufferers periodically check in with a trained medical official to have their condition evaluated and also to optimize the plan for recovery.

Summing It All Up
Individuals who suffer with sciatica should note that yoga is a great form of exercise that can be used to combat symptoms. Individuals who are interested in beginning the exercise program right now can utilize one of the three options outlined above to get started. In so doing, sciatica sufferers will likely find that they are able to lead much happier, healthier lives.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Begin-Using-Yoga-For-Sciatica&id=8819146

Is Active Release Therapy the Solution You've Been Searching For?

By Abigail Aaronson

Understanding Active Release Therapy (often abbreviated A.R.T.) can be a little tricky, so let's begin by explaining the types of tissue problems it can help with before explaining the therapy itself.
Tissue Issues
Active Release Therapy is great for treating chronic problems like headaches, sciatica, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Sciatica is a term for leg pain (sometimes numbness, tingling, or weakness) that originates in the lower back and then travels down the sciatic nerve through the legs. Shin splints describe pain experienced between the knee and ankle, which is typically caused by repeated trauma to the connective muscle tissue around the shinbone (often a result of activities like running). Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurring when there is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone and toes.

All of these conditions are usually the result of overused muscles (or soft tissues). Overuse can change the muscle through pulls or tears (acute conditions), an accumulation of small tears, or hypoxia (muscles not receiving enough oxygen). These occurrences can lead to your body producing dense, tough scar tissue in the affected muscles. This scar tissue tightens up other tissues that are supposed to be moving freely. When the scar tissue builds up, the muscles become tighter. This can result in decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, and pain. Muscle tension from scar tissue can also affect nerves, causing numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness.
The A.R.T.ful Remedy
Active Release Therapy is a form of soft tissue therapy, essentially a soft tissue massage of targeted areas to get at the source of pain. It addresses problems with individual tissues and problems in between tissues. This last part is important to note because tissues can affect other tissues or structures near them, either directly or biomechanically (a fancy word for the mechanical function of a body part). A.R.T. sessions begin with a physical exam and a personal history evaluation to ensure treatment plans are customized for each individual case. During these examinations, abnormal tissues (i.e. scar tissues) are identified and evaluated by the Active Release Therapy provider. From there, the tissue is treated with a combination of directed tension and specific patient movements. Each session's treatment is dependent upon the provider's examination of the patient's needs, ensuring each session is individualized and that no two patients' treatments are alike.

Another positive of this incredible therapy is the fact that it is completely natural. A.R.T. relieves pain without medication or invasive procedures (like surgery). Appointment schedules can also be arranged to fit around patients' busy lives so they can find the plan that best suits them without any interruption to work or school.
Active Release Therapy is an innovative solution to a wide variety of soft tissue-related pains. With its non-invasive treatment and flexible scheduling, there's not much to lose by setting up an appointment and finding out if A.R.T. can put an end to your pain. Experiencing a pain-free lifestyle opens up many new and exciting activities that you probably never thought you could consider.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Active-Release-Therapy-the-Solution-Youve-Been-Searching-For?&id=9250924

Is Your Large Purse The Cause Of Your Back Pain?

By M B Laloli

You can get back pain, neck pain or shoulder pain relief by changing what you carry around in your large purse. The fact is that most of us carry far too much in our bags these days - laptops, iPads, phones, makeup, wallets, personal hygiene items, books, documents, water bottles, snacks and the list goes on! This additional weight is destroying our backs. The contemporary woman loves to carry a large purse, but the truth is that bigger bags result in heavier loads!
Sure, we want to be prepared for every event. But the "just-in-case" mindset comes with a hefty price. Heavy oversized bags carry a serious risk of injury. The combination of the weight of the bag against your muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments, plus the compensating shift in your posture you make to carry the heavy load, can lead to back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, pain in your buttocks, headaches and general body aches, especially if your upper-body muscles are already weak or tight. Over time, you could experience more severe nerve trauma or even degenerative joint disease, all due to injuries caused by carrying a bag that is too heavy.
If you lug around a large purse that is too heavy, you will probably end up with a sore shoulders, sore neck, sore back and/or sore arms. This is because the trapezius muscles in the upper back and the cervical para-spinal muscles in the neck become strained from carrying a heavy weight in one position over time.
First, the weight pulls on the network of nerves that can cause aching or shooting pain from the neck down the arm. Furthermore, every time you throw your heavy large purse over your shoulder, the upper back muscles that support the shoulder blade must fight to counterbalance that weight; sooner or later they get overworked and painful. And the symptoms don't stop there, because if you load, say, 10 extra pounds onto one side of the body, and it can cause the trunk to tilt sideways to compensate, adding lower-back pain to the list of pains.
The pressure on the muscles in the back of the head and shoulders can cause symptoms such as:
1. Upper neck, shoulder and back pain
2. Poor posture
3. Muscle spasms
4. Sciatica (including nerve pain in the buttocks and down the legs)
5. Tendinitis of the elbow
6. Injury to the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder
7. Tension headaches
8. Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or fingers due to pinched nerves
9. Lower back pain
Over time you can end up with an increased risk of Scoliosis which is defined also as curvature of the spine; Kyphosis, also known as hunchback especially in women with weak bones; painful osteoarthritis; and/or full-blown degenerative joint disease in the shoulders.
According to specialist, Dr. Erickson, the reasons that your heavy large purse causes all these horrible symptoms is because:
1. Your natural gait is thrown off. Your gait is the way your arms and legs swing when you walk naturally. It keeps your body balanced. But if you put a heavy large purse on one side of your body, your arm on that side can't swing properly and your other arm has to swing more.
2. Your muscles are then off balance and you develop an asymmetry in your posture. Since all of the weight of your bag is on one shoulder, you're carrying an asymmetric load, which throws off your posture. Most people tend to carry purses on their dominant side, i.e. if you're right-handed, you'll hang it over your right shoulder. But this causes the muscles in your dominant shoulder, particularly the trapezius muscle, to become enlarged.

3. A heavy asymmetric load causes muscles in your spine to compensate for the weight, which can cause the opposite side of your spine to go into spasm. This over-compensation can also affect your lower back and your sacrum, the bone at the base of the lower spine. The more asymmetric the load, the more the muscles below the shoulder have to work, and as a result, your muscles become stiff and painful.
4. Carrying that heavy purse can cause the trapezius muscle, which sits on top of your shoulders, to go into spasm and therefore, tighten, along with the muscles that go from your shoulder to the base of your neck causing a lot of stiffness in the upper back, the shoulder area and the neck. It can also cause a decreased curve in the neck, which is known as "military neck.
5. You can develop arthritis in your neck if you carry a heavy weight for a long period of time. The delicate muscles that help you carry your purse also aid with turning the head, making that action painful.
6. You can get tension headaches from the muscles being forced to do all of this heavy lifting. When the muscles in your shoulder and neck area spasm, it can cause pain in the back of your skull that radiates around to the front resulting in headaches.
How To Carry Your Large Purse Safely
Apart from the size and weight of your large purse, it is how you carry your purse that can cause aches and pains. Avoid injury by making these simple adjustments.
1. Change from side to side: Carrying a bag on the same side continually can overwork muscles and permanently affect your posture. To prevent this, frequently switch sides from time to time.
2. Carry your bag diagonally across your shoulder. It is best to carry a heavy bag across your body and adjust the strap to minimize swing. This allows the core trunk muscles to carry more of the load.
3. Do not raise your shoulder to stop your bag from slipping. If your bag is so heavy that you have to scrunch up your shoulder to hold it in place it will create a bad posture which will lead to shoulder, neck, and upper back pain because muscles have to work extra hard.. Do not hike up one shoulder, in an attempt to stop your bag straps from falling off, because it will only tighten the muscles on that side.
4. Do not carry your heavy bag in the crook of your arm because it can lead to elbow injuries like tendinitis. Limit strain by carrying two small bags instead of one heavy one or use a backpack.
5. Maintain a good posture when you carry a large purse by keeping your abs engaged (like you're buttoning up a tight pair of pants), your weight centred over your feet, and your shoulder blades down and back.
6. Firm up your upper body with exercises: You are more likely to experience pain is your upper-body muscles are weak or tight. Firm up with stretches and strength moves.
7. Resist the temptation to text while carrying your large purse. The double strain of texting and carrying that extra weight may cause the curve in your neck to get lost and get flat leading to pain.
8. Wear sensible footwear because the combination of high heels and heavy purses is a recipe for injury. High heels tilt your pelvis forward and predispose you to back pain and if a heavy purse is thrown into the mix, you have even more of a chance for chronic pain and irritating injury.
Change The Type of Large Purse You Carry
If you really need to carry a lot of items change the style of large purse you use. A messenger bag, cross body bag or a backpack distribute the weight more evenly. If your load is very heavy think about using a trolley bag.
Lifting any weight over 25 pounds has the possibility of causing injury, especially if you're moving the object from a position below your knees to above your waist or holding it in front of your body. If carrying a heavy load, you need to counterbalance to prevent the muscles from being overstretched.
Choose the right type of bag for you which adds functionality; health and safety; together with style and fashion. Some tips:
1. Pick a bag with minimal hardware. Buckles, grommets, belts, and other trimmings add to the weight of the bag; a sleeker style inevitably lightens your load. Go for a bag that's classic and steam-lined without all sorts of accessories.
2. Pick a bag with a wide strap, one that is at least 2 inches (5 cm) wide to spread weight evenly. The thicker the better. A narrow strap focusses force and can dig into and irritate the ligaments at the acromioclavicular joint, where your collar bone meets your shoulder blade.
3. Better still, pick a bag with alternative strap options so that you can alternate how you wear it. E.g., choose a bag which has handles that you can hold in your hand, as well as longer straps for cross-body wearing to better disperse the weight to give your shoulders a rest.
4. Pick a bag that has straps that are the right length for your body and adjust the straps so they are set up correctly for you. If the handbag is too short or high up, it's going to affect the way your arm can swing. But if too long, it will affect the way your hips swing when you walk. You need to be able to swing your hips and your shoulders freely without being jarred by the bag.
5. Pick a bag made in a lightweight material, especially if you need a large purse to carry your daily essentials. A nylon or fabric shell is characteristically much lighter than leather though butter-soft leathers may also be lighter.
6. Ensure that the bag has different compartments to allocate the weight evenly. Without compartments, all your things will collect in one spot in the bag, creating a painful load to carry.
7. Pick a smaller sized bag. It's only logical: the bigger the bag the heavier it is and the more rubbish you lug around.
Reduce What You Carry In Your Bag
Weigh your large purse. If it is over 25 pounds it is much too heavy. Your full bag shouldn't weigh more than 10% of your body weight, so if you're 150 pounds, your bag (and its contents) should not be more than 15 pounds. In fact, some specialists recommend that the limit should be only 5% of your body weight. Evaluate what you truly need to take with you and be brutal - health is more important than being prepared for any event! So put your bag on a diet:
1. The weight of the large purse itself- bags can weigh anything from less than a pound up to several pounds depending on the size, the material and hardware. If your bag is 8 to 10 pounds the drag from it may cause problems. Pick a bag which appeals to your fashion style but has functionality and safety built in.

2. A wallet may weigh a pound or more - remove unused cards, receipts and put coins in a jar.
3. Key chains can be 2 pounds or more - remove any keys you don't need. Choose a light-weight key ring.
4. Coupons together can weigh a pound or more - toss out all expired coupons - or upload them to your phone.
5. Make-up bags all up may weigh 2-3 pounds or more - only carry items you need to refresh your makeup.
6. Personal hygiene packets can weigh up to a pound - take just what you need but don't be caught short.
7. Documents can add up in weight - say 2-3 pounds or more - be a planner and only carry what you need for the day.
8. Pens and pencils add weight also, up to a pound - select what you need and store the rest
9. Laptops can weight several pounds so choose a light weight model for travel
10. Mobile phones and I-pads can also weigh several pounds
11. Snacks and water bottles add significant weight
When you add everything up that you like or need to carry you can see it would very quickly get to be well over 5-10% of your body weight.
Do Upper Body Exercises To Strengthen
If you have weak muscles in your upper body you are more likely to develop pain from carrying a large purse which is too heavy. Strengthen your muscles with some routine exercises. If experiencing pain, consult a doctor before starting these exercises.
1. Neck Rotation - Slowly circle head to from right, forward, and left; then reverse. Do 5 to 10 repeats per side.
2. Neck Stretch - Stand tall, with your right hand behind head near left ear. Gently pull down toward right shoulder; hold 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
3. Resistance Band Row - Place the left foot on a resistance band and the right foot back, and hold one handle with right hand. Slowly draw elbow up toward ribs. Hold for one count, and then lower. Do 12 to 15 repeats. Switch sides and repeat.
4. Shoulder Roll - Stand tall with shoulders pressed down. Roll shoulders up, back, down, and forward in a circle 10 times; repeat in the reverse direction.
5. Lat Pull- Down - Place centre of resistance band firmly in a closed doorway, one end in each hand. Raise hands above head, and then pull elbows down to sides. Hold for one count, and then raise hands back to start. Do 12 to 15 repeats.
Other things that can help to strengthen your upper body are stretching, yoga, pilates, light weights and other forms of exercise which make sure that your shoulders are equally strong and toned. It's also useful to try walking without a bag from time to time to reinstate your natural gait.
Summary
I recommend that you totally empty out your large purse and start again with only the bare necessities of life. Decrease the load and you will be surprised at what an improvement it makes to your general health. Ease the pain by reducing the weight in your bag in order to avoid shoulder or back pain. Choose stuff which is lighter so that it fits into your large purse. If you've sorted out your large purse, but still have numbness or tingling in your hands, a decrease in grip strength, or increasing back pain, seek medical help.

Women love to carry a large purse. Make sure you choose the style that is right for you so that you are not only fashionable but keep healthy and well at the same time. Think about a backpack, messenger bag or a trolley bag to carry those heavy loads.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Your-Large-Purse-The-Cause-Of-Your-Back-Pain?&id=9241763

When You Need Sciatica Pain Relief

By Jeff Parks

Pain caused by sciatica is felt deep inside the leg and can be incredibly crippling. Sciatica can also cause tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or a sharp burning feeling all of which are uncomfortable. Achieving sciatica pain relief permanently involves targeting the cause of the sciatica and treating the cause, otherwise pain alleviation may only be temporary.
Sciatica refers to damage or pressure involving the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the bottom of the spine, through the hip joint, knee and ankle. Damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve can be caused by a variety of reasons and needs to be investigated in order for sciatica pain relief to be obtained on a permanent basis.
Temporary sciatica pain relief can involve taking anti-inflammatory medication or pain killers. In more serious cases cortisone injections may be administered. Placing hot or cold ice packs on the painful area as well resting the affected area may also be recommended to aid in reducing inflammation and help with alleviating pain.

However sciatica, which is a type of neuralgia, is often considered a symptom of a cause. Sciatica can be as a result of many things including piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, slipped or herniated disk, tumors, osteoporosis, and pregnancy among others. Many of these causes of sciatica are further caused by other factors. Each of these causes needs to be looked at carefully in order to treat sciatica and help with sciatica pain relief on a more permanent basis if the pain does not ease up.
Often physical therapists can be recommended for sciatica pain relief as they can help with stretches and strengthening exercises that may target some of the sciatica causes. Piriformis syndrome can be relieved by stretching the tense piriformis muscle and strengthening the surrounding gluteal muscles to give the hip area support, taking strain off the piriformis muscle and ultimately the sciatic nerve. When sciatica is caused by back problems such as a herniated disk or spondylolisthesis, strengthening the muscles in the lower back will help relieve any pressure on the sciatic nerve which has been placed on it due to weakness in the back. A herniated disk refers to when a disk in the back has slipped or pushed on to the muscle from straining the back, a sports injury or moving in an unusual way. Spondylolisthesis refers to a vertebra slipping onto another vertebra. Physical therapists may also recommend massaging around the area where the cause of the sciatica is to relieve muscle tension, which may also aid sciatica pain relief.
In more extreme cases of sciatica when the pain can not be kept at bay and someone suffers from it continuously, surgery may be considered as a way to treat the cause of the sciatica. If spinal stenosis is the cause, which refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, surgery may be a way to physically take pressure off the spinal cord and ultimately the lower back, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and promoting sciatica pain relief. Surgery may also be used to physically loosen the pirformis muscle, undoing its hold on the sciatic nerve as well as repairing the vertebra that has slipped onto another vertebra in the case of spondylolisthesis. It may also be a way to remove a possible tumor, which could be pushing on the sciatic nerve. However surgery would be a last resort as a means of alleviating sciatica pain and help with sciatica pain relief.

Sciatica pain relief can be achieved temporarily with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication as well as hot packs and ice packs. However if the pain increases, it is recommended that you consult your physician immediately to locate the cause of the sciatica and target it to achieve ultimate sciatica pain relief.

http://ezinearticles.com/?When-You-Need-Sciatica-Pain-Relief&id=6178980

Recovery Times and Tips After Laser Spine Surgery

By Choll Kim

Laser spine surgery is the least invasive option when it comes to having any form of spinal surgery. Unfortunately this type of technique cannot be used on all spinal injuries, so you will have to discuss the options with your surgeon to identify which techniques will work best based on your particular spinal issues. In most instances laser spine surgery is only used on small back issues.
It is important, as with any surgery, that you prepare in advance. Ensure you have plenty of groceries at home with someone who can cook and care for your family while you recover. Recovery time varies from patient to patient, so staying active and fit for as long as possible before your surgery can help you recover that little bit quicker moving forward.
The cause and severity of your spinal issues will determine what surgery is the best solution for you. There are two types of laser spine surgery; the first is decompression surgery and the second is stabilization surgery. Both will have similar recovery times.

On the day of your surgery, ensure you have someone who can drop you at the hospital at the agreed time, this can reduce your need to drive. Remember after the surgery you will not be driving for a while, until you are recovered and feel comfortable and confident in the driver's seat.
After the surgery, you may stay over night for observation. This is usually a decision which is made by your surgeon and medical team. Staying over night for monitoring ensures that your pain medication is working and you are not experiencing any unnecessary pain, which may get worse once you get home.
When you have been discharged, don't expect to be running any marathons any time soon or spend a day playing football with the family. Recovery time can feel slow, though with laser surgery it is much faster than if you had traditional surgery.
Take your surgeons recovery tips seriously. Write them down if you have to so that you know what you can and cannot do and what you should be doing to aid your recovery. Depending on what your surgery was for, your surgeon may encourage you to get up and get moving within a few hours of surgery. Again, you are not expected to run a marathon, but you should move around the home just to get some movement in your body.
Take it easy for the next few weeks and don't over exert yourself. Up to eighty six percent of patients who have this type of surgery return to work in three months and can resume all their normal daily activities within the three month period. This is a massive difference between the six to twelve month recovery period if you were to have traditional surgery.

Start with baby steps. Ensure you keep a chair nearby when cooking, so if you feel you have overdone it, you can sit down and rest. Do a little more each day building your confidence and managing your pain accordingly.
The good news with laser spine surgery is that you don't have a large incision on your back which means that you don't have a long scar which has been stitched to deal with. You will have one or two small incisions which will heal within days, so all you have to focus on is getting up and moving and returning to daily life as quickly as possible.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Recovery-Times-and-Tips-After-Laser-Spine-Surgery&id=9228464

Sciatica Nerve Pain Relief

By Anna Peterson


Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a serious form of pain that has a variety of causes and symptoms that are usually only felt on one half of the body. It has been prevalent since ancient times, and is fairly widespread and recognized. Symptoms include shooting or burning pain either in one of the five spinal nerve roots, usually leading to lower back, hip, buttock and leg pain. In addition to this pain, a feeling of numbness or weakness usually accompanies sciatica.
Causes of sciatica are diverse, but they include a lumbar disc herniation pressing on a nerve, which usually accounts for most of the cases. However, practically any type of irritation that impacts the nerve can be held liable: other causes include tumors, infections, and internal bleeding. Many women also contract sciatica during pregnancy, as it can aggravate the sciatic nerve, but it usually has no traumatic impact on the fetus. For those with sciatica, risk factors include degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.
Sciatica nerve pain relief is dependent on several factors. Since the sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in the body, it can sometimes be a lengthy process for it to be repaired to optimal function. However, there are times when sciatia resolves itself after a short time span of weeks, but this usually occurs specifically when the cause is a lumbar disc herniation.
The most common form of sciatica nerve pain relief is medication that is specifically used to relieve inflammation and pain, though evidence about the helpfulness of medication is still being debated. Nonetheless, among the most popular prescribed medications are muscle relaxants, botulism toxin and cortisone injections, and other forms of painkillers. On occasion, epidural steroid injections are often employed, though these agents are more controversially used.
Bed rest is the traditional form of treatment for sciatica, as walking or exercising with these symptoms is not advised. There has much research conducting on the effectiveness of bed rust in helping patients with sciatica nerve pain relief. Usually, after a span of three to four months, the majority of patients suffering these symptoms report slight improvement. However, this improvement is roughly analogous to patients who did not receive bed rest; thus, the case for bed rest as a form of sciatica nerve pain relief is not significant.
Some people in desperate need of sciatica nerve pain relief turn to surgical methods to remove part of the disc in a process called disectomy. While this may be an appealing option to some, the majority of research shows that the long-term benefits do not show a significant improvement. In the short run, pain may be alleviated, but otherwise it seems to have no enormous effect on the pain.
Though these are some of the most prevalent forms of sciatica nerve pain relief, other opportunities abound. These include stretching exercises, physical therapy, and naturopathic remedies.
Ultimately, though sciatica is painful and quite serious, there is still hope for those who are suffering from it. Over time, symptoms may abate completely, and even if it may not completely go away, scientists are researching it and striving to come up with a more effective cure.

http://goarticles.com/article/Sciatica-Nerve-Pain-Relief/7905113/

Here's A Question - What Relieves Sciatica?

By Stuart Ward

Save your relationships I hear you say! Yes, that's right. For one thing I've discovered is, left untreated, sciatica not only affects you, it affects those close to and around you too.
Thankfully, I've never suffered with sciatica (touch wood), but my wonderful girlfriend and partner has.
Seeing her constantly suffer and struggle with the pain made me feel sad. But after a while, the constant sleepless nights where she would be tossing and turning because of the discomfort would leave us both feeling tired and drained in the morning.
Not exactly what you want before starting a day's work!
So, my girlfriend being Thai has several friends that practice Thai massage and pressure point therapy. They shared with us stretches and acupressure massage that, if practiced daily, really helped to relieve my girlfriend's sciatica pain.
What we discovered was a three-step process towards relieving sciatica and lower body pain.
Many fellow sufferers have since asked me: "what relieves sciatica?"

With that in mind allow me to share this three-step process with you.
Stretching
We were shown specific stretches that target certain muscles along with the sciatic nerve itself. Daily stretching not only helps relieve sciatica, it also keeps your spine fluid and flexible.
When stretching it's important to keep things balanced. What I mean by this is after completing one particular stretch you need to follow-up with an opposite stretch.
For example, when stretching the spine in one direction follow-up by stretching your spine in the opposite direction.
Two stretches I like to do every morning to start my day is the "cat stretch" followed with the "cobra stretch." This ensures my spine is stretched in opposite directions keeping it balanced, fluid and flexible.
One common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. This is a small muscle buried deep within our buttocks and it sure hurts if it gets damaged or inflamed. It'll put pressure on your sciatic nerve and you'll feel a stabbing pain in your buttocks and back of legs.
If piriformis syndrome is causing your sciatica then you'll need to stretch this tiny muscle.
Taken from yoga, the "pigeon pose" or stretch is ideal for stretching the piriformis muscle as well as opening your hips and loosening your lower body.
Acupressure Therapy
This was the eastern secret my girlfriend's friends shared with us. Manipulating and massaging certain pressure points really helped to relieve her sciatica pain, especially when used in conjunction with stretching exercises.
We tend to turn a blind eye to this type of therapy in the west but acupressure has been practiced for thousands of years in the far east. And the beauty of this is, you can do this alone in the privacy of your own home.
I used to have my doubts but I'm happy to say I'm a firm believer now.
Diet
"You are what you eat." Food is probably the most underrated therapy in the western world.
After seeing what my Thai friends eat everyday I now realize why they always appear healthy and look younger than they really are.

They always eat foods that are known to combat inflammation and boost our immune systems.
Every Thai meal comes packed with spices including chili, turmeric, garlic and ginger along with leafy greens. If you add these to your daily diet you really don't need a medicine cabinet!
Nature gives us everything we need, it's all too easy to overlook that in today's world.
So, Back To Our Question - What Relieves Sciatica?
Well put simply, nature does!
I know sciatica can be debilitating but you really don't have to keep popping pills everyday to stop your pain. Do things the way nature intended and you can't go too far wrong.
Follow a daily routine of stretching and acupressure, eat the right healthy foods and you'll be surprised how quickly you can stop your sciatica pain - and for good!
Surely that must be worth it to get the quality of your former life back - wouldn't you agree?

http://ezinearticles.com/?Heres-A-Question---What-Relieves-Sciatica?&id=9213854

Sciatic Pain and the Piriformis Muscle

By Dr Ryan French

Yesterday a new patient presented to our office having been given the diagnosis of "SCIATICA" (pronounced sigh - attic - ah) by their family physician.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the gluteal region and down the leg, right into the toes. It has many branches to it, is one of the longest nerves in the body, and pressure on it is downright painful. In fact, it can be completely debilitating.
"Sciatica" is the name used to simply describe inflammation or irritation of this nerve. But, a diagnosis of simply 'sciatica' is the same as saying a diagnosis of headache, or back pain... all of which are descriptions of a type of pain, but do not clearly identity the cause of the symptom.
This is why a simple diagnosis of "sciatica" is incomplete at best as it does not differentiate sciatic pain caused by vertebral subluxation, piriformis spasm, the presence of disc or bone pathology, a degenerative process, weakness in surrounding musculature, etc.

In order to properly correct a problem, I believe you need to understand the cause of it first.
In some circumstances (about 15% of the time), the main muscle involved is the piriformis muscle.
It is a small muscle that extends from the bottom of the sacro-iliac joint to the top part of the femur bone. The job of the piriformis is to rotate the hip outwards, or to lift the leg outwards from the body when the hip is bent or knee is raised.
Tightness in this muscle is related to sacro-iliac pain and some types of sciatica. It is most often involved when someone feels a sharp pain in the buttocks, sometimes with pain radiating down the back of the leg.
To stretch the piriformis muscle, lie on your back and cross the involved leg (the sore side) over the other, placing the outside of the ankle on the front of the opposite thigh. For example, if your right lower back is sore, lay on your back, bend your knees, and then cross your right leg over your left, ensuring that your right outside ankle is placed on the left thigh, just above the knee.
Then, with both knees now bent, clasp your hands together behind the knee of the lower leg, and gently pull the lower leg toward your chest. In the example above, you would be holding your left leg in your hands, in order to stretch the right piriformis. Pull until you feel a stretch in the gluteal region.
Depending on the shape of your hips, you may need to pull towards one shoulder or the other to feel the stretch more intensely.

Hold for 30 seconds, then rest 30 seconds. Repeat 1-3 times. Feel free to stretch both sides for symmetry and balance in the pelvis.
If you are experiencing a re-occurring problem with this muscle, you'll need to have someone diagnose WHY this muscle is in spasm. Many times, simply stretching it or massaging it to loosen it up still does not address why the muscle is in spasm in the first place.
A standard chiropractic evaluation that includes assessing your posture, range of motion, palpation, nerve scan and x-ray will easily identify the cause of the problem. Once a proper, more detailed diagnosis is made, treatment protocol can be more customized/specific to your individual needs.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Sciatic-Pain-and-the-Piriformis-Muscle&id=9199676

Sciatica Surgery - What You Need to Know

By Choll Kim

Thousands of patients undergo sciatica surgery each and every year around the world. There are times when this surgery should be considered. The first time you and your surgeon may decide it's time to consider this surgery is when you have been in constant paid for more than four to six weeks.
Before you consider sciatica surgery, it is important that you note that this is entirely your decision. Your surgeon, doctor and family cannot make the decision on your behalf, this is down to you, how much pain you are in and whether you can manage with the pain moving forward.
Your doctor is likely to recommend you consider sciatic surgery in the event your pain is unbearable and has been constant for four to six weeks. They may also advise you consider this surgery when the pain medications have been useless and you are still in ongoing pain.

Leg weakness often results in urgent surgery and the surgeon may not give you the option to go ahead or not as this can result in problems moving forward. There are two options that you need to know about when it comes to sciatica surgery; there is open surgery and then there is endoscopic surgery, both of which an provide you with improved results and ensure that you reduce the pain and give you your life back.
During open surgery a piece of disc is removed. The piece removed is the portion that is irritating the nerve, leaving the rest of the disc to reduce ongoing and further damage. Open surgery comes with a number of risks that you do need to be aware of, such as muscle damage, irritating muscles surrounding the area. Of course the benefit to the open sciatica surgery is that up to ninety five percent of patients experience relief after surgery.
With the closed or lumber laminectomy surgery, a small incision is made with a piece of bone or disc material is removed which is pinching the nerve. With this surgery the risk may be reduced when it comes to muscle damage and up to eighty percent of patients experience relief after this sciatica surgery.
Remember that having sciatica surgery is completely your decision and there are a number of important factors to take into consideration to ensure that you make the best decision to meet your particular needs and ongoing requirements. If you are in constant pain and you are living on pain killers, then having the surgery can eliminate all of this, enabling you to live a normal life completely pain free.
In addition to this, it is important that you discuss the options with your surgeon to identify which of the sciatica surgery options is the right choice for you. Discuss the outcomes and speak with your surgeon to see which of these two surgeries they feel is going to benefit you the most now and in the future.

Don't be shy to ask your surgeon questions about your sciatica surgery. Take someone to your appointment with you so that they can take notes, if there is anything you have forgotten later, then ensure that they have the answers for you. Questions such as how long you will have to remain in hospital, how long recovery takes and when you can return to work should be the most important questions to ask.
You may also want to ask about success rates and recovery rates, ensuring that if you elect to go ahead with the sciatica surgery, you can have peace of mind that your chances of a speedy and full recovery are high.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Sciatica-Surgery---What-You-Need-to-Know&id=9195134

Topical Remedies: The Right Way to Let You Avoid Surgical Procedures for the Knee

By Harshad J

One of the best and most effective ways to overcome knee joint pain is by use of topical medications. Topical treatments are applied externally on the affected area, which ensures that they act locally and have an analgesic effect at the point where one may be suffering from pain.
There are some very basic advantages of going for a topical medication.
- These medications are mainly preferred because they relieve discomfort without affecting the rest of our body.
- These treatments have a minimum chance of side effects, as they are not consumed orally and work by bypassing the digestive track altogether.
- Topical medications are absorbed by the skin, and render a soothing effect to our knees by penetrating through to the bones and muscles.
There are multiple mechanisms by which topical medications work, and effectively so. For healing ailing joints, inducing heat in the applied part of the body (mainly joints), to ensure a higher supply of synovial fluid is an important mechanism by which topical medications work.

What is Synovial fluid?
Synovial fluid and its proper regeneration is a must for proper functioning of joints. It is a viscous fluid which nourishes the articular cartilage.
In our bodies, the bones are cushioned at the ends by cartilage cushions called articular cartilage, a gelatinous substance that covers up the bones. If the cartilage is healthy, it would have a slick surface that prevents friction between bones and enables smooth motion.
As the degree of impact sustained by articular cartilage is high, there are no blood vessels present here. And in absence of blood vessels, the cartilage is nurtured by a fluid present around the joints, which is called the synovial fluid.
The synovial fluid is produced by synovial membranes. It fills up the microcavities and articular cartilage, and prevents friction by acting like a wet sponge.
What causes knee joint pain?
In most medical conditions, knee joint pain is triggered when there is an inadequate amount of synovial fluid in microcavities or articular cartilage. Topically applied medications that are especially meant for joint pain often work by increasing the circulation of blood around the joints. This stimulates synovial membranes to produce synovial fluid, which ensures smooth movement of joints. Using topical medications can thus be very helpful for rendering relief in all types of joint pains, including discomfort arising from everyday fatigue, to conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Regular use of topical medications for discomfort in joints not just helps us overcome pain, but also makes the joints stronger over time. These medications are also useful for repairing the damaged parts of joints.

Sandhi Sudha Plus: The miracle of Ayurveda
If you have been diagnosed with any of the medical conditions like sciatica, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or have been afflicted by joint pain in any form, Sandhi Sudha Plus is the right remedy to go for.
Sandhi Sudha Plus is a 100% herbal remedy that has proved to be highly effective for healing all strains of joint pain, and has enable people to lead a normal life, all over again.
Sandhi Sudha Plus: Letting you avoid surgery for ailing joints
If you have been recommended to go for an operation or any of the surgical procedures for ailing joints, you must try out Sandhi Sudha Plus first. This would make sure that you are able to recover from the condition and return back to normalcy without having to go for surgery.

Go for Sandhi Sudha Plus, if you have been suffering from knee joint pain or have a loved one who has been suffering from any of the joint pains, including shoulder pain, back pain or hip joint pain.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Topical-Remedies:-The-Right-Way-to-Let-You-Avoid-Surgical-Procedures-for-the-Knee&id=9184052

Discectomy Spine Surgery: Will It Cure Your Chronic Sciatic Nerve Pain?

By Choll Kim

Suffering from sciatica is no joke and leaves thousands of people in pain each year. When a patient seeks out medical intervention for sciatic nerve pain, they are typically referred to a physical therapist before any surgical or invasive procedures are performed. Sometime, anti-inflammatory and pain medications will also be prescribed.
If the aforementioned treatments do not produce a significant decrease in pain, a surgical procedure called a discectomy might be in order. This is something a patient and their surgeon will discuss together and weigh the risks versus the benefits.
Most people are more than happy to go under the knife when they have sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain extends from the lower back and shoots down the back of the legs. This pain can be severe and produces sensations of numbness, weakness, tingling, and other undesirable symptoms.
When a patient has a ruptured or herniated disc, a discectomy is typically the main course of action. These problems affect the lumbar spine and when patients have not responded to medication, physical therapy, traction, spinal decompression, or epidural steroid injections, surgery becomes almost inevitable.

When a disc becomes herniated, the exterior of the disc becomes compromised, weakened, and can sometimes tear. When this happens, jelly-like fluid leaks out of the disc and puts pressure on the surrounding sciatic nerve tissue. This is why sufferers feels pain and other symptoms in their lower backs and legs.
Traditionally, an open discectomy is performed, which involves an incision being made in the patient's back over the herniated disc. During the procedure, muscle tissue is cut away from the herniated disc and removed. In some cases, a retractor might be utilized in order to keep the muscle tissue and flesh pulled back so they surgeon has an easier way of performing the surgery.
In extreme cases, the surgical team will take away some of the vertebrae bone, which is referred to as the lamina. When this happens, the procedure is called a laminectomy. Once all bone fragments have been removed, the surrounding tissue is repaired and put back into place and the surgeon closes the incision up with stiches.
A less invasive procedure that only the most equipped surgeons are using is called a micro-discectomy. This surgery is far less invasive than the traditional discectomy. The procedure only requires a small incision to be made on the patient's back as a small instrument called an endoscope is inserted into the area.
An endoscope is a very small tube that has an even smaller camera attached to the end of it. The tube is inserted into the incision and allows the doctor to see inside of the spinal cavity via TV screen that the scope is attached to. Sometimes, other small instruments are also attached to the endoscope that the surgeon utilizes.
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical suite. Having a minimally invasive micro-discectomy comes with fewer risks than a traditional procedure does and the recovery time is often weeks to months shorter. Most patients are able to leave the hospital the same day the surgery was performed or at least within a few days.

Determining whether a patient can have a micro-discectomy is dependent upon the type of problem being treated. Most people suffering from sciatica are prime candidates for the procedure but need to discuss the ins and outs of having the surgery before any decisions can be made. In most cases, a patient who opts for an endoscopic surgery achieves the results they are looking for.
In order to determine the severity of a patient's sciatica problem, a surgeon will most likely order an MRI to be performed or a CT scan. These procedures allow a surgeon to see inside of the patients back by using special imaging devices and will help the doctor make an informed decision.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Discectomy-Spine-Surgery:-Will-It-Cure-Your-Chronic-Sciatic-Nerve-Pain?&id=9168659

5 Ways To Decode Back Pain

By Ziakhn Khan

1: Radiating pain in your arm and leg
Cause: Radiating pain can be a result of poor posture or sedentary lifestyle causing the muscles around the spine to become weak. This leads to increase in the pressure on the spine and thereby on the discs (present in between two vertebrae) causing some pressure on the nerves leading to the radiating pain.
Treatment: Correcting the posture and performing spinal muscle strengthening exercises.
2: Periodic flare-ups of lower back or neck pain
Cause: You could suffer from recurrent symptoms in cases where the root cause of the pain is not corrected. This pain could initially start by travelling down the limbs and would sometimes give a tingling sensation that feels like pins and needles in the limb. In some cases you could also feel that the affected limb is weaker and heavier than the unaffected one.

Treatment: Correcting your posture, avoid staying in one posture for a long time, taking frequent breaks, spinal muscle strengthening
3: If your walking pattern has changed
Cause: This might be a symptom of one of your discs slipping out of your vertebral column. A common indicator of this is when your gait is stooped and crooked (tending to one side), which happens because your spine is unable to bear weight on one side. The severe muscle weakness caused due to increased pressure on the nerves leads to muscle weakness and a condition called foot drop, which makes you drag your feet when you walk. Another reason could be sciatica or obesity.
Treatment: If you are going through severe pain, altered sensation in the legs, motor weakness, difficulty in walking with or without back pain then you must visit your doctor.
4: If you have headache and dizziness
Cause: As people over the globe have become increasingly dependent on electronic gadgets, back pain has become a common problem. Habits like pinning the phone between your shoulder and ear while you multitask is an instinctive move and it puts a lot of pressure on your neck. Poor posture especially when who bend your head forward to use your phone leads to the degeneration of the upper cervical spine - both these are the most common causes for mechanical headache and dizziness. Apart from that dizziness could also be due to various other conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (disorder arising in the inner ear), low blood pressure etc.

Treatment: Visiting a physical therapist is a must if you get headaches and dizziness to find out whether it is mechanical or non-mechanical.
5: Upper back pain
Cause: Upper back pain can develop due to poor posture, chronic muscle tension and degenerative spine in the elderly. Poor posture is a common cause of upper back pain, particularly if you sit in front of a computer all day. Upper back pain may also develop from an unrelated condition like acid reflux or cardiac issues. This can also be due to muscular irritation (myofascial pain) or joint dysfunction.
Treatment: Taking breaks from your desk at regular intervals and stretching is important in order to address the pain.

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-To-Decode-Back-Pain&id=9168089

Pain Relief During Pregnancy: A Necessity Rather Than a Luxury

By Elinor Johnston


Congratulations! You're pregnant! In between planning all the exciting times ahead and satisfying those notorious pregnancy cravings, you will likely experience a level of discomfort you may not be prepared for. Pain relief during pregnancy is more than a luxury-it is an absolute necessity for the health of you AND your baby.
Your life is about to change completely. Your body is overwhelmed with hormones, and you are struggling to adapt to a newly expanding body. But the good news is, there is help! Prenatal massage therapy can not only reduce any pain you're experiencing, it can also be a lifesaver for you and your growing baby.
Let's admit it. Massages feel good! But in addition to an overall sense of calm and well being, prenatal massage therapy can help reduce sciatic pain-a common source of physical discomfort in those who are expecting. Wouldn't you like to treat yourself to some much needed relief?
Say Goodbye to the Aches of Pregnancy and Hello to Pain Relief

Your sciatic nerve starts at your lower back and winds its way down through the back of your legs and into the feet. With sciatica, the pressure and inflammation of the lower back can leave women, especially pregnant women, in such intense pain that they actually become immobilized. Imagine the feeling of walking on pins and needles, numbness and intense bouts of pain. That's sciatic pain. Now, let's try to avoid that! Prenatal massage therapy has been proven to assist in relieving this pain and it's time you gave it a try.
Wait... There's More
While sciatic pain is one of the most frequently complained about pregnancy-related conditions, there are a number of other problem areas for pregnant women. Prenatal massage therapy has been shown to provide significant pain relief from all of the following conditions:
• Back pain: Weight gain, posture changes, hormone fluctuations, muscle imbalance, and stress can all cause back pain in pregnant women. Your body is adjusting to significant changes, and often the effects are felt in your lower and mid back.
• Neck and Shoulder Strain: As with back pain, neck and shoulder related pains are often a result of changes to a woman's posture while expecting. Not only can a massage therapist provide relief from these pains, they can also offer valuable advice on how to adjust your posture to alleviate pain.
• Edema: Otherwise known as ankle swelling, edema can be the result of water retention and increased pressure on a woman's veins. Prenatal massages can help relieve pressure from the veins while helping fluid travel more effectively through your body, assisting with fluid retention and swelling.
Wouldn't You Like to Fight Pain with a Relaxing Massage?
Prenatal massage therapy requires special training, an understanding of your growing fetus and a familiarity with the unique characteristics and needs of a pregnant woman's body. Make sure that you visit someone who understands the proper positioning of the body, the risks associated with pressure application on certain body parts and the common discomfort that come along with being pregnant. And most importantly, make sure they know what your body needs to feel better.

Your prenatal massage therapist will start with a background interview about your health and pregnancy before treatment. They should work from head to toe to regulate blood flow, align your systems and relieve the pressure on your lower back. By the end of your session, you should feel a marked difference in pain levels-and a whole lot more relaxed.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Pain-Relief-During-Pregnancy:-A-Necessity-Rather-Than-a-Luxury&id=9137541

Lower Back Pain: Knowing The Causes And Preventive Measures Is Important

By Juanita Swindell

Knowing what causes lower back pain and what you can do to prevent it is the best way to deal with this common health complaint. This article addresses both of these aspects.
Why do People Suffer from Lower Back Pain?
One of the most common causes of this health problem is injury or wear and tear of the discs in your spine. When this happens, the weight of the upper part of your back becomes too much for your lower back to handle and it can cause you chronic pain or sudden, acute pain.
Common reasons include:
• Ruptured or bulging discs which put more pressure on the nerves
• Arthritis which leads to problems in the joints that is located in the hands, hips, lower back and knees
• Sciatica that is caused by a herniated disc which presses on the nerve
• Osteoporosis which makes the bones brittle and can lead to fractures
• Strain to the muscles or ligaments due to lifting of heavy objects
• Muscle spasms
• Infections to the spinal region, cancer and other conditions such as shingles

There are also a number of risks that could lead to a problem with your spine. These factors include but are not limited to extra stress, anxiety, depression, smoking, obesity, age, a sedentary lifestyle and strenuous physical work.
Lower Back Pain and your Genes
The difference between you suffering from this condition and your friend not suffering from it could often lie in your genes. For example, if you take an MRI of twins who have completely different lifestyles, where one does a lot more physical work than the other, you will still often see that their bodies are almost identical. This means that if you suffer from chronic pain in your lower back region, there is a strong possibility that you have inherited the tendency to suffer from this problem.
Effective Preventive Measures
The main way to prevent pain in your lower back is to exercise. If you exercise regularly, your body weight will decrease and you will also build up your strength. Low impact exercises are often suggested for people who suffer from back problems so as to cause the least amount of strain to their back. Exercises that aim to improve flexibility and strengthen your core are usually suggested but it is better to ask your doctor before starting an exercise plan.

Another thing you should do is check your posture. Always ensure that your pelvis is in a neutral position when you are standing. Stand straight with your legs straight and your weight distributed evenly so that you are properly balanced. You should also start sitting straight and make a conscious effort to maintain a good posture.
Other things you should do to prevent pain include maintaining a good body weight and quitting smoking.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Pain:-Knowing-The-Causes-And-Preventive-Measures-Is-Important&id=9126804

Spinal Stenosis Is Most Common in Men and Women Over 50 Years of Age

By Ziakhn Kahn

This disorder usually involves the narrowing of one or more of three areas of the spine:

• The canal in the center of the column of bones (vertebral or spinal column) through which the spinal cord and nerve roots run
• The canals at the base or roots of nerves branching out from the spinal cord
• The openings between vertebrae through which nerves leave the spine and go to other parts of the body.

The narrowing may involve a small or large area of the spine. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord (back area) or on nerve roots branching out from that area may give rise to pain or numbness in the legs. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord ( neck area) may produce similar symptoms in the shoulders, or even the legs.
Spinal stenosis is most common in men and women over 50 years of age. However, it may occur in younger people who are born with a narrowing of the spinal canal or who suffer an injury to the spine.
The normal vertebral canal provides adequate room for the spinal cord and cauda equina. Narrowing of the canal, which causes spinal stenosis, may be inherited or acquired. Some people inherit a small spinal canal or have a curvature of the spine (scoliosis) that produces pressure on nerves and soft tissue and compresses or stretches ligaments.
Acquired conditions of Spinal stenosis
Degenerative Conditions: Spinal stenosis most often results from a gradual, degenerative aging process. Either structural changes or inflammation can begin the process. As people age, the ligaments of the spine may thicken and calcify (harden from deposits of calcium salts). Bones and joints may also enlarge: when surfaces of the bone begin to project out from the body, these projections are called osteophytes (bone spurs).

When the health of one part of the spine fails, it usually places increased stress on other parts of the spine. For example, a herniated (bulging) disk may place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root. When a segment of the spine becomes too mobile, the capsules of the facet joints thicken in an effort to stabilize the segment, and bone spurs may occur. This decreases the space (neural foramen) available for nerve roots leaving the spinal cord.
Spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra slips forward on another, may result from a degenerative condition or an accident, or, very rarely, may be acquired at birth. Poor alignment of the spinal column when a vertebra slips forward onto the one below it can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots at that place.
Aging with secondary changes is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. Two forms of arthritis that may affect the spine are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is more likely to occur in middle-aged and older people. It is a chronic, degenerative process that may involve multiple joints of the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people at an earlier age than osteoarthritis does and is associated with inflammation and enlargement of the soft tissues (the synovium) of the joints
Other Acquired Conditions
Tumors of the spine: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament occurs when calcium deposits form on the ligament that runs up and down behind the spine and inside the spinal canal. These deposits turn the fibrous tissue of the ligament into bone. (Ossification means "forming bone.") These deposits may press on the nerves in the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis Symptoms: The space within the spinal canal may narrow without producing any symptoms. However, if narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord, cauda equina, or nerve roots, there may be a slow onset and progression of Spinal stenosis symptoms. The neck or back may or may not hurt. More often, people experience numbness, weakness, cramping, or general pain in the arms or legs. If the narrowed space within the spine is pushing on a nerve root, people may feel pain radiating down the leg (sciatica). Sitting or flexing the lower back should relieve symptoms. (The flexed position "opens up" the spinal column, enlarging the spaces between vertebrae at the back of the spine.).
People with more severe lumbar stenosis may have problems with bowel and bladder function and foot disorders. For example, cauda equina syndrome is a severe, and very rare, form of spinal stenosis. It occurs because of compression of the cauda equina, and symptoms may include loss of control of the bowel, bladder, or sexual function and/or pain, weakness, or loss of feeling in one or both legs. Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.
Spinal stenosis Diagnosis
Medical history: A complete medical background check has to be conducted to rule out or identify if any other medical conditions is causing the pain. The history taking helps the treating doctor understand if the patient is suffering from any recurring health problems or has taken any past treatments and surgeries etc.
Physical examination: After taking your history, the Spine consultant will give you a physical examination to rule out possible causes of pain and try to determine the source of your back problem. A series of examinations along with a DSA test will be conducted to assess the Motion of Spine and Neck, Weakness of spinal muscles, Sensory and Motor Skills

Diagnostic Tests: After forming an opinion on the cause of the patient's pain, a diagnostic test may be required to confirm the disc problem and/or to gain additional information, such as the location of a herniated disc and impinged nerve roots. Diagnostic tests may include:
DSA: If the spinal stenosis is a soft tissue stenosis due to a slipped disc a DSA helps identify the root cause of the disc bulge causing this stenosis.
X-Ray: An X-ray helps diagnose a bony spinal stenosis and the degree to which the disc has slipped. It's not possible to diagnose a herniated disc with this test alone.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides a sensitive and accurate assessment of the spinal nerves and anatomy, including disc alignment, height, hydration and configuration.
Treatment
Spinal Stenosis is a back problem that progresses slowly. Hence a conservative and non-surgical treatment approach should be the first step in treating spinal stenosis. While most back problems do not require a surgery; if the condition is acute, a surgery may be required.
Non-surgical treatment for Spinal stenosis

• Education about the course of the condition and how to relieve symptoms
• Medicines to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy, to provide education, instruction, and support for self-care; physical therapy instructs on stretching and strength exercises that may lead to a decrease in pain and other symptoms.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Spinal-Stenosis-Is-Most-Common-in-Men-and-Women-Over-50-Years-of-Age&id=9114029

Sciatica Is Disc Herniation Which Causes Compression of the Nerve Root Level

By Ziakhn Khan

The sciatic nerve is composed of individual spinal nerve roots that start by branching out from the lower back region of the spine specifically from L3-S1. When the sciatic nerve gets pinched or irritated at any point in its course, it will give rise to symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica pain may start from the back and radiate behind the thigh and may go down the leg. Depending on the region and intensity of impingement on the sciatic nerve root, the symptoms experienced may vary.
Sciatica Causes
The most common cause of sciatica is disc herniation which causes compression of the nerve root level. Other common causes are stenosis,spondylolisthesis. The lesser common causes are infection, injury to the surrounding muscles and ligaments, tumour, cauda equine etc.

• Degenerative disc disease: Discs are the soft cushions between the bones of the back. Degeneration of the disc and bones or herniation (slipped disc) may cause compression of the sciatic nerve and lead to the symptoms of sciatica.


• Piriformis Syndrome: The sciatic nerve runs alongside or through the Piriformis muscle in the buttock. Tightness or spasm of the Piriformis muscle may irritate the nerve and give rise to Sciatica pain.


• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that puts pressure on spinal nerve roots leading to Sciatica pain.

Other causes of Sciatica include

• Spondylolisthesis: Shifting of one vertebrae over the other due to degenerative changes or trauma may also impinge the nerve roots forming the sciatic nerve.
• Pregnancy: Weight gain, hormonal changes and shift of centre of gravity may produce sciatica like symptoms.
• Sacro - Iliac joint Dysfunction: Mal-alignment of the Sacro-Iliac joint impinging Sciatic nerve.

Sciatica Symptoms
Symptoms of Sciatica or Radiculopathy include:

• Pain in the buttocks, back of the thigh and legs more than the back.
• Mild ache or sharp shooting pain like an electric shock.
• Burning sensation or pins and needles in the leg
• Tingling or numbness in leg.
• Occasionally muscle weakness of leg or feet.
• More common on one side of the body.
• Pain can be experienced mostly in sitting for longer hours or running.

Sciatica Diagnosis
Diagnosis of sciatica is done by history of the symptoms and a physical examination which includes assessing the sensory status of the lower limbs, strength of the muscles, neurological tests done commonly involve the straight leg raise test and the Lasegue test.
Medical history
A complete medical background check is done to know the detailed history of the condition, aggravating and relieving factors.
Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination to understand spine alignment and spinal movement. Any loss in muscle strength and sensation along the course of the nerve is also assessed. Straight leg raise test or other neurodynamic test is done to rule out any dural signs.
Diagnostic tests
After forming an opinion on the cause of the patient's pain, a diagnostic test may be indicated to confirm the disc problem and/or to gain additional information, such as the location of a herniated disc and impinged nerve roots. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Digital Spine Analysis: Digital spinal analysis test is done to get a complete objective evaluation of spine mobility and strength of various spine muscles of the Back which could be the main causative factor of sciatic pain.


• X- Ray: A spinal X-ray can reveal degenerative changes in the bone which may be irritating the nerve.


• MRI: An MRI will reveal any problems with the disc or any compression of nerve roots.

Treatment Protocol
The treatment for Sciatica is directed towards reducing the compression on the nerve through specific movements (McKenzie Technique) and Sciatica treatment also focuses on neural mobility exercises, muscle activation, motor control, neuro-muscular coordination of spinal muscles with bio feedback devices to improve the stabilization of the spine. Hereby gradually the load bearing capacity of the spine is increased and progress to a stage to match with patients normal functional activities along with reducing the chance of recurrence of an episode.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Sciatica-Is-Disc-Herniation-Which-Causes-Compression-of-the-Nerve-Root-Level&id=9100537

Yoga Pranayama to Cure Sciatica

By Ashwani Chawla

Sciatica is a very painful disease. It is ruining the life of millions. This disease is associated with the pain of the back, hips & the lower portion of the body. This happens due to the weakening of the spinal muscles. The intervertebral disc becomes weak due to regular traveling or sitting on the office chair. This causes this disease. Yoga is considered as the perfect healer for this disease. It is a comprehensive field & helps a lot in controlling & curing various diseases. This not only makes your body healthy but also helps a lot in bringing perfect balance to your life.
The term yoga is a "Sanskrit" term. This means the connection of body, mind & soul. It is believed that proper balance among these is essential in order to get the healthy life. It comprises of various mudras, asana & pranayama. These help a lot in controlling various diseases. The mudras, pranayama & asana are basically the physical & mental exercises. These are performed in the fresh air with regulated breathing. This helps a lot in removing the negative energy from the muscles. The stretching of the muscles helps a lot in shedding the negative energy of the body. In addition to this, it also helps a lot in improving the blood circulation of the body. The overall result is that it provides full nourishment to the muscle tissues, thus providing them sufficient strength.

The "paschimottanasana" is a perfect yoga mudra that is perfect to control & cure sciatica. In this posture, the practitioner has to sit the legs spreading in the forward direction. The practitioner has to bend in the forward direction, while holding toes with the hands & forehead touching the knees. This bending provides wide flexibility to the back muscles. In addition to this, it also helps in providing relaxation to the back muscles. The improved flow of blood provides significant nourishment to the back & hip muscles, thus making these stronger.
Another very important yoga posture that can perfectly cure sciatica is "Dhanush asana or bow pose". To do this pose, the enthusiast must lie prone. Then the practitioner has to hold the toes with the help of the hands. The pose should perfectly reflect the replica of the bow. This posture provides effective stretching to the back posture. The muscles get proper relaxation with this mudra. The passage of blood through the muscles helps a lot in offering full nourishment to the muscle cells. This will result in providing significant strength to the muscles.

These yoga pranayama can perfectly heal the fatal disease sciatica. One should perform these on a regular basis in order to get a healthy body. The pranayama & asana not only give you a healthy body, but also bring proper balance in your life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Yoga-Pranayama-to-Cure-Sciatica&id=9095860

What Is Sciatica and How to Deal With It?

By Rahul Shariff

Did you know that nearly 40% of people may get sciatica or suffer from irritation of the sciatica nerve at some point of time in their life? The nerve is located at both sides of the lower spine and travels from the pelvic region to the buttocks. The nerve then passes on the back of each upper leg before it goes into the knee and then branches to the feet.
Pressure or irritation of this nerve may cause pain in the buttocks and thigh. The pain may be mild or cause extreme discomfort. Some people suffering from this condition may also feel numbness, stiffness and tingling sensation. The pain may get worse if you had been standing or sitting in the same position for a long time.
Treatment available for sciatica pain
The treatment may vary from hot to cold packs, exercises, medications and alternative remedies.

Oral medications
Aspirin and other similar over the counter pain relievers are recommended by doctors. Avoid aspirin if the patient is a child or under the age of 18. Muscle relaxants are used for muscle spasms and anti-depressants are used for chronic low back pain. If patients experience severe pain then patients may be prescribed pain medications.
Surgery
If despite treatment the pain persists for more than 6 weeks, you need to see a specialist. Surgery may be an option that can be considered to remedy the pain. In some instances the herniated disc may be putting pressure on the nerve and this can be corrected by surgery.
Physical therapy
It may become difficult to be active when you suffer from this nerve pain. Bed rest is not a recommended treatment, although it may be advised in some cases of extreme discomfort. Certain activities and positions may not cause discomfort and they can be used to manage pain.
Physical therapy may be recommended by doctors if the symptoms are not severe. Proper exercises may help reduce the pain considerably. Doctors recommend the exercises depending on the cause of sciatica. It is best to do the exercises as per the guidance of the physical therapist or physiatrist.
Complementary and alternative remedies
Acupuncture and biofeedback are complementary and alternative remedies that may provide relief to some patients. One of the important things that you need to remember is that these treatment methods are not backed by scientific studies.

Acupuncture treatment used fine needles that are inserted at acupuncture points in the skin. The points are located along channels and they are said to carry the energy of the body. When the needles are placed at specific locations they are known to correct the blockage or imbalance of the nerves that cause pain.
When the channels or points are stimulated by experts they are known to provide considerable relief to people in acute pain and discomfort. Biofeedback is a technique that helps control blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. This technique is used to treat pain caused by stress. These treatment methods are usually recommended in addition to oral medication.

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Sciatica-and-How-to-Deal-With-It?&id=9067726

12 of Nature's Best Fruits

By Arsian Ejaz

This little red rotund fruit with a tart cherry-like flavor that grows easily in many tropical countries has a lot more benefits than meets the eye. Containing many powerful antibacterial compounds, this cute little fruit also known as Panama berry, Jamaican cherry, and Singapore cherry is also said to have antibacterial properties, help ease the pain from gout, helps to lower blood sugar levels, helps to relieve headaches and lower fever, and is also a very good source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant able to ward off flu and colds, and its tea made from the leaves even helps to promote cardiovascular health!
Soursop (Annona muricata)
Known in many Spanish-speaking countries as guanabana, this large, spiny, green, tropical fruit with a sweet flesh is used as the base of numerous beverages, and other sweet foods like ice cream. Said to contain plenty of fatty acid compounds called acetogenins, this powerful fruit is now widely used in research, in particular, for their potential use to retard, or even prevent the growth of cancer! The flesh of the fruit mainly provides carbohydrates, and is also packed with abundant doses of ascorbic acid, and numerous B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin and thiamine as well as phosphorus, calcium and traces of beneficial iron.
Papaya (Carica papaya)
A previously rare and exotic fruit that grows in tropical countries is now readily available to fruit enthusiasts at most times of the year. Usually sweet, this vibrant, usually round, yellow or orange-colored fruit, when used topically in its mashed form as a lotion, is said to be beneficial to promoting wound healing, and prevents further infection from burns. Also known to relieve constipation, its high content of digestive enzymes known as papain promotes regular movement and improves digestive health as well. To ward off heart diseases, papaya's high potassium and fiber levels helps to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.
Longan (Dimocarpus longan)
Also widely known as Dragon's eye, or Mamoncillo chino, the longan, often referred to as the "little brother of lychee" in terms of its taste and appearance, is a very rich source of numerous vitamins, minerals, and other different nutrients. Long been used as a natural remedy for stomach aches with its fiber content, the longan also helps to boost the immunity and helps to ward off various diseases. With its high content of B vitamins, it is said to improve the condition of a person's nerves, as well as helps to calm the nervous system. They are also said to contain phenolic acids that are powerful antioxidants, as well.

Durian (Durio zibethinus)
A soft, succulent fruit that closely resembles the jackfruit in terms of appearance, the durian is a very rich source of healthy dietary fiber, thus making it a very excellent bulk laxative. Despite its very characteristic odor that has people expressing diverse and peculiar opinions, durian helps to bind and eliminate carcinogenic substances from the gut. Packed with several minerals like manganese, copper, iron and magnesium, durian is considered a natural alternative source of these trace minerals that help to aid in keeping the blood healthy. Durian, in its fresh state, is also rich in potassium, a very important electrolyte responsible for maintenance of heart rate and blood pressure.
Purple Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)
This round purple fruit, with a very soft and distinct fragrance and a sweet taste, more popularly known simply as mangosteen, has various beneficial uses: its natural antibacterial compounds are known to reduce and eliminate many common skin problems like acne, oily or dry skin, and even blemishes. People with sciatica pains can also benefit from the consumption of this delicious fruit, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties as well. Also, this fruit contains absolutely no saturated fats or cholesterol, that makes it a vital food item for people concerned with gaining excessive weight or those who are trying to lose it.
Pomegranate (Pumica granatum)
An original native of Persia, this nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants has long been revered as a symbol of fertility, health, and eternal life in the ancient times. A red colored fruit enclosed in a very tough outside layer, the only edible portions are the seeds and the juice. Not so ancient though, is its high phytochemical contents that are now known to stimulate serotonin and improve symptoms of depression. Punicalagin, a compound unique to the pomegranate not only helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, it also helps to speed up the melting of clots found in the vessels of the heart, also known as atherosclerosis, resulting to decreased risks or heart attack.
Mango (Mangifera indica)
This highly succulent fruit that grows well in tropical countries, some people regard the mango as the "King" of all fruit. Not only is it rich in much needed Vitamin C, it also helps to protect the body against cancer. Its fibrous fruit boosts the body's digestive activity by burning additional calories, thus aiding in weight loss. Mangoes also contain high levels of Vitamin A that promotes good eyesight, and helps to prevent night blindness as well. The Vitamin E that mangoes contain helps to regulate hormones, increase virility and boosts the sex drive of men. Also, it benefits women with its high iron content, which is also helpful for those suffering from anemia or women in their menopausal stages.
Apple (Malus pumila)
This red pomaceous fruit from the rose family is one of the healthiest food items that a person can eat. Having a high fiber and Vitamin C content, apples are one of the most popular fruits with its bright red color and often sweet taste. Inside its round appearance, are numerous health benefits like alleviating irritable bowel movement, weight management, liver detoxification, and reducing risks for heart disease too! And to top it all off, all the chewing of this yummy fruit also helps to whiten teeth and prevent or delay tooth decay as well. Experts recommend too that the skin of the apple should be consumed with the rest of the fruit.
Banana (Musa x paradisiaca)
Classified by botanists as being a berry, bananas are not just for monkeys! Its high levels of tryptophan, a chemical that is converted into serotonin (also known as the "happy hormone") helps aid to improve depression. Popularly known as a source of potassium, bananas are able to reduce high blood pressure, and give protection against heart disease and stroke. It also has high fiber content, thus making it a popular remedy for people suffering from constipation. For people with diabetes, bananas are helpful in stabilizing blood sugar levels and are also proven to reduce nausea in morning sickness experienced by pregnant women.

Grapes (Vitis vinifera)
Regarded by some as being the "Queen" of the fruits, the cute little berries store a very vast powerhouse of nutrients that are very beneficial. They are native to Europe and nearby Mediterranean countries, but are now cultivated worldwide. The red grapes variety are known to contain anthocyanins which are found to have anti-allergic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Generally containing a powerful component known as resveratrol, grapes are instrumental in providing protection against cancers of the colon and prostate, and some viral and fungal infections. They are rich sources of micronutrient materials like copper, iron and manganese, all of which are beneficial for healthy blood.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Watermelons are mostly water (up to 92%) - but each delicious bite of this sweet tasting fruit not only refreshes the one eating it, but also provides numerous health benefits, as well. Being widely known as a natural diuretic, watermelons have been proven to be helpful in the removal of toxins in the body. Not only that, but citrulline, a component found in watermelons, have been proven to help reduce the accumulation of fat in our cells. Being rich in beta-carotene, this vibrant colored fruit also protects against macular degeneration and helps prevent night blindness. It Vitamin A content also maintains healthy teeth, skin, mucus membranes, as well as soft and skeletal tissues.

http://ezinearticles.com/?12-of-Natures-Best-Fruits&id=9054607