Saturday 21 March 2015

Seeing a Chiropractor For Sciatica

By Richard Lobbenberg

Chiropractic and sciatica seem to go hand in hand these days, as many patients come to clinics seeking similar issues. Since sciatica is an ailment of the back and chiropractic care seeks to better align your spine, it only seems natural that sciatic-type pain should be treated with chiropractic adjustments.

Sciatica is a term used to describe impingement of the sciatic nerve (which has five different roots in the spine of your lower back), that causes pain or other nerve-related symptoms that may radiate down part of or along the entire pathway of the nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back through your hips, down the back of your leg and into your calf muscle, ending in your foot. There is a left sciatic nerve as well as a right. Spinal disc herniation is a common cause of sciatica as is pregnancy, while other causes are more likely muscular-related.
One such muscular-related condition that may cause sciatica is what many call 'piriformis syndrome'. This is a condition of the piriformis muscle, which runs from your lower spine to your femur (thigh bone), and helps with hip rotation. Because your sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis muscle, it is believed that injury to this muscle from a fall, arthritis or difference in leg length may cause inflammation in the muscle that may the impinge the nerve and cause related symptoms.

Sciatic pain is usually described as a dull, aching sort of pain, and other complaints related to nerve compression may also include burning sensations, or numbness and tingling anywhere along the pathway of the nerve.

What happens during a chiropractic treatment for sciatica?
Regardless of how your sciatic pain has developed, the first step for your doctor of chiropractic is to properly diagnose you. This may require x-rays, CT scan or an MRI, or even a nerve conduction test. Once you have been properly diagnosed, chiropractic adjustments will likely focus on your lower back, hips, sacroiliac joints, and other parts of your lower body all in an effort to re-establish proper bio-mechanics and relieve you of your symptoms.
The number of treatments you require will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Many sciatic complaints disappear after only a few weeks of treatment, while others may take months to fully heal. It is highly recommended that you follow your chiropractor's professional advice during a course of treatment, as they can best guide you to a full, and effective recovery in an appropriate time frame.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Seeing-a-Chiropractor-For-Sciatica&id=8958410

Therapeutic Massage for Pregnant Women

By Romary R Marquez

Pregnancy is a very crucial stage in a woman's life. Most develop several changes physically, mentally and emotionally. Others develop hormonal imbalances, which makes them prone to depression and mood swings. It can be both overwhelming and stressful at the same time. Physical changes, such as weight gain and feeling of "unattractiveness", also contributes to the increasing level of anxiety for most women undergoing this stage.

One way in easing all the stresses brought about by pregnancy is massage therapy. Massage is normally safe for pregnant women but one must also consider certain contraindications and symptoms such as any unusual discharge of blood and water, illness, fever, vomiting, pre - eclampsia, high blood pressure, abdominal pains and blood clotting disorders. First, you have to seek the advice of your doctor and find the right therapist qualified to do it for you. Once you found the qualified person for this service, you will be prepared for the massage during pregnancy accordingly. The traditional massage is different from the massage being done to pregnant women. Since massage therapy for pregnant women focuses more on the pains and discomforts brought about by pregnancy.
Varieties of massage equipments are being used during therapies. Massage chairs, electric table warmers, massage tables and one of the most natural way is the use of hot massage stones. Many individuals are looking for alternative ways for healing and comfort. The use of hot massage stones are proven to provide comfort and relaxation among pregnant women. The stone's hardness allows the therapist to determine the specific areas of problem with deeper pressure. But, one must remember that it can only be applied on limited areas since it can easily heat up the body's temperature. It improves the circulation to relax the mind and massage tissues at a comfortable pressure level.

There are many benefits that massage therapy can provide to pregnant individuals. First, it eases back pain and sciatica pain which is caused by the undue pressure caused by the baby on the sciatic nerve.

A good therapist could reduce the pain to a very large extent. Stress can also be relieved with the use of different methods used by the therapist during massage. He or she knows the muscles, that completely relaxes the mind and body and most muscular aches during pregnancy can disappear with a good massage. Pregnancy limits the movements and exercises done by an individual, thus limiting the flexibility of the muscles. A massage can help improve the blood circulation of the body making the individual feel renewed all over. Most importantly, a massage therapy can provide the pleasure and comfort most pregnant women needs. The feeling of being pampered and well taken care of, releases the tension and anxieties a pregnant woman feels, even if they are in a very stressful and challenging stage of her life.
Pregnancy can be both exciting and difficult at the same time. It wouldn't hurt if you escape for a while. You are supposed to be happy and glowing, anticipating the birth of a new member in the family. Treat yourself with a massage, release those tensions and enjoy the happiness of giving birth to a new life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Therapeutic-Massage-for-Pregnant-Women&id=8957903

Thursday 5 March 2015

4 Overlooked Remedies to Reduce Lower Back Pain

By Paramita Chowdhury

Lower back pain is one of the common problems of the elderly people. But now lower pain is becoming quite common for all age groups. Backache generally happens due to muscle stress or injuries. Due to advancement in science, doctors are prescribing medicines to the patients. But sometimes, medicinal treatments do not work well. In such situations, doing certain exercises and taking rest help in reducing the pain.
Sciatica: Causes In Brief
Back muscle pain is the primary cause of the acute ache or sciatica. Lifting heavy objects from the ground, twisting, physical injury or even sudden movements can cause pain in the lower region of vertebral column. Injuries generally stretch the ligaments which increase the pain. Ligament stretches also cause microscopic muscle tears. Once you are feeling the ache, you should immediately consult a doctor. As we well all know that "prevention is better than cure", you must avoid lifting heavy objects and avoid exercises that are harmful. Here are some of the measures for lower backache relief.
1. Release Inner Endorphins
Endorphins naturally occur in the body. When this hormone flows in the blood stream, it blocks the pathway of the pain signals to connect with the brain. This hormone also helps in reducing anxiety and depression from the body. Too much stress is one of the common causes for backache. Some of the techniques that help in releasing the endorphins are massage therapies, acupuncture, deep breathing, sleep and aerobic exercises.

2. Good Sleep
Pain is one of the major causes of insomnia. Out of three patients, two of them generally suffer from sleeping disorders. Inadequate sleep also increases sciatica. Pain in the back portion and insomnia go hand in hand. Taking rest is a good effort in curing the lower backache. Meditation, changing lifestyle, taking healthy food and eating less coffee and drugs can promote sleep.

3. Do the Right Exercise
Exercises are one of the best ways to eliminate pain in the back region. The muscles in the abs and in the lower back region play an important role to support the lower lumbar spine. Exercises generally help in keeping yours abs in good condition. There are certain exercises that help in fighting against sciatica. You can do these exercises regularly to reduce sciatica.
4. Make Yourself Busy
Pain specialists suggest engaging your brain in other activities. Make yourself busy and just avoid the pain sensation. The ways in which your brain interprets and processes pain play a significant role in how you perceive your pain.
These are some of the common remedies that will help you to fight against sciatica. Exercises and sound sleep are great ways for minimizing back pain. Stretches and exercises are very simple and you have to do them carefully.

http://ezinearticles.com/?4-Overlooked-Remedies-to-Reduce-Lower-Back-Pain&id=8938418