Tuesday, 4 January 2022

Sciatica is a pain, but acupuncture can help

From santaynezvalleystar.com

By Dr. Hyun K. Lee

Sciatica is literally a pain in the buttocks to experience but luckily most people get better in a short time and acupuncture can help with that. Sciatica is a very common complaint. Statistics say that about 40% of people in the United States experience sciatica sometime during their life.

The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It begins in the lower back, runs through the buttock and down the leg and delivers sensation to the leg and foot. Being such a large nerve, it is more prone to upset than others. 

Sciatica symptoms include pain, numbness, muscular weakness, difficulty controlling movement in the leg, sensations of pins and needles and/or tingling, difficulty walking, walking bent over and/or dragging the leg. Some people describe the pain as sharp, shooting, or jolts of pain. Others describe this pain as burning, electric or stabbing.

The general cause of sciatica is due to the spine and sacrum being out of balance, which creates a narrowing in the gap between vertebrae. When you move or have some range of motion, the nerve can become pinched which leads to the previously mentioned symptoms. However, the cause of the spine/sacrum imbalance is due to weakened muscles that are no longer supporting straight bones because of weakness in organ function. 

Each organ controls different muscles in the body. If these organs have become weak, their “job performance” lacks and they’re no longer doing what they’re supposed to do. If your muscles aren’t helping to keep your bones properly in place, you begin to notice problems here and there. This is primarily why some patients still have pain even after surgery has been performed to relieve the sciatica. 

Acupuncture works to balance the organs so the muscles can once again support the bones properly. Over a short time, your structure becomes properly straightened and realigned, thus relieving the compression of the sciatic nerve. 

Those with acute pain, or sciatica due to pregnancy, will only need a couple sessions before they find relief. Others, who have chronic sciatica, may need between one and three months of treatment. For these patients, acupuncture with acupressure works to control the central nerves that run to the sciatic nerve and adjust kidney and liver functions, which are stressed and have made the muscles weak and also created a circulation problem. Herbs are also prescribed to eliminate organ stress, feed muscles better and eliminate toxins from them as well.  The acupuncture works to mechanically restore proper function, while the herbs work internally for organ and muscle longevity. 

If your sciatica stems from an injury from an accident and you have already had surgery, acupuncture can also help to aide recovery and eliminate any continuing pain. 

Whether your sciatica is acute or chronic, there is no reason to live with pain as acupuncture is very successful at eliminating the problem and restoring your quality of life. 

https://www.santaynezvalleystar.com/sciatica-is-a-pain-but-acupuncture-can-help/

Sunday, 2 January 2022

Tips for Alleviating Hip Pain While You Sleep

From imcgrupo.com

If you suffer from chronic pain, you may find it is virtually impossible to get a good night’s rest. Pain and discomfort may keep you from falling asleep or prevent you from going into deep sleep since every tiny movement causes pain.

When hip pain is your problem, you may find it hard to get comfortable due to the strain and pressure on your hip joints. If you can’t sleep well, it may start to impact your ability to recover and heal after an injury.

Keep reading to learn more about relieving hip pain when you are sleeping, along with what causes it and potential treatments, such as physical therapy. 

The Causes of Hip Pain While You Sleep

You may notice hip pain when you sleep because it’s difficult to find a comfortable position. Before diving into talking to a physical therapist about treatment options, it’s a good idea to get to know some of the most common causes. These include:

Hip Bursitis

The fluid-filled sacs in your joints are known as bursae. If one is inflamed, you may have hip bursitis. The condition is also caused by repetitive movements that stress and strain the joints, causing inflammation.

Tendinitis

This is an inflammation that impacts tendons connecting bone and muscle. With this condition, even small movements can cause pain.

Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is at the spine’s base and is found through the hips, buttocks, and legs. If the nerve is injured or aggravated, it will cause pain in the lower portion of your body.


At-Home Remedies to Alleviate Hip Pain While Sleeping

If your hip aches or hurts while sleeping, you may try readjusting your position first. Some postures can help alleviate the pain you experience. Some ways to adjust your position include:

Sleep on Your Back

Some people find sleeping on their back is better and reduces the pain. This can require some trial and error to see how you feel. You can try putting a pillow under your knees to alleviate some of the pain.

Sleep on Your Side

While one side is likely more comfortable than the other, side sleeping is still an effective way to alleviate sciatica pain. Try placing pillows between your legs to maintain the natural separation and ensure everything remains aligned.

Use More Pillows

Adding a pillow under your back or between your knees can make a huge difference. You may want a few extra pillows or a body pillow to help improve your comfort and minimize pain through the night.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Hip Pain

When you go to a physical therapist for help with your hip pain, they can provide tips and advice to help alleviate it. Usually, this includes exercises and stretches to improve your flexibility and strength in the affected area. The soft tissues, tendons, and muscles that support the hip joint must be flexible and strong to ensure proper stability.

The physical therapist you use can also teach you how to use foam rollers, and other exercises and stretches before and after working out. Engaging in specific stretches and movements will also help relieve pain if you are standing or sitting for a long time on the job.

Alleviating Hip Pain While You Sleep                                   

Hip pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest, but you can take steps to alleviate this pain, which can help you feel better and sleep better.

https://www.imcgrupo.com/tips-for-alleviating-hip-pain-while-you-sleep/