Tag Archives: back pain causes

Jun 26

An Informative guide on the treatment of Sciatica and Back pain

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An Informative guide on the treatment of sciatica and back pain by Olivia O Leary D.C BSc Hons Chiropractic

Sciatica

Sciatica

 If you have suffered with Low back pain or Sciatica you are certainly not alone. Most people in their lifetime will suffer at least one episode of low back pain but unfortunately for most this is not a solitary experience. A person can experience multiple episodes of low back pain- hoping each time it will just go away.

A condition called Sciatica occurs when the low back pain does not just localise in the low back but also runs down the leg along the course of the sciatic nerve.  Here at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic we aim to prevent the unneccessary steps often taken and provide a comprehensive solution focusing on treating the root cause of the problem.  So let’s examine this difficult condition….

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica

Suffering from Sciatica

Sciatica refers to a pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve- the sciatic nerve being the longest nerve in the body which branches from the lower back into the hip and buttocks and travels down the back of your leg to the toes. Typically Sciatica affects only one side of the body.

There are many causes of Sciatica but most commonly Sciatica occurs when tissue of the spine compresses or irritates part of the nerve for instance a prolapsing disc or a bony spur. This causes inflammation, pain, sometimes accompanied by numbness or pins and needles in the affected leg with occasionally weakness of the affected  leg also present.

Although the pain associated with Sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve well with conservative care (for instance Chiropractic treatment, anti inflammatories, modification of activities). Surgery is only recommended as a last resort for cases where there has been a failure to recover after  conservative care measures have been administered or if the spinal injury is very severe.

Sciatica Symptoms

Pain which radiates from your lower back to the buttocks and down the back of your leg is the most familiar and common symptoms of sciatica.  You may feel discomfort anywhere along the nerve pathway but it is most likely to present in the low back, buttocks and the back of your thigh and calf.

Often clients presenting to Gorey Family Chiropractic that have experienced sciatica describe a tightness in the leg and throbbing sensation in the calf and these types of symptoms can mislead them from thinking they have an issue with the back.
The pain can vary widely from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.  Often people experiencing sciatica can feel an electric shock sensations.  It may be worse when you cough or sneeze and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms.

Causes of Sciatica

•    Bulging or protruding discsProtruding disc
•    Spinal stenosis
•    Piriformis syndrome
•    Trauma
•    Lifestyle factors
•    Bony spurs
•    Spondylothesis

Risk factors for Sciatica

Occupation:  A job which requires you to twist your back, carry heavy loads or drive for long periods can increase the likelihood of the  development of sciatica.

Proper lifting techniques

Prolonged sitting:  People who sit for long periods of time or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than active people.
Obesity:  Excess weight increases the stress on your spine and contributes to the spinal changes such as bony spurs which can cause sciatica. The lack of fitness of the core muscles is also contributory.
Age:   Age related changes in the spine such as degenerated discs and bony spurs can predispose individuals to the development of sciatica if they injure the spine.

Prevention of Sciatica

Strong Core:
Keeping the core muscles strong reduces the risk of herniated/prolapsed discs, a common cause of sciatica.  A strong core is needed to maintain proper posture, which takes stress of the spinal joints and discs.

Strong core

Exercise:
Low impact aerobic exercises are also recommended as they help increase the endurance of the core muscles.  Walking, swimming and using a bike are examples of good low impact exercises.

Stretching:
Stretching on a daily basis is very important particularly stretches which promote flexibility between the vertebrae improving the elasticity of the spine reducing the incidence of simple back strains/ sprains or more complicated injuries involving the disc or nerve roots.

Posture:sciatica
Adequate support is required to prevent slouching, which places excessive stress on the lower  back.  A straight line should exist between the ear, shoulder, elbow and hip whilst sitting thereby creating good alignment and reducing postural strain on the spine which contributes to back or neck pain.

A good supportive mattress is also important. Mattresses that are too hard or too soft do not offer appropriate support to the back. Consider choosing a medium firmness pocket sprung orthopaedic mattress.

Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, which again can increase the stress  and strain on the lower back particularly if you are employed in an occupation which requires this day to day. Try to move and stretch periodically.

What do you do if your Sciatic Nerve Flares up?

  •  Try to keep mobile- bed rest is not advisable
  •  Use an ice pack on the lower back for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and repeat every 1-2 hours
  •   Do not use heat on the area
  • Anti inflammatories, painkillers and muscle relaxants are often recommended to help ease the pain   but should not be used to mask symptoms on an ongoing basis.
  •  Make an appointment at  Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic to facilitate a full diagnosis of of the condition and the most appropriate treatment and exercise options will be explained to you to help you recover fully, faster and prevent injury in the future.

 

Here at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic we offer diagnosis of the causes of sciatica with onsite x ray facilities available and provide treatment for low back pain and Sciatica as well as offering lifestyle and ergonomics advice and exercise rehabilitation. Should MRI be clinically necessary we can refer patients directly.

We strive to correct the root of the problem and aim to improve the flexibility and  the stability of the spine.  We will encourage a rehabilitation programme if appropriate as we are committed to decreasing the likelihood of future episodes of low back pain and sciatica.

Many of our clients we have seen  from the Gorey, Arklow, Wexford, Wicklow and  Carlow areas have come to our chiropractors at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic as a last resort having found that their medication or procedures had not worked for them, sometimes in the short and sometimes in the longer term.

We Look Forward to Helping You..

If you, a friend or family member requires low back pain or sciatica treatment, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services at Gorey Family Chiropractic and look forward to helping you in the future.

For your convenience all of our Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338   or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie    

Apr 24

A water based exercise programme for hip and back pain

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A water based exercise programme for hip and back pain by Olivia O Leary D.C BSc Hons

Water based exercise programme

Water based exercise programmes are  especially helpful in cases where a land-based exercise program is not possible due to a client’s intensity of pain, severity of condition or other factors. As such, water therapy is a versatile exercise and is particularly good for people with conditions such as:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Advanced osteoporosis (with susceptibility to and/or pain from fracture)
  • Muscle strain or tears

All of these conditions can make it uncomfortable or painful to exercise on a hard surfaces or while standing. Water is a kinder and more comfortable environment.

If you are any way unsure about the suitability of the following exercises, please feel free to message /ask one of our Gorey Family Chiropractic team where we would be happy to tailor make the water based exercise programme  to your own injury recovery requirements.

GUIDELINES FOR GETTING STARTED

Choose a pool that has a different depths. You should be able to workout in waist-deep water and chest-deep water. Make sure also the pool has an area where you can exercise in your own lane, away from swimmers or an open-swim environment.

You may benefit from a water shoe or light water resistant sandal with grip this will allow you to grip the pool floor more easily.

This back/hip -friendly water workout avoids actions like jumping, twisting which may aggravate back pain or hip pain.

Try to complete a water exercise routine 3 times per week to improve back pain or hip pain symptoms in a few weeks to a month. Walk and do light stretching to reduce muscle soreness on the days you do not do water exercise.

WARM UP WITH CARDIO WATER EXERCISES

  • 
Begin your workout by warming up the muscles with a cardiovascular workout. Start in the area of the pool that has waist-deep water. Begin walking back and forth through the area, while swinging your arms as you would if you were walking on land.

A water based exercise programme for hip and back painYou will get some resistance when you swing your arms. Although it may not feel as comfortable as walking on land, it is important to focus on creating a swinging motion for proper body mechanics and balance.

Walk in the water for 5 to 10 minutes. If you feel comfortable with the motion and want an extra challenge, move to chest-deep water after 5 minutes. You will feel an increase in resistance.

A cardiovascular workout treats back pain in a similar way as walking. It stretches and strengthens muscles throughout your back and legs. It can also lead to weight-loss, which can reduce the painful pressure on nerves, discs and muscles.

  • Move to deeper water and try to water jog. In this motion, you feet should minimally touch the ground, but you will swing your elbows a bit like runnning on the spot in water..

Focus on each footfall being heel to toe, rather than toe to heel. This will mimic a natural walking or jogging motion, helping you strengthen muscles that you use in daily walking. You will move forward  slowly in the water.

Water jog for 5 to 15 minutes depending on your problem and fitness levels and stop when you start to feel muscle fatigue.
If you have access to water weights you can strengthen your arms as you swing them while water jogging.

STRENGTHENING WATER BASED EXERCISES
Stand near the edge of the pool to begin strength-training water exercises. To start place one hand on the edge of the pool. For added stability, place your back against the edge of the pool.

Do leg kicks:

Water based exercise programme for hip and back pain

The exercise can be done once confident, away from the pool side with a straight leg.

Keep one leg on the ground the opposite knee can be slightly bent. Contract your stomach muscles and slowly raise the opposite leg as high as it will go. Slowly lower it back down.
This exercise will stretch and strengthen your thighs. Repeat it 12 to 15 times, and then turn around and repeat it with the opposite leg. It is important to be slow and deliberate with your movements so that you do not add to your back pain or hip pain.

Do Water Marching:

You can do this with 1 hand holding onto the wall or away from the wall in waist-high water. Start a walking motion, but bring your knee as high as you can after you lift each leg.

Lower it and do the same marching motion with the opposite leg. Work towards making your thigh parallel with the water’s surface. March for 5 minutes, or until you feel muscle fatigue. This exercise stretches and strengthens your thigh, hip, buttock, abdominal and back muscles helping combat back pain and hip pain.


Do Water Weight Lifting:

  1. Bend your knees and place your back against the side of the pool. Push gently so that your back feels stable.Grab water weights in each hand. Bend your elbows and keep them straight. You will be moving your forearms during this exercise.

Tighten your tummy muscles. Bring the weights down until your arms are straight. Slowly bring the weights up through the water, until your arms are at a 90 degree angle again. Repeat 12 times and do 2 to 3 sets. Stop if there is pressure on your back or your muscles are fatigued.

This exercise strengthens your arms and your core.Make sure to keep your stomach tight throughout the entire exercise.As your abdominal muscles feel stronger with time, move away from the edge of the pool, bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight as you perform the exercise.

STRETCHING WATER BASED EXERCISES

  1. Stand with your back to the edge of the pool. Bend your knee and lift it to your chest. Grasp your knee with your hands and hold for 20 seconds.Repeat with the opposite leg. Do the stretch 2 to 3 times on each side. Make sure your back stays straight through this entire exercises.
  2. Do the SupeWater based exercise for hip and back painrman Stretch. With your stomach down in the water, hold on to the edge of the pool. Stretch your legs out as far as they will go and move the legs gently to assist staying afloat. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times. This exercise will form a gentle arch in your back, stretching your stomach, back, shoulder and leg muscles.

  1. Stand with your back near the edge of the pool. Reach both hands backward  and grasp the rail at the edge of the pool tightly. Take 1 step forward and move your hands as close together as is possible.You should feel a deep stretch in your chest and upper arms. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2 to 3 times. Adequately stretching your chest muscles will make it easier to sit and stand up straight without hunching your back. Tight chest muscles cause rounding the shoulders and can contribute to a hunchback type posture.

GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC: SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY AND MAINTAINING IT

Our specialist Chiropractic team are trained and hold extensive experience both in Ireland and the U.K in back pain and hip pain diagnosis, back pain and hip pain treatment and back pain rehabilitation. Equipped with on site x ray and state of the art gait scanning equipment, we consider not only your back pain or hip pain, but the root cause of your problem and will work with you to help maximise your recovery through tailor made treatment and rehabilitation.

For your convenience all of our Gorey Family  Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers. We also provide care under the GAA injury scheme.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338   or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie    

Mar 07

Minimising back strain this calving season

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Minimising back strain this calving season by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons Chiropractic

As we progress through calving season, how is your back coping with the strain ?
It’s that time of year in farming when the pace and intensity of the workload has increased rapidly and farmers often faprevent back injury this calving seasonll into the habit of pushing themselves too hard and injuring themselves and only drawing breath when the body is at breaking point or in pain.

As Chiropractors in a rural community dealing and treating  significant numbers of farmers daily, we understand the day to day physical challenges posed by the demands of the farm and the injuries that it can cause particularly at calving time.

Our advice for farmers: Think of the long term and plan for the future. Don’t ignore your back, and when you’re tired don’t take  risks lifting or otherwise, it can be a costly, painful mistake  in the long term. So think of these tips…

Back pain at calving can generally be avoided through good forward planning, using a knowledge of safe lifting and body positioning principles, safe work practices as well as using mechanical aids wherever possible.

Calving related back pain often develops from
• Handling Accidents (getting crushed or knocked down by heifers/cows wary of human contact at calving or just after calving.
• Getting stuck in awkward positions; trying to get a calf out (not leaving enough space behind the cow to get the calf out)
• Long hours and regular night work increases the risk of back pain during this busy time of the year due to fatigue; meaning farmers are more of risk of forgetting to lift properly, take chances hauling things around, falsely believing they’re saving time:-(

Remember
• Well designed calving pens and gates minimise the direct physical contact between the cow/heifer and the farmer reducing handling accidents.
• Calving jacks if properly used can reduce the risk of back injury.
• Mechanical lifting aids such as a pulley system in the calving pen is a useful tool to reduce back strain.

The financial costs to the farmer of a back injury are high, do not ignore back pain believing it will go away, if affected, get early evaluation, treatment and appropriate exercises as necessary to help you recover faster, properly and to minimise the chances of getting injured again so as to avoid time lost unable to work through injury.

Offering comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for injuries relating to the back and neck as well as trapped nerves, shoulder, hip, knee and foot joint and muscle problems, Gorey Family Chiropractic also offers clients on site X-ray services, onsite computerised gait scanning, prescription medical insoles and can arrange direct refferal for MRI where medically necessary.

Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic is registered with VHI, Aviva/ Irish Life Health and Laya Healthcare allowing clients to claim reimbursement for treatment if covered by their health Insurance policy.

For advice or further information T 053 94 83338

or check out our website on www.chiropractor.ie