Stand Up To Sciatica

Stand Up To Sciatica

Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

STAND UP TO SCIATICA!

Why Does Sciatica Occur?

Do you experience pain in the buttock, leg, or even your foot? If so, you may be experiencing sciatica. Sciatica is a common form of back and leg pain that is often misunderstood by sufferers. People frequently have questions about what sciatica is, why it occurs and how to find relief from the intense pain it can cause from the low back down to the feet. If you are suffering from sciatica, it is important to find its root cause. Many people often think an x-ray or expensive MRI is first needed to figure out what is causing pain. Having a lot of tests doesn’t mean you will find its root cause. Recent studies show that nearly 1 million of MRIs done for sciatica fail to find a treatable cause. With a new imaging technique called magnetic resonance neurography, 69% of the patients were found to have a trapped sciatic nerve deep in the buttock by a muscle called the piriformis. It is known that in about 25% of the general population, the sciatic nerve pierces through the piriformis muscle and can be susceptible to abnormal pressure and irritation.

If there are changes in posture, muscle strength or pelvic alignment, the nerve can be compressed which leads to the quite common low back and sciatic nerve pains. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in your body. It even reaches down to the foot and therefore, can be irritated anywhere along its path. With sciatica, the consequent ache can be felt anywhere from the base of the spine, the buttocks or the back of the thigh and legs. Even tingling sensations in the toes can be attributed at times to the impingement of the sciatic nerve.

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Stand Up To Sciatica

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Bad Habits Can Increase Your Pain Some seemingly harmless habits can also contribute to the irritation of the sciatic nerve. A frequent bad habit is crossing of the legs for extended periods, which puts pressure on the nerve. In addition, sitting for long periods is bad for your spine. It is possible for you to prevent or relieve sciatica simply by improving your posture. Riverside Spine&Physical Medicine Relieves Sciatica The specialists at Riverside Spine and Physical Medicine play a crucial role in evaluating and treating sciatica, as well as other common back problems. Our collaborative team of experts are medical experts with years of training to evaluate your back problem, finding the root cause of your sciatica. An individualized treatment plan is created to guide you through the recovery process and maximize your success. When coming to Riverside Spine and Physical Medicine, our friendly and knowledgeable collaborative team of experts spend time with you. We train you on specific and easy exercises that will relieve the pain in your back and legs. In addition, our specialized hands-on therapy helps to gently loosen tight muscles and joints in your spine and legs. Your pain is quickly relieved and your flexibility restored, so you can feel like yourself again. Our cutting-edge treatments are doctor recommended and are specifically designed for you to reach your healthcare goals. Knowing all this should give you a headstart in warding off painful sciatica. After all, it may be as simple as learning to stand tall.

Journal of neurosurgery: Spine Feb, 2005 Volume 2, Number 2. Aaron G. Filler, M.D., Ph.D., Jodean Haynes, B.A., Sheldon E. Jordan, M.D., Joshua Prager, M.D., J. Pablo Villablanca, M.D., Keyvan Farahani, Ph.D., Duncan Q. Mcbride, M.D., Jay S. Tsuruda, M.D., Brannon Morisoli, B.A., Ulrich Batzdorf, M.D., and J. Patrick Johnson, M.D.

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Do you want a solution to your pain? Gain your freedom from pain medication and avoid costly surgery!

We can help you: • Relieve back and neck pain. • Improve flexibility. • Be more active with your friends and family.

FREE BACK PAIN ANALYSIS

• Have more energy. • Feel better at work.

Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 10-30-16. 931.542.9420

Patient Success S P O T L I G H T

My quality of life is better! “Been a patient here for 10 years. I stumbled in there with severe sciatic pain in both hips and Dr. Allen had me much improved in a few visits. He has been taking care of my spine from my neck to my lower spine for years now. He and his staff are competent and caring and make each patient feel special. The clinic has evolved to provide more complete care for the patients and address many medical issues. I can say I would be in a wheelchair by now if I had not finally found proper treatment here. I cannot be “fixed” as I have a rare spine disorder but my quality of life is better because of the treatments received here. Other specialists have failed me or ignored my issues. Love these folks!” - D.P.

Do you know what makes a good Spine Program?

Today, we’ll be answering the question, “What is a good spine program?” When looking to purchase an item or service, consumers often search for the most superior product. Why should choosing a spine program provider, or any other healthcare related service provider, be any different? As a healthcare consumer, you deserve the best service available delivered by the most highly trained professionals available. A good spine program has a few key components that make it easy to recognize: • Collaborative team of experts with Advanced Certifications/Training

• One-on-One Time with a Licensed Expert • Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches • Tailor-Made or Customized Treatment Programs • Great Customer Service from the Entire Staff

Our team at Riverside Spine and Physical Medicine is known for providing great one-on-one care, evidence-based treatments, tailor-made treatment programs, and the highest level of customer service available to our patients. Call us today if you’re ready to get back to doing the activities you love!

Service Spotlight

Surgeryshouldalwaysbe a last resortwhen it comes to treatingbackpain.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Herniated or bulging discs can put pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in pain down the back and legs. At Riverside Spine & Physical Medicine, we offer nonsurgical decompression to relieve this pressure and alleviate associated pain. Unlike more invasive options, spinal decompression requires little to no recovery time or powerful pain medications—so you can enjoy the results and continue to perform your daily activities. Spinal decompression uses mechanical traction to gently stretch the spine. During this procedure, you will lay on a special table while our healthcare professional controls the traction device through a computer. A session typically consists of 15 one-minute periods of decompression with a relaxation cycle in between, for a total of 30 minutes. Nonsurgical decompression causes a vacuum-like effect, which allows any leaking tissue to return to the spinal disc. The vacuum also increases blood circulation in the spine, which brings nutrients and oxygen necessary for healing. Patients report that decompression is a pain-free procedure; in fact, some even fall asleep during their session.

• Physical Therapy • Medical Pain Relief • Diagnostic Imaging • Nerve Testing & Diagnostics • Spine and Joint Bracing • Joint Injections • Trigger Point Therapy & Injections • Chiropractic Care • Therapeutic & Sports Massage • Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression • Ergonomic Training & Lifestyle Analysis • Supartz Joint Therapy • Orthotics • Kinesio Taping • Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Therapy Our Services

Getting Fit Can Be Fun

Choose Your Fun Not everyone has the same idea of fun. Spinning Hula Hoops might not be your cup of tea, but an Irish dance class tickles your toes. Skydiving might make your heart drop, but canoeing might just be your style. How can you put some fun into your fitness? • Plan a short trip to a beautiful place where you’ll be motivated to be more active than usual. • Involve your family and friends in an activity. • Try something new. • Try something old -- try ballet again or play catch. • Jump rope. • Play with kids or grandkids.

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Healthy Recipe: Chopped Cauliflower Salad Directions • Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, shallot, Eating Right Never Tasted So Good!

8 Ingredients • 5 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar • 1 small shallot, finely chopped • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, (optional) • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 3 cups chopped cauliflower florets, (about 1/2 large head) • 2 cups chopped heart of romaine • 1 tart-sweet red apple, chopped

caraway seeds (if using) and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. • Add cauliflower, romaine and apple; toss to coat.

Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to help maintain a healthy spine

Good Stretch For Lower Back

Strengthens Core

ABDOMINAL BRACING Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on floor. Place your hands on the front of your pelvis and contract your deep core. Straighten one knee. Return foot to the starting position. Alternate legs one at a time. Repeat 10 times on both sides.

SINGLE KNEE TO CHEST STRETCH Lie on your back and bring one knee to your chest, keeping the other foot flat on the floor. Keep your lower back pressed to the floor. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times with each leg.

Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

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Who do you know that needs our help?

Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely 9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle If you know someone suffering with aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Riverside Spine and Physical Medicine today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly to schedule an evaluation!

For more information go to riversidespineandphysmed.com

riversidespineandphysmed.com

625 North Riverside Drive Clarksville, TN 37040 P: 931-542-9420