Dr. Sarah, I have trouble with sciatica, and I’ve been told that a chiropractor can help me with it. Having never been to a chiropractor before, I wasn’t sure if this was true, or what I should expect. Is that my best option, or will something else work better? - L.D. Hi L.D., This is a great topic to get into, mainly because sciatica is a problem that unfortunately many people suffer from. For those who don’t know, sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can cause mild to severe pain in the back, hips, and legs. In some instances, it can travel as far as the feet. Other common symptoms are numbness, burning, weakness, and difficulty moving. Treatment of sciatica can often include muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs, but these are only temporary steps that simply mask the painful symptoms. Chiropractic is an effective option, as it directly addresses the problem, which is the sciatic nerve. This is a non-invasive option, and doesn’t rely on painkillers and medication to mask the pain you are experiencing.
First, a functional assessment is done to determine that cause of the sciatica. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created to ensure that the problem itself is dealt with, and not just the symptoms. While chiropractic is beneficial, one of the best ways to deal with sciatica is actually through acupuncture, which we also offer at our clinic. At Bodylab, we combine the traditional Chinese acupuncture methods with the scientific, neurological, and anatomical approach to the nervous system, to stimulate and create a balance. Acupuncture is a great option for sciatica for a number of reasons – it’s highly effective especially for pain relief, it is risk-free, and it is painless and won’t cause further discomfort. That said, because sciatica manifests itself differently in each person who suffers from it, every treatment plan must be individual. For some, chiropractic is the best option; for others, acupuncture. In certain cases, a plan that utilizes both may prove to be most effective. We recommend that you book a consultation in our office so we can asses your specific needs and create the best treatment plan for you. With the proper care, we can find the root of your sciatica and work to fix the problem.
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With so much of our lives revolving around communication via our mobile phones, it was inevitable that there would be consequences to our body. One such issue has been given the nickname “text neck” – this is used to describe the damage and potential pain from looking down at a cell phone too frequently, and for long periods of time. Text neck doesn’t only affect the neck, despite its name. Looking down at our phones for extended periods can also cause headaches, shoulder and back pain, and discomfort in the arms and hands. Do you suffer from text neck? There are some ways to help alleviate the strain. Put Down the Phone: It’s important to take regular breaks from your cell phone. Set aside the phone, be less connected for a little while, and let your muscles relax.
Stretch your Body: During your phone breaks, it’s a good idea to stretch. Stretch your neck from side to side, practice a few neck rolls, and don’t forget to stretch your arms, hands, and throat. Focus on Posture: Throughout your day, keep thinking about your posture and make adjustments as needed. Shoulders back, chest out, neck straight and head up. The more you get used to carrying yourself this way, the better your posture will be and it will become more natural for you. Look up: If you just can’t put down the phone, try holding it higher whenever possible. Instead of constantly forcing your head down, hold the phone up to where your head naturally rests for less strain on the neck and shoulders. Massage: Massage can be beneficial for those strained muscles in the neck, shoulders and arms. Use massage in conjunction with the items listed above for best results. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can focus on the many parts of the body affected by text neck and general device overuse. With a personalized treatment plan, your spine alignment can get back on track which will help prevent any further issues while relieving any current ones. To help alleviate text neck and other strain and pain that comes along with it, book your appointment at Bodylab. We can treat it with massage, chiropractic, or a plan that incorporates both. Using all of these tips regularly, you can get a handle on text neck and the damage it causes to your body. |
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