Ischias: sciatic nerve or sciatica

On average, symptoms will only happen on one side of the body.This is a very common form of back pain, however the term sciatica actually applies to a set of symptoms rather than the diagnosis of what is irritating the nerve.CausesThe cause of sciatica is generally the compression of the lumbar spine nerve root L4 or L5, or compression of the sciatic nerve itself, which is far less common.In the case of disc herniation, sciatica can occur due to the pressing down on one of the sciatic nerve roots. Spinal Stenosis can also be a cause of sciatica because of the narrowing of the spinal canal, where the spinal cord runs, and compression of the spinal cord. This can be caused by herniated discs, bone spurs and vertebral dislocation, which then pinches the spinal cord that travels to the sciatic nerve and irritating it with friction.Piriformis Syndrome is another cause of sciatic symptoms. However, this only occurs in 15 percent of the population who have the sciatic nerve running through the piriformis rather than beneath it. In case of trauma, the muscle shortens and is compresses the sciatic nerve under the muscle. Unhealthy posture and excess time in chairs or sleeping in the fetal position, along with no stretching or exercise can cause sciatic irritation and pain as well. Another common cause of pain in the sciatic nerve is pregnancy, usually occurring late when the uterus is pressing on the sciatic nerve, as well as due to muscle tension caused by the weight of the fetus.TreatmentOne of the best ways to treat sciatic nerve problems is through the use of a chiropractor or osteopath. By seeing professionals who specialize inrepairing the spine, a patient will benefit greatly due to chiropractictreatments that are meant to fix problems of the spine. While bed rest and staying off the back is one of the best things you can do, in terms of problems with the sciatic nerve, it is better to be safe than sorry, so those who suffer with pain should see a chiropractor.ConclusionOne of the most painful spinal injuries can be to the sciatic nerve. The nerve can be compressed, or pinched, resulting in a great deal of pain to anyone who suffers from it. The pain can affect the lower half of one side of a person’s body, making them immobile.However, by visiting a professional chiropractor for chiropractic treatment, an individual can eliminate the pain in the sciatic nerve and begin walking proud and tall again. There is no reason to suffer with pain that an individual can eliminate with a short visit to a chiropractor or osteopath.As well, by visiting a chiropractor, an individual can ensure they do not do further damage to their spine due to a lack of treatment. Ont iryggen Ischias

History of Osteopathy - Osteopathy Information

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. Osteopathy is a branch of mainstream medicine that follows the philosophy that the body is a whole system. Osteopaths are trained in palpation and manipulation techniques to diagnose and treat various illnesses and dysfunctions. The body has the ability to heal itself and the Osteopath is the facilitator in that process. Osteopaths use a wide variety of approaches to treatment and can bring relief or improvement to many conditions affecting, for example, children, the elderly, sportsmen and women. Osteopathy is based on the hypothesis that many of the system’s health problems are payable to misplaced vertebrae which hamper the system’s own self-healing procedure. Osteopaths put good importance on ‘lesions’ which happen when a joint becomes jammed and thus restricted within its normal range of campaign. Lesions in the lower backwards can reduce away circulation which may head to disease, they can too induce disk harm and inflamed nerves. As an addition to osteopathy, a pupil discovered that there is a mild campaign in the joints of the cranial bones and that when these bones get misaligned and limit this campaign. For reasons such as a birth defect or a blow to the head, then this can lead to disease. It is through this discovery that cranial osteopathy was developed, and just like osteopathy it involves the manipulation of the cranial bones. Osteopathy is a naturalistic, vitalistic, holistic and drugless approach to health and disease. It is based on the idea that man is not a collection of parts but a synthetic whole imbued with spirit. The body functions as a total unit and possesses self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms. Osteopathy maintains that there is a reciprocal relationship between structure and function. The osteopath may use blood and urine tests to aid diagnosis and will pay close attention to certain areas with palpation (use of the hands). There are several techniques that the osteopath may use to treat the patient’s condition, such as needle cracking, soft tissue technique which is similar to massage, osteopathic manipulative therapy which is used to restore movement in the musculo-skeletal system, or movement of the joints to restore muscle alignment. The technique will depend on the diagnosis of the health problem. The osteopath will most likely give advice on posture, nutrition, exercise and relaxation in addition to the manipulation treatment.

Let me start with the facts. These “facts” are not just hypothetical ideas. They are actual statistics and actual studies that show that chiropractic care for children is not only safe, it is vital. Take these figures into account:

- A study done by Abraham Towbin, M.D., an expert in pathology, shows that“Spinal cord and brain stem injuries occur often during the process of birth but frequently escape diagnosis.” (Towbin, A., “Latent Spinal Cord and brain Stem Injury in Newborn Infants”, Develp Med. Child. Neurol, 11:54-68,1969) This often leads to something known as Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome, a primary cause of upper respiratory infections including ear infections and chronic tonsillitis. (Gutman, G., “Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome In Infants and Small Children”, Manuelle Medizin, 1987)

- A study in which Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome was corrected with chiropractic care showed that 40 out of 43 children studied who were suffering from ear infections improved with chiropractic care alone within two weeks of being adjusted. (Froehle, R.M., J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1996 Mar-Apr;19(3):169-77)

- A study by J.E. Upledger showed a definite and significant relationship between restrictions in movement of the upper neck area of the spine and children with learning disabilities. (Upledger, J.E., J Am Osteopath Assoc, 1978 Jun;77(10):760-76)

What we have going on here is a high prevalence of something known as “birth trauma” that is causing children to suffer as they grow. When bones misalign they press on nerves. When this happens, the whole body suffers as a result. These misalignments are known as “subluxations.” So the question is what type of healthcare practitioner is trained and qualified to diagnose and correct such a condition? Only a Doctor of Chiropractic can do this, particularly one who has specialized training in the care of pediatric patients.

Birth trauma causes DIRECT impingement on the tiny nerves of a child. However, there are two other major reasons why subluxations may occur indirectly: mental stress and toxic stress. While mental stress may not be so prevalent in childhood years, toxic stress is, particularly because many vaccinations contain compounds such as thimerosal and formaldehyde as preservatives. A child’s immune system isn’t even fully developed until after the age of two years. Thus, vaccinating a child before the immune system is even capable of handling such an antigen can impair the immune system’s response at a later time. This is why many children still may develop a disease even though they have been vaccinated against it.

I am often asked by mothers-to-be what is the safest way to give birth in order to minimize the occurrence of birth trauma. They are pleased to learn that the upright or squatting positions are not only easier on the baby, but they are much more comfortable on mom as well. The baby has the benefit of having a gravity-assisted birth that minimizes the amount of force being placed on the baby’s head and neck. Mom doesn’t feel as much pain because the baby is not pressing down on the sacral plexus of nerves as it usually is in the typical “lithotomy” position (mom lying flat on her back with legs up in stirrups). These safer, less painful positions minimize the chance that both mom and her baby will suffer from a subluxation.

Children who receive regular chiropractic care do indeed live healthier lives. While I was a chiropractic intern at Life University in Marietta, GA, I met many people my own age who have never been sick in their life. They said that the key to their abounding level of wellness was that they have never received a vaccination and they’ve been receiving chiropractic care since the day they were born. I have seen for myself how much happier and vibrant children who receive chiropractic care are. It is so heartwarming to see children who no longer have to take medications such as Ritalin, asthma medications, or antibiotics because they started receiving chiropractic care instead. Seeing a child who was once sickly be able to laugh and play with other kids in an optimal state of wellness gives me the greatest joy. Chiropractic works!

During pregnancy, there is a major change that occurs to the posture of the mother as a result of her increased body weight.  It is this alteration in posture that may be a cause of her headache.

The spine does not remain static during the 9 months. As the uterus grows the lumber spine starts to flatten followed by extending and then flattening again slightly. The ribs too are expected to flare out as the uterus pushes up onto the abdominal organs causing some crowding. These changes that occur result in the neck having to adjust, accommodating in such as way so as to keep the head up straight so that our sensory organs can function efficiently.

The increase in breast tissue and the increase in size of the uterus cause the shoulders and neck to be dragged forward. In order to compensate, the mother recruits muscles in her neck to raise the head up.  Since the head is pulled away from the center of gravity the muscles at the base of the head have to work over-time and eventually fatigue and become painful.  

Osteopathy can relieve this problem by applying gentle but accurate manual techniques to the mother’s body.  Emphasis is placed by the osteopath on relieving tension in the muscles and joints of the spine although not exclusively as attention is also paid to peripheral joint even as far as the feet in certain cases.   The purpose of this type of treatment is to help the mother’s body adapt well to the postural changes and relieve the burden from the headache inducing muscles.

http://www.osteopathy4osteopaths.blogspot.com

http://www.osteopathisrael.blogspot.com

Danny