Regularly doing planks can support/strengthen the spine and prevent back pain no matter the fitness level. It’s estimated that 70% of adults will experience back problems and pain. One of the best ways to keep the spine healthy is by strengthening the core muscles. The more these muscles are built up, the healthier the body will become. The plank position activates the entire core taking the pressure off of the spine.
Core Anatomy
The core is the center of the body. It contains all the muscles surrounding the torso. These muscles work together to:
Stabilize the body during movement.
Prevent injury when engaged in physical activity/exercise.
Provide spinal support.
The core is split into two groups of muscles: The inner core and the outer core.
The deep abdominal muscle in the lower back sits on either side of the lumbar region of the spine.
Transversus Abdominis
Located between the lower ribs and the top of the pelvis.
Pelvic Floor
This base group of muscles stretches from the tailbone to the pubic bone.
Diaphragm
A dome-shaped muscle that rests below the lungs.
Outer Core
Rectus Abdominis
These are more commonly known as the abs.
External Obliques
These muscles are located on either side of the rectus abdominis.
Internal Obliques
These muscles are located below the external obliques, inside the hip bones.
Erector Spinae
These muscles surround the spine and extend up both sides of the vertebral column.
Planks and Back Pain Prevention
When the core is not strong enough, the spine and back muscles overcompensate to keep the body standing correctly. Studies have shown how planks effectively activate the muscles responsible for spinal stabilization. The exercise targets the entirety of the core and strengthens the shoulders and glutes. Strengthening these muscles improves posture, helping to alleviate back problems and pain. However, it’s recommended to talk to a doctor before beginning a plank regimen if back pain is present. If done incorrectly, they could aggravate the back muscles.
Proper Form
Choose an area clear of furniture where the whole body can stretch out. Follow these steps:
Begin with hands and knees on the floor.
Extend the legs back while keeping the elbows directly below the shoulders and the wrists below the elbows.
Keep the head down, looking at the space just above the hands.
Engage the abs and keep the body rigid.
Imagine a perfectly straight line from the neck to the toes.
Hold the position for 10 to 60 seconds, depending on fitness level.
Lower the body gently to the floor.
Make sure not to curve the back as curving means that the abdominal muscles are being engaged, and tilting the head up can strain the neck.
Both can lead to injury, which is why maintaining proper form is essential.
Plank Variations
There are variations of this exercise for different levels of physical fitness. Once the modified and full plank has been mastered, various planks can target other areas of the body. These include:
Side Plank
These involve shifting the weight to one forearm while extending the other arm into the air.
One-arm Plank
These involve lifting one hand off the ground, then alternating.
Anybody can work up to a plank at any age at any fitness level; it just takes time. Once achieved, it is a great way to keep the body’s core strong, healthy and helps prevent back problems.
Body Composition
Band Lateral Raise
The lateral band raise is an excellent workout for the shoulders. It works out the lateral deltoid, anterior deltoid, and serratus anterior.
Grasp one band in one hand.
Step on the free end with the opposite foot.
Right hand and left foot and vice versa.
Slowly extend and raise the arm until they are parallel to the floor.
Lower the arms in the same manner.
If the shoulders are healthy and strong enough, try adding dumbbells or kettlebells to increase the resistance.
References
Calatayud, Joaquín et al. “Tolerability and Muscle Activity of Core Muscle Exercises in Chronic Low-back Pain.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,19 3509. 20 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16193509
World Health Organization. (2013) “Low back pain.” https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_24LBP.pdf
Youdas, James W et al. “Magnitudes of muscle activation of spine stabilizers in healthy adults during prone on elbow planking exercises with and without a fitness ball.” Physiotherapy Theory and practice vol. 34,3 (2018): 212-222. doi:10.1080/09593985.2017.1377792
Posture is how we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. A healthy posture is the correct alignment of the body supported by the right amount of muscle tension. Our everyday movements and activities affect the body’s alignment. A postural imbalance can impact the body’s health in various ways. It can cause:
General soreness
Back pain
Muscular pain
Fatigue
Digestive problems
Poor self-esteem
Unhealthy posture can increase the risk of spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, stress joints, and muscles, resulting in permanent damage if left untreated. The best way to prevent postural imbalances is to be aware of the causes utilize proper ergonomic and movement strategies that can help avoid these problems. As the everyday bad habits, behaviors, and activities are understood, it is much easier to prevent and correct them.
Everyday Posture Is Important
Specific muscles maintain the body’s posture, so we don’t have to think about it and constantly adjust. Muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are essential in maintaining healthy positions. When the muscles function correctly, the postural muscles prevent gravity from pushing the body forward. Postural muscles also maintain balance when moving. A healthy posture reduces strain on the supporting muscles and ligaments during everyday movement and weight-bearing activities. Engaging in healthy posture helps:
Keep the bones and joints in correct alignment so that the muscles function correctly.
Decrease the abnormal wearing of joints resulting in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
Reduce the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, preventing injury.
Allow muscles to work more efficiently.
The body exert less energy.
Prevent muscle fatigue and muscle pain.
Prevent muscle strain and overuse disorders.
Unhealthy Posture
Unhealthy posture results when the body sits or stands with the spine in an abnormal position. When an individual practices unhealthy posture over a long period, it progressively leads to muscles and ligaments becoming elongated and weak, while others become short and tight. This creates a physical imbalance that leads to postural abnormalities like:
Individuals can begin to develop unhealthy habits that negatively impact their posture, like walking with their head looking towards the ground. This shifts the body out of alignment.
Sitting For Too Long
Spending too much time sitting even with the correct posture will impact the spine and muscles. It weakens the muscles, ligaments, and abdominals.
Weight
Carrying extra weight can force the spine into an awkward position. This is true for individuals with pot bellies, as it pulls the lower back forward, increasing the risk of lumbar lordosis.
Unhealthy Diet
If the spine does not have access to the vitamins and nutrients it needs, it can struggle to maintain its strength and flexibility. It is also more difficult for the body to repair damage to the spine’s muscles and ligaments.
Clothing and Footwear
Clothing and footwear can impact posture.
High heels, poor-fitting shoes, saggy jeans, large belts, heavy jackets, and other items can force the spine into an unnatural position.
These are fine to wear for short periods but avoid wearing them day in and day out.
Treatment
Chiropractors specialize in issues affecting the spine, especially posture. They can:
Perform a postural examination involving a complete assessment of the musculoskeletal system to identify any joint misalignments and issues that affect soft tissue.
Perform adjustments of misaligned joints using various techniques.
Recommend stretches to loosen/lengthen tight muscles and strengthen weak ones, leading to improvements. A chiropractor will develop an effective stretching regimen to target the correct muscles.
Individuals who sit for extended periods, don’t exercise and don’t watch their diet can experience insulin resistance. Insulin resistance happens when insulin cannot transport excess blood sugar out of the blood and into the muscles. One study found that women who sat for eight hours a day had a higher chance of developing diabetes. Individuals with diabetes tend to have more fat within their bodies, particularly visceral fat, increasing insulin resistance potential. Individuals with diabetes experience a faster loss of muscle mass as they age, further intensifying symptoms and deterioration of body composition.
References
Feldman, Anatol G. “The Relationship Between Postural and Movement Stability.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 957 (2016): 105-120. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-47313-0_6
Jaromi, Melinda et al. “Treatment and ergonomics training of work-related lower back pain and body posture problems for nurses.” Journal of clinical nursing vol. 21,11-12 (2012): 1776-84. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04089.x
Jung, Suk Hwa et al. “Visceral Fat Mass Has Stronger Associations with Diabetes and Prediabetes than Other Anthropometric Obesity Indicators among Korean Adults.” Yonsei medical journal vol. 57,3 (2016): 674-80. doi:10.3349/ymj.2016.57.3.674
Pope, Malcolm H et al. “Spine ergonomics.” Annual review of biomedical engineering vol. 4 (2002): 49-68. doi:10.1146/annurev.bioeng.4.092101.122107
Tractor-trailer semi-trucks are a vital part of our transportation/supply system. However, weather, drivers that are not careful and/or well-trained can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal accidents. One type of accident resulting from truck driver negligence is the jackknife accident. Jackknife accidents are extremely catastrophic because they can involve numerous vehicles. Almost all of them involve life-altering or fatal injuries. Here’s what to know about these violent truck crashes.
Jackknife Collision
A jackknife occurs when the trailer of semi-truck swings to one side at a 90-degree angle and uncontrollably overtakes other lanes of traffic.The term comes from the look of the tractor-trailer after the crash resembling a jackknife or the letter L. When a jackknife wreck happens, the trailer and cab can hit and crush other vehicles in its path. It can also block numerous lanes leading to additional collisions. Jackknife crashes can also be considered rollover crashes when the truck slides and rolls over onto its side, although not all rollovers end in a jackknife.
Causes
Jackknife collisions are often either the cause of driver negligence or inclement weather, other distracted drivers, truck maintenance, or a combination. These include the following:
Excessive Speed
If a truck driver is speeding, the trailer can slide sideways and jackknife when forced to stop too quickly.
The average tractor-trailer weighs about 80,000 pounds.
The average length of a trailer is between 70 – 80 feet.
Tractor-trailer trucks need 40% more time to brake.
Weather Conditions
If drivers do not take it slow enough, bad weather or road conditions can also cause a jackknife.
Ice, snow, rain, loose gravel, or loose asphalt can cause trailers to bounce and slide.
Hazardous road conditions, as accumulated oil can cause slipperiness.
Improper Following Distance
Truck drivers that do not provide an adequate following distance to allow for a safe stopping distance can cause the trailer to slide sideways and jackknife when having to slam on the brakes.
Drivers who do not exercise caution as they enter and properly maneuver down hills or curves can end up shifting out of position and possibly topple over.
Driver Operator Fatigue
Many tractor-trailer accidents/crashes happen when drivers have logged too many hours without proper rest.
When the body is tired, response time suffers.
If a driver is groggy, they lack the cognizance to maneuver out of a dangerous situation.
Inexperienced or Untrained Operators
Driving a truck is a demanding job that requires several skill sets and experience.
Truck companies try to lower costs by using inexperienced drivers that don’t have the training or experience for long hauls or driving on busy/dangerous highways and interstates.
Load Balance
Safe truck driving ensures the trailer’s cargo is loaded correctly and the weight is equally distributed.
When the load is unbalanced, it can shift, causing the trailer to tilt or tip.
Unbalanced loads are a common factor in rollover crashes.
Lack of Maintenance
Drivers or companies that ignore:
Routine maintenance
Alignment checks
Brake pad replacement
All can lead to accidents and crashes.
Research shows that jackknife crashes can cause widespread damage, as they usually spread across multiple lanes of traffic. Because of this, there is the danger of secondary crashes or vehicles not initially involved in the crash, running into the tractor, trailer, or scattered wreckage and debris.
18 Wheeler Accident Chiropractic Treatment
Analysis An Effective Tool In Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
Body composition is essential for understanding an individual’s physiological makeup and guiding a personalized treatment plan to target specific areas. InBody is non-invasive and convenient, making it ideal for rehabilitation practices. The InBody test provides comprehensive results that can educate and engage individuals in tracking their progress throughout their physical therapy. In less than 60 seconds, the InBody Test provides easy-to-understand, accurate, and objective measurements. Chiropractors and physical therapists use the InBody for:
Monitoring changes to determine the efficacy of exercise programs.
Guiding recommendations to ensure long-term success.
References
Girotto, Edmarlon et al. “Working conditions, and sleepiness while driving among truck drivers.” Traffic injury prevention vol. 20,5 (2019): 504-509. doi:10.1080/15389588.2019.1609670
Gray, Garry. “A bird’s eye view of driving safety culture: Truck drivers’ perceptions of unsafe driving behaviors near their trucks.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 64,2 (2019): 187-194. doi:10.3233/WOR-192985
Smith, Joyce A et al. “Spine and spinal cord injury in motor vehicle crashes a function of change in velocity and energy dissipation on impact with respect to the direction of the crash.” The Journal of trauma vol. 59,1 (2005): 117-31. doi:10.1097/01.ta.0000171534.75347.52
Stavrinos, Despina et al. “Commercial Truck Driver Health and Safety: Exploring Distracted Driving Performance and Self-Reported Driving Skill.” Workplace health & safety vol. 64,8 (2016): 369-76. doi:10.1177/2165079915620202
Stein, H S, and I S Jones. “Crash involvement of large trucks by configuration: a case-control study.” American Journal of public health vol. 78,5 (1988): 491-8. doi:10.2105/ajph.78.5.491
Leg spasms and cramps are common conditions where the muscles in the leg suddenly become tight and painful. They present with no warning and can cause excruciating and debilitating pain. They usually occur in the calf muscles but can affect any area of the leg, including the feet and thighs. After the cramping has passed, pain and tenderness can remain in the leg for several hours. Although many leg spasm episodes go away by themselves, they can disrupt normal activities, exercise regimens, and sleep if they continue and are left untreated.
Leg Spasms and Symptoms
A leg spasm is a sudden, sharp contraction or tightening of a muscle in the leg. This can last a few seconds to a few minutes. Muscle cramps anywhere in the body cause sudden contraction of the muscle. This is an involuntary function and can include the following symptoms:
Soreness and discomfort can be mild to extreme.
Muscle tightening.
Hardening of the muscle.
Twitching of the muscle.
Pain.
Leg spasms are typically brief and go away on their own, but individuals are recommended to seek treatment if they are frequently experienced or last for extended periods.
Causes
Dehydration
Dehydration is a common cause of leg spasms and pain.
Lack of fluids can cause the nerve endings to become sensitized, triggering muscle contractions.
When the body sweats, it loses water and electrolytes.
When the body is low on electrolytes
Imbalances in:
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
It can affect nerve transduction and lead to muscle spasms.
Hypothyroidism
If the body does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone, this is known as hypothyroidism.
Over time, this deficiency can damage the nerves that send signals from the brain and spine to the legs.
Tingling, numbness, and frequent cramping can result.
Spinal Misalignment
Spinal misalignment can compress nerve roots that run down the leg.
This can cause radiating leg pain and spasms, specifically in the back of the thigh.
Muscle and Connective Tissue Injuries
Injuries like tears, strains, and sprains can lead to leg spasms and frequent cramping.
Pregnancy
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, calcium and magnesium deficiency are common and can lead to leg spasms and cramps.
Treatment
The proper course of treatment for leg spasms depends on the severity and underlying cause/s. A chiropractor can identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve and eliminate leg cramps.
Chiropractic
Misalignments can compress the nerve roots radiating from the spine to the legs.
This can lead to radiating leg pain and/or leg spasms.
Realignment through chiropractic can relieve the pressure on compressed nerve roots, alleviating leg discomfort and pain.
A chiropractor will also recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the legs and core muscles.
Physical Therapeutic Massage
A physical therapist will use various massage techniques to relax the leg muscles to prevent and reduce the severity of spasms.
Massage therapy will relieve any inflammation that accompanies leg spasms, decreasing pain and swelling in the area.
As a part of the treatment plan, a health coach will evaluate the individual’s diet and suggest changes that will help address any nutritional deficiencies contributing to leg spasms and cramps.
Body Composition
Track Inflammation and Fluid Imbalances From Injury or Surgery
Inflammation can occur with little to no visible symptoms following surgery or injury. Precision measurement of body water can detect water retention and inflammation to aid rehabilitation treatment. InBody effectively distinguishes water in the following compartments that comprise total body water.
Intracellular-ICW-within the tissues.
Extracellular-ECW-within the blood and interstitial fluids.
The Edema Index can be used to detect fluid imbalances resulting from inflammation from injury or recovery after surgery.
Assessing fluid balance in the body and specific segments can help identify inflammation and guide treatment to reduce the risk of re-injury or post-surgery complications. These measurements are provided for the whole body and can determine where fluid imbalances may be occurring for more precise analysis.
References
Araújo, Carla Adriane Leal de et al. “Oral magnesium supplementation for leg cramps in pregnancy. An observational controlled trial.” PloS one vol. 15,1 e0227497. 10 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227497
Garrison, Scott R et al. “Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,9 CD009402. 12 Sep. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub2
Kang, Seok Hui et al. “Clinical Significance of the Edema Index in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.” PloS one vol. 11,1 e0147070. 19 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147070
Luo, Li et al. “Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 12,12 CD010655. 4 Dec. 2020, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub3
Mekhail, Nagy et al. “Long-term safety and efficacy of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation to treat chronic back and leg pain (Evoke): a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.” The Lancet. Neurology vol. 19,2 (2020): 123-134. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30414-4
Proper nutrition can be difficult for individuals with work, school, and busy schedules to prepare fresh, healthy meals. Healthy food is essential for a healthy nervous system and spine to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system, metabolism, bone strength, tissue growth, and repair. The body requires more nutritional value to heal itself to support damage or injury.
Nervous System and The Spine
The nervous system runs throughout the body like an interstate highway and impacts every bodily function. Disrupting signals can cause a backup, like a massive traffic jam. At that point, no matter how healthy the diet is, the body is unable to process all the food thoroughly to break down all the nutrients. Chiropractic adjustments ensure that blood circulation and nerve energy flow function optimally so that messages sent from the brain and body are transmitted without disruption.
Disrupted Nervous System
The nervous system influences every part of the body, and digestion is no exception. The nervous system tells the body what it needs to do with the food/fuel. When the nervous system is unbalanced and experiencing problems, the nutrients that the body needs don’t get appropriately stored, broken down, or used correctly, leaving the body feeling not full and unsatisfied.
Nutrition Improves Musculoskeletal Health
It is essential to understand that nutrition and musculoskeletal health depend on a healthy nervous system and spine.
Food high in protein and calcium increases bone density.
Protein and calcium are vital as the body ages.
A healthy skeletal structure will ensure and maintain a healthy body.
Food is the primary source of nutrients for the body to rebuild and repair torn muscles.
The Relation Between Nutrition And Recovery
Nourishment plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s health and helps in reducing the risk of illness or injuries. There are several links between nutrition and recovery that includes:
Injury Rehabilitation
A diet rich in antioxidants like:
Berries
Apricots
Grapes
Milk
Nuts
The body becomes stronger to combat inflammation.
Foods rich in lean protein like:
Yogurt
Tofu
Beef
Provide the body with essential building blocks that help repair cellular damage.
Joint Or Back Pain Alleviation
Overweight and obesity generate unnecessary load on the spine or joints, resulting in back pain.
Reducing weight through proper nutrition filled with proteins and magnesium instead of unhealthy fats and calories will help reduce the strain being put on the musculoskeletal system.
Increased Energy Levels
Food high in sugar or preservatives makes the body feel sluggish and tired.
As a result, the body is constantly exhausted, fatigued, sleepy, and irritable.
Proper nutrition increases energy levels.
Maintaining the nervous system and spine’s overall health.
Body Composition
Malnutrition Risks
Malnutrition can be difficult to spot early, but there are various risk factors to recognize. These include:
Depression doubles the risk of malnutrition, especially among men.
References
Bollwein, J et al. “Nutritional status according to the mini nutritional assessment (MNA®) and frailty in community-dwelling older persons: a close relationship.” The journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 17,4 (2013): 351-6. doi:10.1007/s12603-013-0034-7
Curtis, Elizabeth et al. “Determinants of Muscle and Bone Aging.” Journal of cellular physiology vol. 230,11 (2015): 2618-25. doi:10.1002/jcp.25001
Gentile, Francesco et al. “Diet, Microbiota and Brain Health: Unraveling the Network Intersecting Metabolism and Neurodegeneration.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 21,20 7471. 10 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21207471
Oxland, Thomas R. “Fundamental biomechanics of the spine–What we have learned in the past 25 years and future directions.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 49,6 (2016): 817-832. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.10.035
Pérez Cruz, Elizabeth et al. “Asociación entre desnutrición y depresión en el adulto mayor” [Association between malnutrition and depression in elderly]. Nutricion hospitalaria vol. 29,4 901-6. 1 Apr. 2014, doi:10.3305/nh.2014.29.4.7228
Arthritis can be a debilitating disease that interferes with everyday life. There are over 20% of adults aged 65 and older that have arthritis along with all the symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. The most commonly affected joints include the shoulders, hands, spine, hips, and knees. Arthritis results from damage to joint cartilage from various factors such as age, wear and tear, injury, being overweight, and disease. While medication and surgery are the most common treatment options, an arthritis chiropractor can offer a conservative, natural, non-invasive option to manage symptoms.
Arthritis Chiropractor Helps By
While arthritis, either caused by wear and tear – Osteoarthritis or disease – Rheumatoid Arthritis cannot be cured. An arthritis chiropractor can help manage symptoms and prevent progression. Chiropractors are trained to use various techniques to help alleviate pain and tension, including arthritis. Chiropractic treatment aims to alleviate pain by adjusting, massaging, and realigning the musculoskeletal system to relieve stress, stretch the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and restore balance within the body. They open the body to allow proper/optimal nerve energy and blood circulation. This is beneficial for arthritic joints to reduce unnecessary strain, translating to reduced wear on the joints and keeping the body active.
Benefits
There are significant benefits that regular chiropractic treatment can offer. These include:
Restored range of motion
Joint pain relief
Inflammation alleviation
Improved nerve function for optimal tissue healing
Regular adjustments will keep the body optimally aligned and functioning smoothly.
Arthritis chiropractors can recognize the most subtle changes.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Healthy lifestyle adjustments help manage arthritis.
Guidance on healthy habits that include:
Anti-inflammatory foods
Weight loss
Proper sleep habits
Exercise training
Stress management
The sooner chiropractic care is sought out, the better to prevent symptoms from worsening. Chiropractic can generate great results with less need for medication/s or surgery.
Body Composition
Identifying The Risk of Sarcopenia and Decreased Mobility
As the body ages, it begins to lose muscle mass, and as more sedentary behavior is adopted, the rate of loss increases along with age-related injury. Identifying these age-related changes in muscle and how they relate to frailty risk can be challenging to identify and track. By accurately measuring fat-free mass in each region of the body, Skeletal Muscle Index – SMI quickly specifies muscle mass and frailty risk. Sarcopenia and frailty specifically affect the elderly population, affecting mortality, cognitive function, and quality of life. Loss of muscle in the arms and legs is associated with:
Reductions in mobility
Increased risk of falls
Frailty
Extended hospital stays
Falls and fractures frequently result in a cycle of muscle deterioration. Analysis tools can help track body composition changes to minimize muscle wasting and the risk of impaired mobility. Assessing skeletal muscle mass in outpatient and hospital settings can decrease debilitating outcomes before they happen. The InBody analysis is quick and easy, providing a calculation for skeletal muscle index and the sum of the lean mass in the arms and legs. The ease of performing the InBody test provides physicians more time to work with and educate individuals on adopting lifestyle changes to help prevent sarcopenia.
References
Aletaha, Daniel. “Precision medicine and management of rheumatoid arthritis.” Journal of autoimmunity vol. 110 (2020): 102405. doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102405
Beasley, Jeanine. “Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: conservative therapeutic management.” Journal of hand therapy: official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists vol. 25,2 (2012): 163-71; quiz 172. doi:10.1016/j.jht.2011.11.001
Demoruelle, M Kristen, and Kevin D Deane. “Treatment strategies in early rheumatoid arthritis and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.” Current rheumatology reports vol. 14,5 (2012): 472-80. doi:10.1007/s11926-012-0275-1
Kavuncu, Vural, and Deniz Evcik. “Physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis.” MedGenMed: Medscape general medicine vol. 6,2 3. 17 May. 2004
Moon, Jeong Jae et al. “New Skeletal Muscle Mass Index in Diagnosis of Sarcopenia.” Journal of bone metabolism vol. 25,1 (2018): 15-21. doi:10.11005/jbm.2018.25.1.15
Sciatica Causes: The sciatic nerve forms by the union of Lumbar4 to Sacral31 nerve roots and exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle located deep in the buttocks. The nerve runs down the back of the thigh, into the leg, and ends in the foot. The sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, irritated, and/or mechanically compressed. Any type of pain and/or neurological symptom/s from the sciatic nerve is referred to as sciatica. Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy, which means that the pain originates from the low back and/or sacral nerve roots.
Sciatica Causes
Physical forces on the nerve can cause mechanical compression due to the following conditions:
Herniated Discs
A disc in the lower back can bulge or herniate, causing irritation and/or compression of a sciatic nerve root.
Foraminal Stenosis
Stenosis, the intervertebral opening through which the nerve roots travel, begins to narrow/close in, can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve.
Degeneration
Degenerative changes in the spine like the thickening of facet joint capsules and/or ligaments can compress the sciatic nerve.
Segmental Instability
Instability of a spinal vertebral segment that happens if one vertebra slips over the one beneath it – spondylolisthesis
Complete dislocation of one or more vertebrae can compress the nerve root/s of the nerve.
Other Sciatica Causes
Tumors, cysts, infections, or abscesses in the lower spine or pelvic region can also cause sciatic nerve compression.
Chemical Inflammation
Chemical irritants can include hyaluronic acid and/or fibronectin/protein fragments that leak out of degenerated or herniated discs. These irritants can cause inflammation and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Degenerated discs can cause nerve tissues to grow into the disc, penetrating the outer and inner layers of the disc, causing sciatica. Immune system responses can contribute to pain when exposed to disc fluid.
Substances such as glycosphingolipids/fats and neurofilaments /protein polymers secreted by the immune system are increased in individuals with sciatica. These substances are released from the reaction between nerve roots and exposed disc material, causing inflammation.
Job Occupation
Individuals with specific jobs have an increased risk of developing sciatica. Examples include:
Truck drivers
Desk workers
Teachers
Warehouse workers
Machine workers
Plumbers
Electricians
Carpenters
Fitness trainers
Sitting and standing for long periods, using improper posture, constantly bending, twisting, reaching, and regularly lifting are risk factors for sciatica.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is a condition where the piriformis muscle swells and spasms from overuse or inflammation irritating the sciatic nerve that is right underneath. The nerve can get trapped in the muscle causing sciatica-like symptoms that include:
Pain follows the same pattern in the leg as a compressed sciatic nerve root.
Tingling
Numbness
Discomfort from piriformis syndrome feels similar to sciatica, but it is not caused by compressed sciatic nerve root. Piriformis pain comes from compression of the sciatic nerve near the piriformis muscle.
Genetic Sciatica Causes
Sciatica caused by degenerated and/or herniated discs can be genetic. Research has shown that certain genetic factors are more prevalent in individuals with back and spinal problems. These congenital disabilities can cause the discs to become weak and susceptible to external stress. With time the proteins in the disc break down, compromising the integrity and function.
Arthritis and Joint Issues
Arthritis or other inflammatory conditions around the hip joint can cause pain down the leg, similar to sciatica. This is referred pain that spreads out from the source and is not radicular nerve pain that originates in the nerve roots.
Conditions like sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitiscan cause sciatica-like pain that runs down the back of the thigh but usually ends before or at the knee.
The pain can be acute and debilitating, like sciatica but is caused by an abnormal motion or malalignment of the sacroiliac joint.
Body Composition
Normal Cholesterol Ranges
High cholesterol can lead to severe consequences when left untreated, but it can be difficult to spot with no noticeable warning signs. This is why it’s essential to monitor cholesterol levels with blood tests, especially if there is an increased risk. Example of normal cholesterol levels for adults 20 years of age or older:
Total cholesterol 125-200 mg/dL
LDL <100 mg/dL
HDL >40 mg/dL men, >50 mg/dL women
Lifestyle
Lack of physical activity contributes to high cholesterol levels.
Diets that mainly consist of processed foods and saturated fats increase the risk of high LDL levels.
Smoking can lower HDL levels.
Aging
Individual risk for developing high cholesterol tends to increase as the body advances in age. This is why it is recommended to have regular physicals and blood tests.
Genetics
Some individuals are more genetically predisposed to developing high cholesterol and heart disease.
Knowing family medical history can help predict whether it may become a problem.
References
Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2021 Sep 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/
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