Can decompression relieve intervertebral disc stress from individuals dealing with lumbar issues, restoring spinal mobility?
Introduction
The spine’s intervertebral disc acts like a shock absorber to the spine when axial overload is placed on the spine. This allows many individuals to carry, lift, and transport heavy objects without feeling discomfort or pain throughout the day. It is crucial that the spine not only stays functional but also provides stability and mobility for the intervertebral discs to allow these motions. However, as the body ages naturally, so do the intervertebral discs, as they lose water retention and begin to crack under pressure. To this point, the intervertebral discs start not to be functional as normal or traumatic actions cause pain-like issues to the spine and can lead to a life of disability. When repetitive motions cause unwanted pressures, the intervertebral discs become compressed and, over time, can lead to pain-like spinal issues. At the same time, the surrounding muscles, tissues, ligaments, and joints start to get affected in the lumbar region, which then leads to low back pain conditions associated with the lower extremities. Today’s article looks at intervertebral disc stress, how it affects spinal mobility, and how treatments like spinal decompression can restore spinal mobility while reducing intervertebral disc stress. At the same time, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who use our patient’s information to treat and mitigate pain-like symptoms associated with intervertebral disc stress. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments like decompression can help mitigate pressure on the spinal discs. We also explain to them how decompression can help restore spinal mobility to the body and how the treatment can be added to their routine. We encourage our patients to ask essential and important questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Intervertebral Disc Stress
Have you been experiencing radiating pain shooting down to your legs that is making it difficult to walk? Do you often feel muscle aches and strains from holding heavy objects that you have to lean your back a bit to relieve the pain? Or do you feel pain in one location in your body that travels to a different location? Many of these pain-like scenarios are correlated with intervertebral disc stress on the spine. In a normal healthy body, the intervertebral disc has to take on the spinal load when the body is in an abnormal position without pain or discomfort. However, as the body ages naturally, the intervertebral discs degenerate over time, and the intradiscal pressure within the spinal disc cavity decreases. (Sato, Kikuchi, & Yonezawa, 1999) To that point, the body and intervertebral discs begin to become stiff over time, causing the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues to be overstretched and ache when unwanted pressure starts to cause musculoskeletal issues to develop over time. At the same time, degeneration and aging have a causal relationship, which causes dramatic changes to the composition and structure of the spinal disc. (Acaroglu et al., 1995) These changes cause stress on the intervertebral disc, which then causes the spine to be less mobile.
How Does It Affect Spinal Mobility
When the intervertebral disc is dealing with mechanical stress from unwanted pressure, as stated earlier, it can develop into dramatic changes to its composition and structure. When people are dealing with spinal mobility issues, it causes segmental instability, which then causes influence the entire lumbar motion of the spine and causes the intervertebral disc to be highly stressed and cause disability. (Okawa et al., 1998) When high ‘stress’ is concentrated within the intervertebral discs, over time, it can cause musculoskeletal pain to the lumbar spine, leading to further disruption to the lower extremities. (Adams, McNally, & Dolan, 1996) When there is degeneration within the intervertebral disc associated with mechanical stress, it can affect the spine’s mobility function. For working individuals, it can have a huge impact on them. When dealing with stress correlated with the intervertebral discs, individuals will develop low back pain problems that can cause a huge burden when they are getting treated. Low back pain associated with intervertebral disc stress can cause a socioeconomic risk factor for lumbar pain and disability. (Katz, 2006) When dealing with low back problems, people will find temporary remedies to continue working while dealing with the pain until they have to be admitted for treatment. This causes an unnecessary stress factor for the individual because they would have to take time off work to feel better. However, it is important to get treated for intervertebral disc stress early on before more issues begin to occur, as there are non-surgical treatments that are cost-effective and safe to restore spinal mobility.
Why Choose Chiropractic-Video
When it comes to treating low back pain associated with intervertebral disc stress, many individuals try out many home remedies and treatments to alleviate the pain. However, those at-home treatments provide temporary relief. Individuals who are experiencing spinal mobility issues can find the relief they are looking for by incorporating non-surgical therapies into their daily routines. Non-surgical treatments are cost-effective and can provide a positive outcome to many individuals as their health and wellness plans can be personalized. (Boos, 2009) This allows the individual to finally find the relief they seek and create a positive relationship with their primary doctor. Non-surgical treatments can also be combined with other therapies to relieve the individual’s pain further and reduce the chances of the problem returning. Treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and spinal decompression are some non-surgical treatments that can help mitigate intervertebral stress and restore spinal mobility. The video above explains how these treatments can find the root cause of the problem and address the issues in a safe and positive environment.
How Decompression Relieves Intervertebral Disc Stress
Non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help with reducing the intervertebral disc stress that is causing low back pain issues in the lumbar region. Spinal decompression uses gentle traction on the spine to reduce the stress on the intervertebral disc. Spinal decompression allows many people to reduce their chances of going to surgery for their pain and, after a few sessions, have the pain intensity decreased significantly. (Ljunggren, Weber, & Larsen, 1984) Additionally, spinal decompression can create negative intradiscal pressure in the spinal column by allowing the nutrients and fluids to rehydrate the affected disc while promoting the body’s natural healing process. (Sherry, Kitchener, & Smart, 2001)
Decompression Restoring Spinal Mobility
Spinal decompression can also help restore spinal mobility to the lumbar region. When pain specialists incorporate spinal decompression into their practices, they can help by using various techniques to restore joint mobility. When pain specialists start to use these different techniques on the individual’s body, they can help stretch out the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues that were affected around the spine and help restore mobility to the joint. (Gudavalli & Cox, 2014) Combined with spinal decompression, these techniques allow the individual to be more mindful of their bodies and alleviate the pain they have been dealing with for a while. By incorporating decompression as part of their routine, many individuals can return to their activities pain-free without worrying.
References
Acaroglu, E. R., Iatridis, J. C., Setton, L. A., Foster, R. J., Mow, V. C., & Weidenbaum, M. (1995). Degeneration and aging affect the tensile behavior of human lumbar anulus fibrosus. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 20(24), 2690-2701. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199512150-00010
Adams, M. A., McNally, D. S., & Dolan, P. (1996). ‘Stress’ distributions inside intervertebral discs. The effects of age and degeneration. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 78(6), 965-972. doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x78b6.1287
Boos, N. (2009). The impact of economic evaluation on quality management in spine surgery. Eur Spine J, 18 Suppl 3(Suppl 3), 338-347. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-0939-3
Gudavalli, M. R., & Cox, J. M. (2014). Real-time force feedback during flexion-distraction procedure for low back pain: A pilot study. J Can Chiropr Assoc, 58(2), 193-200. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24932023
Katz, J. N. (2006). Lumbar disc disorders and low-back pain: socioeconomic factors and consequences. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 88 Suppl 2, 21-24. doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.E.01273
Ljunggren, A. E., Weber, H., & Larsen, S. (1984). Autotraction versus manual traction in patients with prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs. Scand J Rehabil Med, 16(3), 117-124. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6494835
Okawa, A., Shinomiya, K., Komori, H., Muneta, T., Arai, Y., & Nakai, O. (1998). Dynamic motion study of the whole lumbar spine by videofluoroscopy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 23(16), 1743-1749. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199808150-00007
Sato, K., Kikuchi, S., & Yonezawa, T. (1999). In vivo intradiscal pressure measurement in healthy individuals and in patients with ongoing back problems. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 24(23), 2468-2474. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199912010-00008
Sherry, E., Kitchener, P., & Smart, R. (2001). A prospective randomized controlled study of VAX-D and TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Neurol Res, 23(7), 780-784. doi.org/10.1179/016164101101199180
Can chiropractic treatment protocols diagnose what’s causing head pressure in individuals, and provide effective treatment?
Head Pressure
Head pressure can have various causes and symptoms that affect different areas depending on whether the cause is a headache, allergies, injury, illness, or disease. The location of the pressure or pain can help a doctor of chiropractic determine the cause.
The underlying factor is usually not life-threatening, but the pressure that has built can be the result of serious conditions like a head injury or brain tumor.
Chiropractic care, which includes a combination of spinal manipulation, active and passive exercises, and massage, is often used for headache management and prevention. (Moore Craig, et al., 2018)
Chiropractic therapy is often sought out for tension and cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and each responds differently to the treatment.
The Head
The head is made up of a complex system of lobes, sinuses/channels, blood vessels, nerves, and ventricles. (Thau L, et al., 2022)
The pressure of these systems is regulated and any disruption to this balance can be noticeable.
Diagnosis can be difficult to figure out what is causing discomfort or head pressure.
Pain, pressure, irritability, and nausea are all symptoms that can occur with headaches. (Rizzoli P, Mullally W. 2017)
Head pressure can also occur only at times when standing up, bending down to pick up an object, or otherwise changing posture in some way that blood pressure is affected.
Chiropractic Treatment
The Injury Medical team will develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve pressure symptoms through a multidisciplinary approach that can include. (Moore Craig, et al., 2018)
Moore, C., Leaver, A., Sibbritt, D., & Adams, J. (2018). The management of common recurrent headaches by chiropractors: a descriptive analysis of a nationally representative survey. BMC neurology, 18(1), 171. doi.org/10.1186/s12883-018-1173-6
Schizodimos, T., Soulountsi, V., Iasonidou, C., & Kapravelos, N. (2020). An overview of the management of intracranial hypertension in the intensive care unit. Journal of Anesthesia, 34(5), 741–757. doi.org/10.1007/s00540-020-02795-7
How efficient is spinal decompression to alleviate pain-like symptoms in many individuals with low back pain?
Introduction
Low back pain is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. It can cause discomfort and prevent individuals from returning to their normal routines. The pain can be specific or non-specific, depending on the severity of the symptoms. It can also be associated with other musculoskeletal conditions, such as sciatica, DDD, and osteoarthritis, affecting the spine’s mobility and stability. Fortunately, treatments are available to reduce the pain and associated symptoms while relieving the lumbar spinal region. At the same time, working with certified medical providers who use our patients’ information to treat individuals experiencing pain-like symptoms associated with low back pain. We inform them that non-surgical treatments like decompression can help reduce the progression of low back pain and its associated pain-like symptoms. At the same time, we also explain to them how adding decompression to their routine can alleviate the pain-like symptoms. We encourage our patients to ask essential questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their situation. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Burden Of Low Back Pain
Do you often experience muscle stiffness and aches from excessive sitting at your desk job? Do you feel excruciating pain in your hips and low back after a long day of moving heavy objects? Or do you feel constant pain after moving from one location to another, only to find relief when resting? Many of these scenarios are a normal routine associated with low back pain for many working people. Since low back pain is common worldwide, it can greatly impact many individuals trying to alleviate it. For many individuals dealing with low back pain, it can be an economic burden, and it causes unnecessary stress to the working individual. (Maetzel & Li, 2002) When a person is dealing with low back pain and is working, it can lead to work disability which then cascades to frequent doctor visits to missing time off work to eventually short-term disability. At the same time, low back pain has many potential, either normal or traumatic factors affecting the region of the lower back, hips, and buttocks. Many individuals with low back pain noticed the corresponding relationship between the genetic and environmental factors that often correspond to where the pain is localized. (Manek & MacGregor, 2005)
Low back pain can often develop at an early age and be associated with serious pathologies (Jones & Macfarlane, 2005) that can correlate with environmental factors that lead to spinal misalignment or subluxation. Low back pain covers a huge spectrum of pain-like conditions that are frequently overlapped and can be prone to different stressors that can impact the body while becoming a challenge to diagnose when getting treated. (Knezevic et al., 2021) However, many individuals with low back pain can find relief from not only the economic burden of low back pain but also find the right therapies to alleviate pain-like symptoms associated with low back pain from their bodies.
Body In Balance- Video
When it comes to treating low back pain, many individuals will go to their primary doctors for a physical examination to determine where the pain radiates in the lumbar region. (Chou, Qaseem, et al., 2007) At the same time, the individual’s primary doctor should assess what factors are the causes for the development of low back pain and come up with a customized treatment plan to reduce the pain from the lumbar region while also working with other medical professionals to kick start the person’s health and wellness journey. Numerous non-surgical treatments are cost-effective, safe, and non-pharmacological when alleviating low back pain. They can provide positive, beneficial results after a few sessions of treatments to reduce low back pain. Non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy, spinal decompression, and physical therapy can help relieve many individuals with low back pain. The video above explains how these treatments, combined with the right tools, can help bring balance back into the body.
The Efficacy Of Spinal Decompression
When reducing the effects of low back pain, non-surgical treatments are cost-effective and safe for many individuals with low back pain. Many non-surgical therapies are efficient for chronic or acute low back pain and can be combined with numerous therapies to reduce the chances of low back pain from returning in the future. (Chou, Huffman, et al., 2007) Non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression are efficient for low back pain as it helps stretch the tight, shortened muscles in the lumbar region and reduce any pain-like symptoms associated with low back pain.
How Spinal Decompression Alleviates Low Back Pain
Now how would spinal decompression alleviate low back pain? Well, since low back pain has many factors that can contribute to its development, one of these factors that can contribute to low back pain is compressed intervertebral discs. When the spinal discs are compressed, they can become herniated under pressure and aggravate the spinal nerve root, leading to low back pain symptoms. With spinal decompression, individuals will be strapped to a traction machine and have their bodies gently pulled to reduce pressure off the aggravated nerve and pull the disc back into its original position. To that point, spinal decompression allows mobility back to the lower extremities and improves stability in the lumbar region. (Meszaros et al., 2000) Additionally, decompression can help reduce the effects of low back pain, whether done manually or through a traction machine that allows negative pressure into the spine while allowing the body to heal itself and rehydrate the spinal discs naturally. (Macario et al., 2008) With spinal decompression combined with other therapies, many people can return to work pain-free while being more mindful of how they listen to their bodies.
References
Chou, R., Huffman, L. H., American Pain, S., & American College of, P. (2007). Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med, 147(7), 492-504. doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00007
Chou, R., Qaseem, A., Snow, V., Casey, D., Cross, J. T., Jr., Shekelle, P., Owens, D. K., Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of, P., American College of, P., & American Pain Society Low Back Pain Guidelines, P. (2007). Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med, 147(7), 478-491. doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00006
Jones, G. T., & Macfarlane, G. J. (2005). Epidemiology of low back pain in children and adolescents. Arch Dis Child, 90(3), 312-316. doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.056812
Knezevic, N. N., Candido, K. D., Vlaeyen, J. W. S., Van Zundert, J., & Cohen, S. P. (2021). Low back pain. The Lancet, 398(10294), 78-92. doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00733-9
Macario, A., Richmond, C., Auster, M., & Pergolizzi, J. V. (2008). Treatment of 94 Outpatients With Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain with the DRX9000: A Retrospective Chart Review. Pain Practice, 8(1), 11-17. doi.org/10.1111/j.1533-2500.2007.00167.x
Maetzel, A., & Li, L. (2002). The economic burden of low back pain: a review of studies published between 1996 and 2001. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol, 16(1), 23-30. doi.org/10.1053/berh.2001.0204
Manek, N. J., & MacGregor, A. J. (2005). Epidemiology of back disorders: prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol, 17(2), 134-140. doi.org/10.1097/01.bor.0000154215.08986.06
Meszaros, T. F., Olson, R., Kulig, K., Creighton, D., & Czarnecki, E. (2000). Effect of 10%, 30%, and 60% body weight traction on the straight leg raise test of symptomatic patients with low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 30(10), 595-601. doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2000.30.10.595
Should individuals increase their intake of black pepper to help with various health issues like fighting inflammation, strengthening the immune system, and improving digestion?
Black Pepper
One of the most popular spices, black pepper offers anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. Piperine is the compound that gives black pepper its flavor, helps prevent inflammation, (Gorgani Leila, et al., 2016), and helps to increase the absorption of selenium, vitamin B12, and turmeric. (Dudhatra GB, et al., 2012) Piperine has been found to be almost as effective as prednisolone – a common medication for arthritis – in reducing symptoms.
Black pepper has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years because of its concentration of beneficial plant compounds. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023)
Pepper is made by grinding peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine Piper nigrum.
The plant is a tall woody plant with small flowers that bloom a yellowish-red color.
It has a sharp and mildly spicy flavor that goes with all kinds of dishes.
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to injury, illness, or any mental or physical stressor, that triggers the body’s healing and repair process. However, long-term inflammation can lead to various health problems and, in individuals that begin to develop arthritis, joint degeneration. Damage to the body’s pain processors can exacerbate pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Chronic inflammation can be a cause of diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
While the anti-inflammatory effects have not been extensively studied in humans, there are several mouse studies that show promising results.
In one study, treatment for arthritis with piperine resulted in less joint swelling and decreased inflammation markers. (Bang JS, Oh DH, Choi HM, et al., 2009)
Antioxidants
The active compound, piperine is rich in antioxidants, which prevent or delay the free radical damaging effects from exposure to pollution, smoke, and the sun.
In one study, rats with a diet of concentrated black pepper had less free radical damage than a group that did not ingest concentrated black pepper. (Vijayakumar RS, Surya D, Nalini N. 2004)
Brain Function Improvement
Piperine has been shown to decrease symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and improve brain function. (Ramaswamy Kannappan, et al., 2011)
Studies show piperine increased memory as well as the ability to decrease the production of amyloid plaques, which are damaging proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Blood Sugar Control Improvement
Studies suggest that piperine can improve blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
In one study, individuals with insulin resistance took a piperine supplement for 8 weeks.
After 8 weeks, improvements were seen in the response to the insulin hormone to remove glucose from the blood (Rondanelli M, et al., 2013)
Improved Nutrient Absorption
Black pepper is considered to have the ability to bind and activate with other foods for improved positive health effects.
It increases the absorption of certain nutrients such as calcium, turmeric, selenium, and green tea.
It is often recommended to consume calcium or selenium with a source of black pepper and to ensure any turmeric supplement you take contains black pepper. (Shoba G, et al., 1998)
Storage
Whole peppercorns sealed in a container and stored in a cool, dry place can last up to a year.
Over time ground black pepper loses its flavor, therefore it is recommended to use within 4 to 6 months.
Allergic Reactions
If you believe you are allergic to black pepper, see a healthcare professional who can perform testing to determine the root cause of symptoms.
Allergies can present as tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, abdominal pain, and possible nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms can also include wheezing, congestion, and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat.
Black pepper can be substituted with spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, and allspice.
The Healing Diet
References
Gorgani, L., Mohammadi, M., Najafpour, G. D., & Nikzad, M. (2017). Piperine-The Bioactive Compound of Black Pepper: From Isolation to Medicinal Formulations. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 16(1), 124–140. doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12246
Dudhatra, G. B., Mody, S. K., Awale, M. M., Patel, H. B., Modi, C. M., Kumar, A., Kamani, D. R., & Chauhan, B. N. (2012). A comprehensive review on pharmacotherapeutics of herbal bio-enhancers. TheScientificWorldJournal, 2012, 637953. doi.org/10.1100/2012/637953
Platel, K., & Srinivasan, K. (2016). Bioavailability of Micronutrients from Plant Foods: An Update. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 56(10), 1608–1619. doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2013.781011
Kunnumakkara, A. B., Sailo, B. L., Banik, K., Harsha, C., Prasad, S., Gupta, S. C., Bharti, A. C., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2018). Chronic diseases, inflammation, and spices: how are they linked? Journal of translational medicine, 16(1), 14. doi.org/10.1186/s12967-018-1381-2
Bang, J. S., Oh, D. H., Choi, H. M., Sur, B. J., Lim, S. J., Kim, J. Y., Yang, H. I., Yoo, M. C., Hahm, D. H., & Kim, K. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects of piperine in human interleukin 1beta-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes and in rat arthritis models. Arthritis research & therapy, 11(2), R49. doi.org/10.1186/ar2662
Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants, and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(8), 118–126. doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70902
Vijayakumar, R. S., Surya, D., & Nalini, N. (2004). Antioxidant efficacy of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and piperine in rats with high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress. Redox report: communications in free radical research, 9(2), 105–110. doi.org/10.1179/135100004225004742
Kannappan, R., Gupta, S. C., Kim, J. H., Reuter, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Neuroprotection by spice-derived nutraceuticals: you are what you eat! Molecular neurobiology, 44(2), 142–159. doi.org/10.1007/s12035-011-8168-2
Rondanelli, M., Opizzi, A., Perna, S., Faliva, M., Solerte, S. B., Fioravanti, M., Klersy, C., Cava, E., Paolini, M., Scavone, L., Ceccarelli, P., Castellaneta, E., Savina, C., & Donini, L. M. (2013). Improvement in insulin resistance and favorable changes in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss associated with two months’ consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients in overweight subjects. Endocrine, 44(2), 391–401. doi.org/10.1007/s12020-012-9863-0
Shoba, G., Joy, D., Joseph, T., Majeed, M., Rajendran, R., & Srinivas, P. S. (1998). Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta medica, 64(4), 353–356. doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957450
How does decompression alleviate sciatic nerve pain in many working individuals with lumbar disc degeneration?
Introduction
The discs between the spinal vertebrae act as a cushion when pressure is added to the body. These discs get compressed when the body is in motion. Our bodies and spines also age as we age, which causes the spinal intervertebral disc to degenerate over time. The outer part of the spinal disc may crack under pressure, causing the inner part to protrude and irritate the spinal nerve roots. This can cause sciatic nerve pain, which may result in radiating pain in the legs, buttocks, and lower back. This can cause mobility issues and disability, making it difficult for working individuals to perform their jobs. Non-surgical treatments, such as safe and gentle traction, can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain by reducing pressure on the spine and maintaining disc height. By slowing down the progression of lumbar disc degeneration, individuals can reduce the frequency of visits to their primary care doctors and avoid disability. Today’s article provides an overview of lumbar disc degeneration, its association with sciatic nerve pain, and the benefits of decompression in restoring disc height and reducing pain. As we work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ information to treat individuals experiencing sciatic nerve pain associated with lumbar disc degeneration. We inform them that non-surgical treatments like decompression can help reduce the progression of lumbar disc degeneration and reduce sciatic nerve pain. At the same time, we also explain to them how adding decompression to their routine can alleviate the pain-like symptoms. We encourage our patients to ask essential questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their situation. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Lumbar Disc Degeneration Overview
Have you begun to notice how your legs, buttocks, and feet are constantly experiencing tingling sensations that it makes it difficult to do everyday actions? Do you feel excruciating pain in your legs while standing, only to find relief from resting? Or do you notice that you are getting aches and muscle strains from normal motion like bending, twisting, and turning after waking up in the morning? Many individuals, especially older working adults, are experiencing these issues due to lumbar disc degeneration. Now lumbar disc degeneration usually occurs naturally as the body ages, which then causes the intervertebral disc to wear and tear constantly under pressure, then cracks and causes the disc to herniate. Since the intervertebral disc provides structural support and shock absorption against mechanical loads to the lumbar region, when normal or traumatic factors cause changes, it can cause dysfunction and instability in the lumbar spine. (Mohd Isa et al., 2022)
When the intervertebral discs begin to crack under pressure, it can cause pain-like symptoms affecting the upper and lower extremities. Additionally, lumbar disc degeneration can cause spinal flexibility to decrease and reduce the spine’s ROM (range of motion), which causes more stress on the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues. Lumbar disc degeneration can cascade events from disc bulging to nerve root irritation. (Liyew, 2020) This means that when there are advanced degenerative changes to the lumbar facet joints and the surrounding soft tissues, it can cause the spinal canal to narrow and compress the adjacent nerve root. To that point, it can lead to reduce disc height and lead to sciatic nerve pain.
Lumbar Disc Degeneration Associated With Sciatica
Now how would lumbar disc degeneration be associated with sciatic nerve pain? When the intervertebral disc is being compressed under unwanted pressure, it can crack over time and herniate out of its original position, which then can press on the nerve root causing radiating pain to travel to the affected muscle area. Since the sciatic nerve is positioned in the lumbosacral region, it runs from the top of the gluteus muscles and down to the back of the hamstrings and calves. When unwanted pressure causes the intervertebral disc to herniate and start to affect the sciatic nerve, it causes a frequent symptom known as lumbar sciatica, where the herniated disc is compressing the sciatic nerve. (Zitouna et al., 2019) To that point, it can cause radiating, shooting pain down to the leg, making it difficult for individuals with demanding jobs to find relief. Since the lumbar intervertebral discs have a corresponding relationship with the central nervous system, the nerve roots that surround the spinal discs help with providing neuron signals to the adjacent muscles, which allows the arms, hands, legs, and feet to move. (Bogduk, Tynan, & Wilson, 1981) However, when the intervertebral discs are herniated, it can disrupt the neuron signaling to the muscles and cause referred pain to the lower or upper extremities. When this happens, many individuals opt to seek treatment.
Sciatica Secrets Revealed- Video
Many individuals dealing with sciatic nerve pain associated with lumbar disc degeneration will often find temporary relief to continue their work despite constant pain. This is due to the unwanted pressure that is causing an overload on the spinal disc to cause them to degenerate and invoke pain in the lower regions. At the same time, age and degenerative structural changes have a close relationship that can cause a greater effect on stress distribution to the lower back. (Adams, McNally, & Dolan, 1996) This leads to overlapping risk profiles contributing to sciatic nerve pain associated with lumbar disc degeneration due to normal and traumatic factors. However, many individuals don’t have to suffer from pain-like symptoms related to lumbar disc degeneration as there are numerous treatments to restore disc height and reduce sciatic nerve pain. Non-surgical treatments are great for many individuals looking for cost-efficiency and can be personalized to the person’s pain. (Louis-Sidney et al., 2022) Non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care, massage and physical therapy, and spinal decompression can help many individuals with lumbar disc degeneration associated with sciatic nerve pain. These treatments incorporate mechanical and manual manipulation of the spine to realign the body out of subluxation while incorporating various techniques to stretch out the soft tissues and muscles to strengthen their length and reduce nerve entrapment. The video above explains a bit more about how these treatments can restore mobility to the body, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension caused by lumbar disc degeneration associated with sciatic nerve pain.
Spinal Decompression Restores Disc Height
Now non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help reduce the progress of lumbar disc degeneration by restoring disc height. Spinal decompression uses gentle traction on the spine to allow the necessary nutrients, fluids, and blood to be reabsorbed back into the spine. It will enable the herniated disc to return to its original position and rehydrate it. (Yu et al., 2022) Since the spine and body age naturally, spinal decompression can restore disc height by creating negative pressure to regain mobility and stretch out the affected muscles surrounding the spine.
Spinal Decompression Reduces Sciatic Nerve Pain
Additionally, decompression can help reduce sciatic nerve pain as it can help the herniated disc alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve and can restore mobility to the body. Spinal decompression can become a positive outcome for many working individuals as it allows individuals to be more mindful of their habits that were the cause of the pain they were experiencing. (Brogger et al., 2018) With non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression, many individuals can become efficient with work while being more conscious about what factors contribute to the pain. This, in turn, allows them to focus on their well-being and strengthen their weak points with a personalized plan that will enable them to make small changes in their day-to-day lives and become pain-free after a few consecutive treatments.
References
Adams, M. A., McNally, D. S., & Dolan, P. (1996). ‘Stress’ distributions inside intervertebral discs. The effects of age and degeneration. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 78(6), 965-972. doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x78b6.1287
Bogduk, N., Tynan, W., & Wilson, A. S. (1981). The nerve supply to the human lumbar intervertebral discs. J Anat, 132(Pt 1), 39-56. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7275791
Brogger, H. A., Maribo, T., Christensen, R., & Schiottz-Christensen, B. (2018). Comparative effectiveness and prognostic factors for outcome of surgical and non-surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis in an elderly population: protocol for an observational study. BMJ Open, 8(12), e024949. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024949
Liyew, W. A. (2020). Clinical Presentations of Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Lumbosacral Nerve Lesions. Int J Rheumatol, 2020, 2919625. doi.org/10.1155/2020/2919625
Louis-Sidney, F., Duby, J. F., Signate, A., Arfi, S., De Bandt, M., Suzon, B., & Cabre, P. (2022). Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment: Is Surgery Better than Non-Surgical Treatments in Afro-Descendant Populations? Biomedicines, 10(12). doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10123144
Mohd Isa, I. L., Teoh, S. L., Mohd Nor, N. H., & Mokhtar, S. A. (2022). Discogenic Low Back Pain: Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Treatments of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci, 24(1). doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010208
Yu, P., Mao, F., Chen, J., Ma, X., Dai, Y., Liu, G., Dai, F., & Liu, J. (2022). Characteristics and mechanisms of resorption in lumbar disc herniation. Arthritis Res Ther, 24(1), 205. doi.org/10.1186/s13075-022-02894-8
Zitouna, K., Selmene, M. A., Derbel, B., Rekik, S., Drissi, G., & Barsaoui, M. (2019). An unexpected etiology of lumbosciatica. Tunis Med, 97(12), 1415-1418. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32173813
Gender is a concept with many facets. Everyone has a gender expression. Can learning about gender expression help healthcare professionals provide better and more effective treatment plans for the LGBTQ+ community?
Gender Expression
Gender expression refers to the ways that individuals present their gender identity and themselves. This can be clothing, haircuts, behaviors, etc. For many, there can be confusion between what society expects from their gender and how these individuals choose to present themselves. Gender expression is constructed from the culture that surrounds it, meaning that there may be a shared social expectation about gender. It can also mean that the same feminine hair or clothing style in one setting could be seen as masculine in another.
Society tries to regulate expression by making women wear certain kinds of clothes, and men other kinds, in order to participate in school, work, and when in public.
When cultures enforce gender norms it is known as gender policing, which can range from dress codes to physical and emotional punishment.
Creating a safe space for all genders requires awareness of these explicit or implicit gender norms so policing can be prevented. (José A Bauermeister, et al., 2017)
Research has shown that there are increased rates of discrimination against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals compared with bias against those who are LGBTQ. (Elizabeth Kiebel, et al., 2020)
Health Care
Gender expression can and does affect access to and quality of health care.
Individuals with a gender expression that is different from what is expected for their assigned sex at birth may experience increased bias and harassment from providers. (Human Rights Watch. 2018)
A significant percentage of patients feared health workers would treat them differently because of their expression. (Cemile Hurrem Balik Ayhan et al., 2020)
Minority stress has been shown to play an important role in health imbalances. (I H Meyer. 1995)
Research suggests that gender expression is a part of the minority stress described by cisgender sexual minorities and gender minorities. (Puckett JA, et al., 2016)
Better Training
The effects of gender expression are different depending on a person’s sex, gender identity, and their setting.
However, doctors do need to know a person’s sex that was assigned at birth to be able to do proper screening tests, like screening for prostate or cervical cancer.
One way to be more affirming is for the doctor to introduce themselves first, using their own pronouns.
Health workers should ask everyone what name they prefer to be called and what pronouns they use.
This simple act invites the patient to share without creating awkward uneasiness.
Each person chooses how to present themselves to the world, and we respect all. We at Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will work to address the effects of minority stress on health disparities and raise awareness of the ways to continually improve positive experiences for LGTBQ+ individuals seeking inclusive health care for neuromusculoskeletal injuries, conditions, fitness, nutritional, and functional health.
Revolutionizing Healthcare
References
Bauermeister, J. A., Connochie, D., Jadwin-Cakmak, L., & Meanley, S. (2017). Gender Policing During Childhood and the Psychological Well-Being of Young Adult Sexual Minority Men in the United States. American journal of men’s health, 11(3), 693–701. doi.org/10.1177/1557988316680938
Kiebel, E., Bosson, J. K., & Caswell, T. A. (2020). Essentialist Beliefs and Sexual Prejudice Toward Feminine Gay Men. Journal of homosexuality, 67(8), 1097–1117. doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2019.1603492
Human Rights Watch. “You Don’t Want Second Best”—Anti-LGBT Discrimination in US Health Care.
Ayhan, C. H. B., Bilgin, H., Uluman, O. T., Sukut, O., Yilmaz, S., & Buzlu, S. (2020). A Systematic Review of the Discrimination Against Sexual and Gender Minority in Health Care Settings. International journal of health services: planning, administration, evaluation, 50(1), 44–61. doi.org/10.1177/0020731419885093
Meyer I. H. (1995). Minority stress and mental health in gay men. Journal of health and social behavior, 36(1), 38–56.
Puckett, J. A., Maroney, M. R., Levitt, H. M., & Horne, S. G. (2016). Relations between gender expression, minority stress, and mental health in cisgender sexual minority women and men. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 3(4), 489–498. doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000201
Golfing wrist injuries are common with treatment requiring 1-3 months of rest and immobilization and if tears are present surgery. Can chiropractic treatment help avoid surgery, expedite recovery, and rehabilitation?
Golfing Wrist Injuries
Golfing Wrist Injuries: According to a study, there are over 30,000 golf-related injuries treated in American emergency rooms every year. (Walsh, B. A. et al, 2017) Nearly a third are related to a strain, sprain, or stress fracture.
This causes pain and inflammation and is usually accompanied by a grinding sensation when moving the thumb and wrist.
Chiropractic Treatment
Given the nature of these injuries, medical attention should be sought out for image scans to look at any damage and properly immobilize the wrist. Once a fracture has been ruled out or healed, golfing wrist injuries can benefit from chiropractic and physical therapy. (Hulbert, J. R. et al, 2005) A typical treatment may involve a multifaceted approach involving various therapies including:
Active release therapy, myofascial release, athletic taping, corrective exercise, and stretching.
A chiropractor will examine the wrist and its functioning to determine the nature of the injury.
A chiropractor may recommend using a splint to immobilize the wrist, particularly in cases of overuse.
They will relieve pain and swelling first, then focus on strengthening the joint.
They may recommend a regimen of icing the hand.
Adjustments and manipulations will relieve pressure on the nerves to reduce swelling and restore mobility.
Peripheral Neuropathy Successful Recovery
References
Walsh, B. A., Chounthirath, T., Friedenberg, L., & Smith, G. A. (2017). Golf-related injuries treated in United States emergency departments. The American journal of emergency medicine, 35(11), 1666–1671. doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2017.05.035
Moon, H. W., & Kim, J. S. (2023). Golf-related sports injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 19(2), 134–138. doi.org/10.12965/jer.2346128.064
Ray, G., Sandean, D. P., & Tall, M. A. (2023). Tenosynovitis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Zouzias, I. C., Hendra, J., Stodelle, J., & Limpisvasti, O. (2018). Golf Injuries: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 26(4), 116–123. doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00433
Tan, H. K., Chew, N., Chew, K. T., & Peh, W. C. (2014). Clinics in diagnostic imaging (156). Golf-induced hamate hook fracture. Singapore medical journal, 55(10), 517–521. doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014133
Hulbert, J. R., Printon, R., Osterbauer, P., Davis, P. T., & Lamaack, R. (2005). Chiropractic treatment of hand and wrist pain in older people: systematic protocol development. Part 1: informant interviews. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 4(3), 144–151. doi.org/10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60123-2
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