After ruling out a herniated disc is not causing your sciatic nerve problems, you should look to the pelvis and many times the culprit is the piriformis muscle.
When the piriformis becomes tight or inflamed, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and you can get the sensations going down the leg. �Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and sharp shooting pain.
A common mistake I�ve seen on YouTube videos and at different gyms and clinics, is people using a tennis ball, lacrosse ball, or foam rollers to apply pressure to the piriformis muscle in order to relax it.
If your sciatica is caused by piriformis syndrome, applying pressure to an area that�s already compressed will only add more pressure to the sciatic nerve and cause more pain.
What you should do instead, is stretch the muscle causing the problem so that it relaxes and takes pressure off the sciatic nerve. In this video you�ll learn an easy stretch you can do on the floor.
You simply lay on your back with both legs bent. Then cross the painful leg over the good one. And pull the affected leg towards the opposite shoulder and hold that stretch for 30 seconds.
Repeat the stretch as needed.
This will help to relieve the sciatic pain associated with piriformis syndrome.
As with any conditions, there is no quick fix. You have to consistently perform sciatica stretches and exercises to achieve the best results.
Many accident victims report neck pain in the days after a car accident. This neck pain is due to whiplash. Whiplash pain may not surface following a car accident till a day or two. The pain does not happen until a week or even longer.
Whiplash is an injury to the neck muscles out of rapid forward and backward motion of the neck brought on by a trauma (eg, a car accident). It can cause acute (short-term) neck pain as well as restricted movement on your neck. This is the reason why it is extremely important to get medical care from a chiropractor if you do not have pain or any visible injuries.
Your spine is evaluated by the chiropractor as a whole. He or she’ll examine the entire spine because other regions of the spine may be affected (not your neck).
Chiropractic Evaluations for Whiplash
The healthcare professional or chiropractor will identify any areas of spinal injury, muscle strain, and joint movement. They may use a technique called motion and static palpation. Your chiropractor will feel for tenderness and make sure your spinal joints move.
He or she will examine how you walk, and take note of your posture and spinal alignment. These details will help the chiropractor understand that your body’s mechanisms and your spine works, assisting with the identification process.
Mechanism of Injury: MRI Scan
Besides the chiropractor’s test of your spine, he or she may order an MRI of your backbone to evaluate any changes which might have existed before your whiplash injury or an x ray. Your neurological and own physical evaluation’s diagnostic pictures and results are compared to create the treatment plan.
Before and After X-Rays
Whiplash CT Scan
Soon after whiplash occurs, the chiropractor will work on reducing neck inflammation using various therapy modalities (eg, ultrasound). They may also use gentle stretching and manual treatment techniques (eg, muscle energy therapy, a type of extending). Chiropractors promote recovery in the affected regions, and can assist in relieving pain, by using different therapy methods.
Your treatment plan depends on the seriousness of your whiplash injury. The most common technique is spinal manipulation. Some manipulation methods utilized are:
Chiropractic Adjustment: By performing spinal manipulation, via movements or thrusts, chiropractors can move the involved joint. This helps create flexibility, strength and promotes recovery.
Muscle Comfort and Muscle Stimulation: Using calm gentle stretches to the muscles that are affected, tension can be relieved. These stretches can also be combined with ‘finger pressure techniques’ on certain pressure points to alleviate pain.
Exercises: A variety of stretches and exercises can help decrease the symptoms associated with whiplash and neck pain. Chiropractors can recommend several of these to patients to perform at home on their own. This provides the patient a bit more control in the healing procedure.
The chiropractor might also recommend you apply an ice pack on your neck or a mild neck support to use for a period of time. The pain decreases and as your neck becomes inflamed, your chiropractor will execute other methods or gentle spinal manipulation to restore normal motion.
Using these techniques, a chiropractor will allow you to increase your daily activities. He or she’ll work hard to tackle any mechanical (the way the backbone goes) or neurological (nerve-related) causes of the own miscarriage.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries
Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.
In the latest edition of�Phil Steele�s College Football Preview, the respected publication recognized seven Miners to the Preseason Conference USA team and ranked UTEP�s offensive line as no. 1 in C-USA and no. 40 nationally.
Will Hernandez (guard), Greg Long (tackle) and Alvin Jones (linebacker) were honored as 2017 Preseason C-USA first team selections. Terry Juniel (punt returner) garnered a third team selection, while freshman Joshua Fields (running back), Jayson VanHook (linebacker) and Alan Luna (punter) received fourth team selections.
Steele also rates UTEP�s linebackers as the fifth-best in C-USA.
As far as UTEP�s offensive line, Steele rated it as no. 1 in C-USA heading into the 2017 campaign. The Miners ranked tied third in sacks allowed (22.0) and ranked fourth in sacks allowed per game (1.83). Overall in the country, the Miners� offensive line unit is ranked no. 40 by Steele in his top 56. UTEP is one of five schools not from a Power Five conference to make the top 40.
Hernandez is ranked no. 6 as one of the top 61 guards in the Top Draft Eligible Players. Hernandez was also named second team All-American on Steele�s 2017 Preseason All-American team.
UTEP opens the 2017 campaign at national power Oklahoma on�Sept. 2�(1:30 p.m. MT). Then the Miners rev up C-USA action in the Sun Bowl on�Sept. 9�against Rice (6 p.m.).
NORTHBROOK, Ill. ��Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced�on Monday�that UTEP quarterback Ryan Metz one of 146 nominees for the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Work Team, a prestigious off-the-field honor in college football.
�Allstate is immensely honored to partner with the AFCA for the 10th�year to help pay tribute to these players and their off-the-field �good works� that often go unnoticed and unrewarded,� said Thomas Clarkson, president of the west territory for Allstate Insurance Company and a member of the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team�voting panel. �The individuals nominated to the 2017 Good Works Team�are making a positive impact and uniting communities across the country through service, showing what�s possible when you put all hands in and give back.�
The El Paso native is known for his on-field achievements and has also made an impact off the field. The junior completed 25 hours of community service hours last season, while the signal caller is known for volunteering his time to children in the community. Metz volunteered over 15 hours at children�s camps, where he assisted with football drills and activities for the future gridiron greats.
Metz was also a member of Project MOVE, where he played with children in the community in various activities like kickball, football and soccer. Metz is active in assisting with the football team�s weekly dinner with the Child Crisis Center. Metz, along with his teammates, spend time with the children in the Crisis Center, playing, working on homework and eating dinner together.
The student-athletes nominated for this esteemed award embody the true spirit of teamwork and selflessness, donating their limited free time to helping and serving others. From founding a non-profit that helps orphans secure jobs in the workforce to raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research, the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team��nominees may wear different jerseys on the field, but they all exemplify a superior commitment to giving back off of it.
Comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA, the final roster of 22 award recipients will be unveiled in September. From the nominees submitted by sports information directors across the nation on behalf of their schools, a special voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team�members and prominent college football media members will select the 2017 Good Works Team.
Two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team�member Tim Tebow will headline the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team�voting panel.
Once the final team members are announced in September, college football fans are encouraged to visit the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team�website on ESPN.com, featuring profiles and images of the players, for the opportunity to vote for the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team�Captain. Throughout the season, fans can also follow along and join in on the conversation by searching and using #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels.
In order to meet the criteria, set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.
Metz has also excelled in the classroom, as he�s a three-time Conference USA Commissioner�s Honor Roll recipient with a 3.34 GPA in Mathematics. Metz completed 64.7 percent of his passes, ranked third in C-USA in 2016, while it�s the program�s second-best single-season performance. His 14 passing scores were the most for a UTEP quarterback since 2010.
Recently, Metz was one of 45 national collegiate quarterbacks, and the first UTEP quarterback, to be invited to the 2017 Manning Passing Academy supervised by the Manning Family (Archie, Cooper, Peyton and Eli). The camp was a four-day event that started on June 22 at Nicholls State University in which over 125 prep, college and professional coaches, counselors and staff members were involved.
Fractures of the process of the lower spine or upper thoracic spine are often referred to as clay-shoveler’s fractures.
Initially reported in 1940, these fractures were described among employees in Australia who dug drains in clay soil and also threw the clay overhead with shovels. The mud wouldn’t discharge from the spade, causing excess power to be transmitted into the supraspinous ligaments and leading to an avulsion fracture of one or more spinous processes.
The following frequently describes the mechanism of injury for clay shoveler’s fractures. The contraction of the paraspinal and trapezius muscles on the ligaments along with the attachment to the spinous processes make this a common injury during athletics with a flexed position of the shoulders and neck. The consequent fracture or apophyseal avulsion is painful and frequently requires a visit to the doctor, together with plain films, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirming the identification.
Often a period of rest will allow a return to activity, although treatment of these fractures hasn’t been clarified. We present a collection of adolescent athletes who underwent surgical interventions to treat the fracture of the spinous process, after rest and physical therapy with persistent symptoms.
Surgical Intervention Study
Dr. Hedequist operated on 3 patients using a spinous process nonunion within the study time period. The patients’ average age was 14 years; the location of the spinous process fracture was the T1 vertebra in all patients. Two patients sustained the injury while playing hockey and one while wrestling. The average duration of symptoms before surgery was 10 months; all patients had seen physicians without a diagnosis before test in institution. All patients had a trial of physical therapy and all had been unable to return after trauma to pain.
Examination of patients showed pain directly over the fracture site and accentuated by forward flexion of the neck and neck. Evaluation of harm plain films revealed a fracture fragment in two patients (Figure 1). All 3 patients underwent CT and MRI scans confirming the identification. MRI confirmed areas of increased signal at the tip of the T1 spinous process, with inflammation in the supraspinous ligament directly at that area (Figure 2). The CT scans confirmed the presence of a bony fragment correlating with the suggestion of the T1 spinous process (Figure 3).
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Surgery was performed under general endotracheal anesthesia using a midline incision over the affected region down to the spinous procedure. The supraspinous ligament was opened showing an identified and ununited ossicle, which has been removed without taking down the ligament. All 3 nonunions have been noted to be atrophic with no evidence of surrounding inflammatory tissue or bursa. The residual end of the spinous process was smoothed down with a rongeur. Standard closure was performed. There were no surgical complications.
All patients had complete relief of pain at followup; 1 individual returned to full sports activity at 6 months and the other 2 returned to full sports activity at 3 months. There was no loss of peripheral movement or trapezial strength at follow-up. All patients expressed satisfaction together with the decision.
Discussion
Clinical practice suggests that most patients with spinous process fractures will become pain-free; however, that is not universal. This series demonstrates that a tiny subset of patients with this trauma will continue to have significant symptoms despite a period of rest. In those patients who want a yield to sports, we recommend consideration of surgical excision after confirmation of nonunion with studies. The inherent risks of surgical treatment are minimal with this procedure, and the advantages include return for athletes, with the physical and psychosocial benefits to pain-free sports activity.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries
Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.
Fractures of the cervical spinous processes are considered to be rare injuries. Isolated spinous process fractures are even rarer instances, some of which are rare injuries in rare case reports. Approximately xixteen percent of isolated process fractures of the cervical spine involve more than one level. Isolated cervical spinous process fractures are in fact, commonly referred to as clay-shoveler’s fractures.
The term “fracture” can be employed in medical scenarios that deal with a broken bone. This can vary from acute breaks to small fractures, or anything which will impact the integrity and stability of the bone.
Bone fractures could result from numerous distinct situations. Women in particular that suffer from osteoporosis or other conditions, or older people, may lose strength in their bones, making them more fragile and vulnerable to breaks and cracks, even with minimal impact. As the bones have not fully grown, young children are also vulnerable to bone fractures, particularly because they frequently participate in activities that heighten the risk of injury.
However, falls, automobile accidents, and also a number of other dangers can lead to bone fractures, and depending on the severity, these may often require a range of short and long-term treatment options.
What is a Clay Shoveler’s Fracture?
A clay shoveler’s fracture is an avulsion fracture of the spinous process. It happens with flexion of the head, like that reported with automobile accidents, diving, or even wrestling injuries. It also occurs with repeated stress caused by the pulling of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles on the cervical and thoracic spinous processes. Repetitive and forceful muscle contraction breaks the spinous process and pulls the avulsion segment away from the original spinous process.
A clay shovelers fracture commonly occurs from the cervical and upper thoracic spinous processes C6, C7, and T1. The avulsion and fractures are caused by damage or injury from direct blows to the base of the neck. This is usually a stable fracture and doesn’t create any additional deficits.
X-ray examination of the spine can help diagnose a clay-shoveler’s fracture. On the lateral side (side view) x-rays, an oblique radiolucent fracture line could be seen through the base of the spinous process. It’s more likely to maintain the trunk or distal tip of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinous process. Serrated edges or rough margins are generally seen with the fractures, which distinguishes it from nonunion of this secondary growth centre of the process. Additionally, bones from the head and neck would not be displaced or have the serrated margins. The distal portion of the fractured spinous process is often displaced downward (caudally or poor). This is due to the pull on the avulsion segment of bone.
Chiropractic Care for Clay Shoveler’s Fractures
Chiropractors can help alleviate some of the long-term and immediate concerns associated with bone fractures, such as clay shoveler’s fractures. A chiropractor may not perform treatment procedures to the fracture until the damage or injury has started to heal and inflammation is reduced. A chiropractor can help with compression techniques which are beneficial in maintaining the bone in place for healing. A chiropractor may also advocate wellness techniques, such as appropriate diet, and this will optimize the body’s ability to restore its original health and wellness. Chiropractors may also educate a patient on a variety of exercises and stretches to reduce the likelihood of complications and which, if done properly and at fixed intervals, will promote quicker recovery.
The advantages of seeing a chiropractor for wellness and health are many and well documented, but chiropractors are particularly effective as first line and treatment practitioners for bone fractures of any sort. When many kinds of fractures and acute breaks may require immediate therapy, a chiropractor can help rebuild strength and ensure proper recovery, which makes the chiropractic procedure an excellent cure and ensuring long-term good health.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries
Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.
Fractures in the cervical spine may occur with severe or repetitive trauma. Clay shoveler’s fracture is an avulsion fracture of the spinous process. It happens with abrupt flexion of the head, most commonly from a variety of accidents. It also occurs with stress caused by the pulling of the muscles around the thoracic and cervical spinous processes. The process breaks up and pulls on the avulsion segment from the original spinous procedure.
Clay shoveler’s fracture most frequently results in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinous processes, namely C6, C7, and T1. Fractures and spinal avulsion can also be brought on by damage or injury as in direct blows to the neck’s base. This is a fracture that is stable and doesn’t produce any neurologic deficits. This part of the bone isn’t near nerve roots or the spinal cord, although patient’s are alarmed when they hear the term fracture or fracture in the neck.
Clay shovelers fracture derives its name from a common event among clay miners in Australia during the 1930s. The workers were digging deep ditches and tossing clay 10-15 feet above their heads with long handled shovels. Instead of having the clay come off the shovel, it would stick. The sticking clay produces a contraction of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles in reaction from the weighted shovel. The muscles react forcefully and immediately, contracting to stabilize the spine and shoulders. The Australian clay shoveler’s will hear a pop and feel a sharp contrast between the shoulder blades. They would feel sharp pain, making them unable to continue working because every time the trapezius or rhomboid muscles could contract. The mechanism of injury is believed to be caused by powerful and abrupt muscle contraction transmitting pressure via the ligaments. The enormous force is concentrated round the spinous processes and creates an avulsion fracture over the cervical and upper thoracic spine’s spinous processes.
Plain Film X-rays and Examination
Regarding lateral (side view) x-rays, a triangular radiolucent fracture line can be seen via the base of the spinous procedure. It is more likely to maintain the distal or trunk tip of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinous procedure. Rough margins or serrated edges are commonly seen with the acute fractures, which differentiates it from this secondary expansion center of the process.The distal part of the fractured spinous process is frequently displaced down (caudally or inferior). This is due to the pull on the segment of bone.
Frontal x-rays (anterior to posterior) may demonstrate the look of two spinous processes at a single vertebrae, which can be called the “double spinous process sign.” Especially when the cervicothoracic junction is visualized on the view this signal is helpful for determining a clay shoveler’s fracture. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) is not typically required. A bone density scan could be indicated in a person who has undergone prior avulsion, thoracic, or lumbar spinal compression fractures. A bone density scan can evaluate and measure lumbar and cervical spine t-scores; which gauges relative risk of spinal compression fractures if bone density is in question.
Symptoms of Clay Shoveler’s Fracture
Clay shoveler’s fracture can occur with almost any repetitive and forceful activity utilizing the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. It might occur with automobile accident injuries for traumatic blows to both sides and top of the spinous procedure. Generally, pain is associated immediately after the injury and can be described as a burning or “knife-like” traumatic pain. Other symptoms include muscular stiffness and pain which increases with repeated action, similar to muscle strain at the top back joints or muscle strains. The broken spine is very tender, as are the muscles.
Treatment of Cervical Spine Avulsion Fractures
Most cases resolve in a few weeks. Pain or aggravation to the area could be associated with the tendon and muscle junctions that insert on the spinous process or avulsion segment. Some patients do not require treatment apart from remainder or NSAIDS (non steroidal anti medication). Others may benefit from pain medicine or muscle relaxers.
Medications could be applied at the neck and upper back into the muscles to ease soreness and possible rhomboid muscle strains. Bones and ribs shouldn’t be influenced or produce back pain. Some individuals require physical therapy or massage therapy, including chiropractic care, to help decrease muscle pain and stiffness. Ice, heat ultrasound, mild stretching, and range of motion exercises can help relieve neck and upper back pain. Some individuals respond to course IV cold laser treatments (low level laser treatment) to help reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles and tendons. Others might benefit from muscle treatments like Active Release Technique or Graston Technique to break up scar tissue or adhesions associated with years of repetitive activities. Patients may expect some discomfort for several weeks during the healing process.
Symptoms may worsen at the the front of the body with arms and the head, such as driving or working in the computer. With time and some therapy, symptoms will decline with time. Exercise and strenuous activity might need to be avoided for 1-2 months post injury. For patient’s having a history of stress fractures or avulsion fractures, a bone density scan could be indicated. Some kinds of fractures need immediate attention and could be unstable. Fractures must be assessed to make sure they are stable and tracked by an orthopedic surgeon.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries
Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.
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