How to Identify Sciatica

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Over-exercising, lifting, bending, or twisting abruptly into awkward positions, and even driving for extended periods of time, can strain the sciatic nerve, leading to lower back pain which radiates into the back of the legs as well as other numerous symptoms, known as sciatica.

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals experience some form of low back pain from sciatica. Most commonly seen in people ranging from 18 to 35 years of age, the prevalence of sciatic symptoms varies tremendously from 1.6 percent throughout the general population to 43 percent in a selected working population. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of individuals suffering from sciatica seek medical attention only after experiencing these painful symptoms for a year or more. In a majority of cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc involving nerve root compression.

Not all individuals with lower back pain have sciatica. Lower back pain could result from a variety of factors, most frequently seen in sedentary workers who sit behind a desk for an extended period of time with improper posture while not following ergonomics.

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Proper Posture and Spinal Health

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

In today�s society, its easy to identify a strong, confident individual by the way they carry themselves. From strong leaders to popular group members, we can look at many of these people and see their confidence. Aside from personality, there�s one main factor that commonly defines these individuals; posture. The body language we display to others is a powerful source of communication. Posture can say more about an individual than words. An upright posture can be a subtle signal of self-assurance to everyone around you, but more importantly, a proper posture reveals health from within.

Good posture is an essential component of your health. The spine is the key to a strong and healthy posture. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine quoted, �Look first to the spine for the cause of all disease.��For many years now, it�s been acknowledged that spinal health can therefore influence your overall health.�The spine, also referred to as the vertebral column or spinal column, is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae which are stacked one upon another. The spine functions to protect the spinal cord as well as to provide overall support to the structures of the body, allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist.

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Maintaining Proper Posture During Exercise

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Many individuals participate in some form of physical activity or sport to achieve their own personal fitness goals. Actively engaging in exercise offers many benefits, from strengthening the bones and muscles and controlling weight to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease but, unfortunately for many individuals, injuries can frequently occur. The truth is, exercising with an improper posture can cause a wide variety of complications on the spine, knees, hips and shoulders, including numerous structural issues such as muscle tightness, joint pain and the potential increase of injuries. Many individuals struggle to correct and maintain a proper posture, as a matter of fact, most adults tend to walk with their shoulders slumped while staring at the ground.

Improper posture can result in a range of health complications, most commonly causing an increase in low back pain, neck pain, headaches and restricted mobility for many individuals due to the excess curvature of the spine.�As a result, body mechanics may also be affected, leading to potential gait and walking complications. Furthermore, in more advanced cases, poor posture can also result in decreased lung capacity and digestion issues.�

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Treatment for Nurses with Back Injuries

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

During a nurse�s routine rounds, it only takes one incorrect move, one improper lift, one sudden twist to unexpectedly suffer a back injury. Back pain is one of the most frequent causes of pain among the general population, where approximately 80 percent of individuals are likely to experience at least one case of acute back pain in their lifetime. In the United States alone, about 25% of the population account to having had a minimum of one day of lower back pain within the past three months. Additionally, lower back pain is the fifth leading cause for individuals to seek medical attention.

However, the prevalence of back complications among nurses or other healthcare workers is even greater. Registered nurses and nursing assistants are among the top six occupations at greater risk for musculoskeletal injury. According to data collected by the American Nurses Association, more than half of nurses report experiencing symptoms of chronic back pain. Furthermore, approximately 12 percent of the nursing workforce reported leaving the profession due to chronic back pain.

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Gaining Insight on Auto Injury Care Options

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Automobile accidents are often unpredictable circumstances which can involve many complications. Whether it�s a minor or severe collision, many individuals are forced to deal with all the implications that come after being involved in an auto accident on their own, a frustrating process that frequently ends with victims being on the losing end of their benefits. Injured and without a car, approaching the best course of action following an auto accident doesn�t need to be a difficult circumstance and we know the best procedures to help you recover from your situation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 2.6 million individuals are injured each year in automobile accidents, accounting for 95 percent of all injury causing accidents on the roads. During a car crash, the sudden force of the impact can commonly cause subluxations or spinal misalignments in the body, a condition where the complex structures surrounding the spine are affected, distorting the normal alignment of the vertebra, irritating nerves, ligaments, and discs, overall affecting their natural function and your health.

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Preventing and Managing Back Pain for Nurses

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Nurses nowadays encounter the common question on how they can prevent or even manage lower back pain. In fact, back complications are one of the most reported occupational health complications for nurses, especially through their retirement years. Many healthcare workers resort to self-medicating with over-the-counter pain relievers but, while these may offer relief from their symptoms, the effects are only temporary. Through several lifestyle changes, many nurses could achieve long-term relief from their lower back pain by managing their symptoms and prevent further low back complications.

First, stretching and exercising regularly should be fundamental for a nurse. Staying in a single position for long periods of time, as it�s usual in the healthcare workplace, can place an unequal amount of pressure on the muscles, resulting in muscle weakness and uneven distribution of weight. Stretching frequently on the job can help loosen up tight muscles and temporarily relieve back pain. Then, following a series of stretches with exercise can help regulate and further reduce back pain because it strengthens the structures supporting the back muscles. Engaging in strength training exercises can help keep low back pain away longer. Additionally, stretching and exercising the body enough before symptoms of back pain appear in the fist place can also help prevent back complications from developing.

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Causes for Low Back Pain Among Nurses

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

A study conducted in an acute care facility in Hong Kong to determine the occurrence of back pain in nurses reported that 80.9% of the participating individuals suffered from some form of back pain throughout their careers with one third of them experiencing back pain at least once a month. The study also concluded that the contributing factors for back injuries among those nurses were caused from lifting and transferring patients, where stooping was recognized at the most common factor contributing to back complications. Most diagnosed cases of back pain were reported on orthopedic wards, closely followed by elderly or geriatric nursing. According to the study, back pain as a result of standing for extended periods of time was not considered significant.

Another study conducted to determine the impact of back pain in nurses concluded that depression is associated with chronic low back pain and other symptoms which could exhibit as low morale and lower job performance among nurses. Additionally, the study also showed that two thirds of the nurse sample population suffered from back pain more than twice a year.

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