Back Clinic Conditions Treated. Chronic Pain, Auto Accident Care, Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Back Injuries, Sciatica, Neck Pain, Work Injuries, Personal Injuries, Sports Injuries, Migraine Headaches, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Wellness & Nutrition, Stress Management, and Complex Injuries.
At El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we are focused on treating patients after debilitating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If Dr. Alex Jimenez feels you need other treatment, then you will be referred to a clinic or Physician that is best suited for you. Dr. Jimenez has teamed with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premiere rehabilitation providers to bring El Paso the top clinical treatments to our community. Providing the top non-invasive protocols is our priority. Clinical insight is what our patients demand in order to give them the appropriate care required. For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
Most of us know what sciatica means and that is low back pain that radiates/spreads into the buttock down into the leg and sometimes into the foot. The pain can be mild to excruciating, but fortunately, if it is mild�sciatica can usually be alleviated in 3 months.�These are a few non-invasive conservative treatment therapies that can be done at the house.
Here are a few at the house sciatica remedies for people who started experiencing sciatic nerve pain or whose pain is not severe. But you should get a doctor�s approval before trying any of these at the house therapies.
If sciatica has been present for a few weeks or the low back and leg pain has become debilitating you should see a doctor.
House Tip 1. Exercise is OK & Beneficial
It might seem strange to exercise when you�re in pain, but research has shown that too much rest can aggravate back and leg symptoms.
Remember this is not a hardcore burning massive calories exercise, but a gentle exercise routine that you can work into your day.
These Exercises should not be painful or strenuous.
A walk around the house is a great form of physical activity that keeps your spine strong without worsening the injury.
Make your spine stronger with core exercises, but make sure they will not exacerbate your sciatica symptoms. And remember that exercise triggers the release of endorphins to reduce the pain.
House Tip 2. Start Stretching
Start doing gentle stretches regularly. Stretching will improve your spinal flexibility and motion range and also builds core strength. Most stretches can be done while watching your favorite show/movie.
House Tip 3. Ice Packs and Heating Pads Help
Alternating heat and ice therapy can bring relief from nerve pain. Ice helps reduce inflammation, and heat generates blood flow to the areas of pain that speeds up healing. Both help reduce muscle spasms that usually come with sciatica.
Apply the ice pack for 15 minutes once every hour, and then bring the heat for 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Remember to protect your skin when using these pads, and never sleep with the heat or ice pads.
House Tip 4. Change Your Posture
If you are working at your desk or just relaxing, don’t stay in the same position too long, as it can make the pain spike.
Therefore move around and change your posture every 20 minutes. Using the correct posture for various activities will help take the pressure off your spine and reduce symptoms.
House Tip 5. If You Need To Use Medication Properly
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help ease symptoms when they present. These medications can relieve inflammation and pain, whereas acetaminophen (Tylenol) only reduces pain.
However, there are health risks, so make sure to discuss their safety with your doctor.
Examples include:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Aspirin (Ecotrin)
Naproxen (Aleve)
The Remedies Are Not Working
Recognize when at the house remedies are not reducing your symptoms. When the treatments aren’t helping, it could be time to see a doctor, chiropractor or spine specialist.
People including myself want to avoid the doctor. It could be knowing how to use your health insurance or if you don�t have any. Whatever the reason do not opt for the ignorance is bliss and hope it will all go away.
If you need help figuring out how to use your insurance here at Injury Medical our staff are trained to help guide you through the process. And if you don’t have insurance we can still help and work out different types of plans.
Now there are sciatica symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. In these rare cases, holding off medical care could cause permanent nerve damage.
If any of the following occur, please see your doctor as soon as you can:
There is severe throbbing/stinging pain in your low back and legs
Nerve associated symptoms like:
Weakness
Numbness
Tingling
Electric shock-like pain
The pain is not improving after 2 weeks
The pain gets worse, even with house therapies
Loss of bowel or bladder control
At the end of the day reducing sciatica symptoms doesn�t always mean having to use an extreme treatment approach. Relieving sciatica symptoms at the house with light exercise, ice/heat therapy, correct posture, and medication can help speed up recovery. The most important thing you can do is to take it seriously and call your doctor or chiropractor if relief is not happening.
Please contact our chiropractic team today to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica. We are ready to help you feel better and get back on your feet again!
*Effective Treatment* for Sciatic Nerve Pain| El Paso, Tx
NCBI Resources
A study cited by the health magazine�Prevention�found that sixty percent of sciatica sufferers who failed to get relief from other treatments found their symptoms improved after chiropractic care. In fact, they got the same level of relief as those who went through surgery � without any of the serious side effects that so often come with surgical procedures.
A burst fracture describes an injury to the spine where the vertebrae get compressed severely. These types of injuries occur from severe trauma, like an automobile accident or a serious fall, sports injury, work injury. These injuries entail a great deal of force into the spine, so much so that a vertebra can get crushed.
When crushed in the front of the spine, a wedge-shaped fracture occurs and is known as a compression fracture.
But if the vertebral body gets crushed in all directions this is known as a burst fracture.
The term burst means that the vertebral body spreads out in all directions.
Severe Injury
This is a much more severe injury than a compression fracture. With the bones crushed and possible rough jagged edges, if they spread out the spinal cord has a high probability of being injured. The fragments can bruise the spinal cord causing paralysis or partial neurologic injury. The spine becomes far less stable than from a compression fracture.
Nerve Injury
Neurologic injuries from a burst fracture can range from no injury to paralysis. This depends on the amount of force present at the time of the injury and how much the spinal canal is compromised.
A greater amount of force equals more bony fragments that can be forced into the spinal canal and cause higher loss of spinal cord function.
This can cause loss of:
Strength
Sensation
Reflexes below the injury
With an incomplete spinal cord injury, partial paralysis or partial reflex loss occurs.
With a mild burst fracture, only short-term symptoms could be present and no neurologic injury.
Intense Pain
Burst fractures can cause intense pain and the pain is right where the trauma took place.
But pain can also present in the legs and feet depending on how the spinal nerves were affected, shifted or pinched. Patients complain of an electric tingling or shooting type sensation in their legs with spinal cord compression. With a burst fracture, individuals are unable to walk right after the trauma. But the pain percentage present is severe enough that they know not to try and walk.
Diagnosis
If at the sight of the accident the patient says that they have severe back pain should not be in a seated flexed position. They need to be kept lying flat and transported in a flat position.
If they stand or sit with a burst fracture, it can increase the possibility of a neurologic injury.
Burst fractures require immediate medical attention from an orthopedic or neurosurgeon. The patient is taken to an emergency room and x-rays, CT scans are gathered.
The diagnosis of a burst fracture is typically made with x-rays and a CT scan.
Sometimes, an MRI will be ordered to assess the amount of:
Soft tissue trauma
Bleeding
Ligament injury
The CT scan and x-rays allow the doctor to determine the level of the fracture, and if it is a:
Compression fracture
Burst fracture
Fracture-dislocation
This will determine how much the spinal canal has been compromised and if its angulation or angle has taken an abnormal bend or curve. These factors all contribute to the development of an optimal treatment plan.
The physical exam will document:
Spinal deformity and Angulation of the spine
Tenderness of the spine where the fracture is located
Neurologic exam
Neurologic exam should include testing:
Muscle strength
Sensation
Reflexes of the lower extremities
Testing of bowel and bladder control
Treatment & Recovery
A stable burst fracture can be treated without surgery.
A stable burst fracture falls into these parameters:
There is no neurologic injury
The angulation is less than 20 degrees
The amount of spinal canal compromise is less than 50%
With this type of treatment, a brace along with physical therapy/chiropractic can have excellent results.
A turtle or clamshell brace TLSO�(Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis) is a body cast used in the treatment of a burst fracture.
The brace is worn for eight to twelve weeks for adequate and optimal healing.
There are times when a fracture thought stable and treated can start to angulate. This may require surgery. However, all burst fractures require some form of treatment.
Recovery
Nonsurgical treatment patients stay in the hospital for one or two days while their brace is fit.
X-rays are done in the standing position to make sure the spine stays stable.
Pain medications are prescribed for three to four weeks
Non-narcotic medications can begin after the final week
When the brace is removed, physical therapy and chiropractic are instituted to help return strength to the core and lower extremities.
Surgical patients will remain in the hospital for three to five days.
They will be fitted with a brace after the incisions present less pain and are recovered from the surgery.
They can walk within one or two days with the help of a physical therapist.
X-rays are taken to follow the position of the spine and see how the healing is progressing.
Chiropractic/Physical therapy is implemented to help with core strength and lower extremity strength.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the neurologic injury.
Patients that don’t have a neurologic injury can make a full recovery with return to most activities.
Patients with partial neurological injuries can also expect to fully recover.
Unfortunately, with permanent neurologic injury, recovery can be limited.
But treatment for burst fractures today is superior to what they were years ago, especially with spine specialists and specific spinal procedures.
Chiropractic Rehab
Chiropractic is not a treatment for fractures but is a treatment for subluxations and rehabilitation with these types of fractures. Once a fracture has stabilized and healed properly, a chiropractic evaluation can rule out any lingering subluxation, herniation, and joint restriction. The adjustments are safe and effective in establishing optimal function to a subluxated joint.
Chiropractic Treatment For Car Accident Injuries El Paso, Texas
We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body�s own ability to achieve goals of improvement.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractors can help alleviate some of the long-term and immediate concerns associated with bone fractures. 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 a healthy diet that 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.
Being pregnant is one of life’s many joys, however, with the added weight comes normal back pain that can lead to severe back pain that can lead to sciatica.
Expecting mothers have much to look forward to but when back pain and sciatica take hold, it can be exhausting, frustrating, and extremely painful. Women experiencing pregnancyback pain varies from woman to woman. To help prevent and alleviate back pain/sciatica, here are some answers as to how and why symptoms develop and what to do to make the pregnancy a joyful occasion.
Pregnancy Back Pain and Sciatica
Changes to the body throughout pregnancy affect more than its physical appearance.
The most common change is weight gain. Increased body weight, especially when bending puts pressure on the spinal discs. The most pressure is placed on the low back. Back, leg pain, and sciatica are common complaints.
Weight gain can cause piriformis syndrome and sciatica. The piriformis muscles help with thigh movement. Piriformis syndrome can develop if the muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, which causes a pinching or electrical shock feeling in the buttocks and back of the leg.
What some might not know is that as the uterus grows, the body’s center of gravity gets thrown off. What happens is the uterus expands inside the pelvis, and the spinal nerves in the low back that flow into the sciatic nerve gets compressed and irritated.
Hormones like relaxin, which is a hormone that relaxes the pelvic ligaments and helps prepare the mother’s body for birth. Relaxin loosens the ligaments in the other areas of the body, but primarily the joints in the pelvis, low back, and knees. When exercising or lifting objects it is easy to strain these relaxed areas. Therefore, move slowly, and avoid any sudden movements.
What Steps To Take
Work with a:
Doctor
Chiropractor
Midwife
Health care provider to keep body weight in check
Take note of posture:
Stand up straight
Shoulders back
Avoid leaning backward
Try a pillow:
A standard-sized pillow
Body pillow to help make sleeping comfortable
A pillow can be positioned between the knees and under the abdomen for support.
Prenatal yoga helps:
Stretch and tone muscles
Maintain flexibility
Improve balance and circulation
Relieves tension
Deep breathing plays a major role in yoga and is an added benefit as it can help expecting mothers relax during labor.
Simple cardiovascular exercises like walking or swimming can help keep weight under control and the body in shape. Ask a doctor or chiropractor if these types of exercises are right for you.
Prenatal massage is another option to help relieve pain and tension.
This type of massage eases:
Anxiety by stabilizing hormone levels
Back pain
Pelvic pain
Hip pain
Improves circulation and digestion
Helps reduce fatigue
A warm shower or bath can helps ease back pain.
Expectant mothers should avoid aromatic oils or aromatherapy candles like:
Basil
Juniper
Peppermint
Rosemary
Star anise
Some of these oils can cause contractions.
Acupuncture is another form of alternative therapy that can treat back pain and sciatica. Sterile, millimeter thin disposable needles are inserted into points on the body that are known as energy channels. The needles help to restore the balance of energy in the body. However, expectant mothers need to be past six months to receive this type of treatment as the energy flow can cause contractions.
Ergonomics At Work & Home
Expectant mothers should avoid:
Awkward postures
Over-exercising
Heavy lifting
Repetitive work
Especially during the third trimester.
The low back and leg muscles have to work harder to keep the body balanced. Just basic standing or walking can be a challenge. Swelling is common. Make sure to take constant breaks and full-body rest combined with elevating the feet can be very helpful.
Adding an ergonomic and adjustable chair with a lumbar support backrest and footrest is worth the investment. A chair like this can helps take the pressure off of the spine and working at a desk much more comfortable. It benefits to frequently stand and sit continually changing the body’s posture and working the various muscles, joints, and ligaments to keep the body loose. And it can be a form of exercise.
Light walking also helps to reduce any swelling through increased circulation.
Hopefully, you will not have to go through any kind of back pain or sciatica. But if pregnancy back pain and sciatica start to creep in, talk to your doctor, chiropractor, midwife, or health care professional first.
When your body is truly healthy, you will arrive at your optimal fitness level proper physiological fitness state. We want to help you live a new and improved lifestyle. Over the last two decades, while researching and testing methods with thousands of patients, we have learned what works effectively at decreasing pain while increasing human vitality.
We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body’s own ability to achieve goals of improvement.
Back Pain During Pregnancy Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
NCBI Resources
Keeping the body, including the spine, in proper alignment is vital to mobility, flexibility, and overall wellness of the body even when it is not pregnant. However, pregnancy puts specific stress on the body, creating certain needs that chiropractic care can meet. It is safe, it is effective, it is fast, and it works.
Do you have lower back pain or pain literally in the rear that runs down into one thigh or below the knee into the leg and even the foot? A doctor may diagnose these symptoms as sciatica, which describes compression of the sciatic nerve.
Sensations include:
Numbness
Tingling
Pins and needles
Electric like shock running through the leg
Depending on the nerve that is affected pain could radiate only into the buttock or all the way down to the foot. A common cause is a lumbar disc herniation or bone spur that presses down on the spinal nerve. Sciatic pain radiates along the nerve, usually from the low back, down the buttocks, into the thigh and leg, below the knee and sometimes into the foot and big toe.
Sciatica usually affects one side of the body.
Radicular Pain
A doctor may use the terms radicular pain or radiculopathy when talking about sciatica. Radiculopathy is pain/adverse sensation that travels along a nerve. When a spinal nerve root is compressed, pinched or injured, it becomes inflamed. Low back conditions that can contribute to this type of problem are spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis or herniated disc.
Proper Diagnosis & Proper Treatment
The doctor will ask about your symptoms:
When did the pain begin?
Where is the pain most intense?
What activities worsen the pain?
What activities reduce pain?
Does the pain go all the way down the leg or stops at the knee?
Do you feel weakness or tingling in your legs or feet?
A doctor might perform a straight-leg test to see if there is an inflamed nerve. This is a simple exam where you lie on your back and the doctor lifts each leg. If this causes or produces pain and sensations, it can indicate there is a bulging/slipped or ruptured disc.
The compression of the nerve can also cause muscle weakness in the foot. Another exam may be to walk like you normally do, then on your heels and finally on your toes. This checks your balance and lower-body strength.
A doctor will:
Check your posture
Range of motion
Movements that cause pain
Check the curvature and alignment of your spine
Check for muscle spasms
Note your sensations
Test your reflexes and muscle strength
A doctor may order x-rays, CT scan or MRI.
The CT scan or MRI provides doctors with various images of your spine which can help in diagnosing whatever is causing your symptoms. These tests are then compared to what the doctor took note of during your medical history interview and the physical and neurological examinations. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in figuring out the best treatment plan.
Could something else be causing the nerve pain?
Only a doctor can tell if your symptoms are sciatica. There are other structures in the spine that can cause similar types of pain.
The sacroiliac joint between the pelvis and sacrum is the lowest part of the spine can cause sciatic pain.
The facet joint which connects the joints in the back of the spine gets sprained, it can also cause sciatica-like pain.
A tear in a spinal disc can cause pain down into the leg.
The hip joint can also cause pain in the thigh, that can radiate outward.
Sciatica Nerve Treatment
Sciatica can be treated non-surgically with:
Chiropractic care
Physical therapy
24 to 48 hours of bed rest
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. If pain continues, other treatment modalities can be discussed. Muscle spasms can accompany sciatica symptoms and can be treated with heat or ice therapy. A doctor may advise light exercise like short walks and once recovery is established they may give you exercises to strengthen your back and core.
Severe *Sciatica”* Pain Relief | El Paso, Tx (2020)
NCBI Resources
A study cited by the health magazine�Prevention�found that sixty percent of sciatica sufferers who failed to get relief from other treatments found their symptoms improved after chiropractic care. In fact, they got the same level of relief as those who went through surgery � without any of the serious side effects that so often come with surgical procedures.
Chiropractic is effective for treating sciatica because it gets to the source of the problem � relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.
All can help relax muscles, relieve pain and increase mobility.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Kent S. Greenawalt, President, and CEO of Foot Levelers discuss how custom foot orthotics can help reduce back pain, low back pain, and sciatica.
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Pain in the upper and/or mid-back is not as common as lower back or neck pain. The upper back is called the thoracic spinal column, and it is the most secure part of the spine. The reach of movement in the upper back is limited because of the backbone�s attachments to the ribs (rib cage).
Upper back pain is generally caused by soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains, muscle tension caused by bad posture, or looking downward for long time spans (eg, texting, mobile phone use).
A doctor will rule out these causes to make a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing
A doctor utilizes medical history and physical exam to diagnose coccydynia.
Imaging scans are usually not necessary, but a doctor may order:
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
If they believe a separate:
Bone
Nerve
Tissue
Problem to be the cause of tailbone pain.
Medical history is important, a doctor wants to know if a
Fall
Accident
Recent trauma
Might have caused the pain.
A physical exam is next in line along with symptoms.
The pain is usually localized in the tailbone, making it straightforward to diagnose.
A doctor will want to know if the pain strikes when sitting or leaning back and which is worse.
A doctor might ask the patient to point to where they’re feeling the pain.
Pointing could be enough for the doctor to tell if the pain is coccydynia when compared to other low back pain conditions.
The doctor will want to palpate the tailbone area for signs of inflammation.
Non-surgical Treatment
Conservative treatment is extremely effective for coccydynia.
Ninety percent of people experience pain reduction using non-surgical means or any medical intervention.
It is first treated with noninvasive methods:
Ice or heating pad can help provide immediate, short-term relief.
Donut/Wedge cushion provides extra padding taking the pressure off the coccyx when sitting. These cushions are available at pharmacies.
Avoid sitting for long times, like a long flight will help prevent additional pain and injury.
Rest is very important to help avoid further injury during recovery.
If there is still pain after these therapies, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications.
If the medication doesn’t work then a doctor may try cortisone injection or local spine blocker to send strong medicine directly to the tailbone area.
Surgical Procedure
If none of the conservative treatments work then surgery could be the next step.
The procedure is called a coccygectomy, which means the removal of the tailbone.
A surgeon will discuss the procedure in great detail before it is performed.
These risks include:
Infection
Hematoma (abnormal collection of blood outside an artery or vein)
Perineal hernia (weakened pelvic muscles)
Chronic Coccydynia
A small portion of people can develop chronic coccydynia, which means the pain lasts for more than 2 months.
Chronic coccydynia can take a major toll on the quality of life. Talk to a doctor if symptoms are not resolving.
They may refer you to a doctor that specializes in coccydynia management.
Protecting the Tailbone
There is no exact way or method to prevent coccydynia,
However, reducing the risk of tailbone pain can be achieved by using caution when participating in sports like:
Skating – Ice, Inline, and Roller
Biking
Horseback riding
And take extra care when walking on icy/slippery/hazardous conditions so nobody falls.
El Paso, TX Severe Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Gale Grijalva suffered from acute back pain because of an automobile incident injury. Where it was once very tough to do her routine daily tasks, Gale Grijalva is now able to take part in physical activities she was not able to engage in earlier thanks to Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. Gale Grijalva clarifies how patient Dr. Jimenez is and she discusses how completely he’s been able to help her, such as answering any concerns she might have.
Severe chronic back pain is a serious, recurring condition that affects an individual’s everyday life. Back pain lasting over three weeks is deemed chronic. The backbone is an essential component of the body. Severe chronic back pain might be the backbone’s way of telling the body that there’s a problem. The spine consists of bony vertebrae, soft spinal discs, facet joints, tendons, ligaments, and tendons. Within the bony vertebral artery lies that the spinal cord, the delicate but effective nerve pathway of the central nervous system.
NCBI Resources
Before you run screaming in horror to the medicine cabinet, one of the best reasons to participate in chiropractic treatment is that it helps reduce the chance of a recurrence. By working on the total body and getting it in the best shape possible, the patient is stronger and more balanced to handle their workload and other strenuous activities. Chiropractors also impart advice on how to minimize the chances of re-aggravating the lower back.
Millions of people suffer from back pain each year, and some never visit a chiropractor. Those who do choose�chiropractic treatment�are privy to treatment that reduces their pain, increases healing, shortens their downtime and lessens their chances of a recurrence. If over the counter medication and ice packs haven�t worked within a few days, it�s time to make an appointment for a consultation with a licensed chiropractor. You will be happy you did.
Sciatica doesn�t have to prevent you from being able to travel.
Sometimes a journey can create a series of challenges for people with sciatic nerve pain in the low back and leg.
A common issue among individuals is to prevent sciatica from flaring up when on the road or in the air.
A solution for this is to find ways to keep moving. However, easier said than done, but it can be done!
Flying and driving often mean long periods of sitting and sitting in a position typically not friendly with sciatic pain.
“When we drive or fly for an extended trip, it means long sitting times, and sitting in a position that can cause sciatica to flare up at any time,” says Dr. Alexander Jimenez, D.C. in El Paso, Texas, and member of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Dr. Jimenez shares some basic tips for keeping mobility up, all the while pain-free, when flying and driving with sciatica.
He also offers additional advice to keep radiating pain from starting, upon arrival.
Flying with Sciatica
Sciatica pain radiates through the lower body meaning:
The low back
Hips
Buttocks
Legs
So when a flight anchors you to a seat, this can aggravate the area and cause pain.
The first thing to consider is the seat choice.
An aisle seat allows you the easiest access out of the seat, allowing you to move more during the flight.
Also when flying with sciatica, tell the flight crew about your condition.
When the seatbelt off light comes on, get up, stretch your legs and move around anywhere you can find room.
With a good portion of the population suffering from sciatica, most crews have seen people with this condition, and will usually let you do some stretching if they’re not busy.
A good sciatica stretch is to put your hands on something stable and do some deep knee bends.
This will use the upper body weight to stretch the lumbar spine comfortably.
Do a few and make sure you feel and return to your seat stretched and refreshed.
When taking a long flight, do this every hour to feel better when landing.
Sciatica Road Trip
Road trips, on the other hand, are easier to stop and move around. However, it can also create over-concentration on the drive and forgetting how much you are hurting until the pain is unbearable.
Dr. Jimenez advises frequentstops, if possible every hour is best to prevent pain.
On the stops walk two or three laps around the car/Suv/truck.
Rear bumper stretching prop
Place one foot on the bumper, and the other a few feet behind, lean into the bumper and square the hips with the lead foot.
This is like a hurdle stretch.
Stretch both legs on each break.
Regular stretching helps relieve the pressure on the low back so you can drive comfortably.
Arrival
Packing light is a healthy tip because hauling heavy luggage will aggravate sciatic nerve pain.
There are a few things that Dr. Jimenez recommends packing or getting upon arrival.
Gel ice pack you can keep in the refrigerator or freezer in a hotel.
Apply the cold pack to the low back for 20-minute increments will go a long way toward relieving pain.
Topical agent/cream/gel that has menthol or camphor, that you can apply to any area of tenderness or pain before the ice gel pack.
This increases the ice pack’s power by helping relax muscles and decreasing pain.
Supportive shoes or custom foot orthotics
People with sciatica should choose footwear or orthotics that support all three arches of the foot.
Leg length is usually not equal on each side, and proper arch supports can be custom made for you by your chiropractor to compensate for the difference.
Even a 5mm difference can cause chronic back pain.
And if possible, ask your chiropractor or primary physician if they can recommend a chiropractor, physical/massage therapist,� or acupuncturist that you can see in case you need emergency treatment.
This can give you some peace of mind.
Keep Your Exercise/Stretching Routine When Traveling
When we travel especially on vacations it can be easy to let healthy lifestyle habits you practice at home slide.
All are sciatica�s natural enemies make sure to bring these healthy practices with you to your destination.
Use the same good sense when you travel just like at home getting:
Get plenty of rest
Drink plenty of water
Don’t overeat
You will need more rest when you travel and don’t forget when you travel to:
Walk
Stretch
Stay mobile
Difference Foot Orthotics Make to *REDUCE FOOT PAIN* & Correct Posture | El Paso, TX (2019)
Custom made foot orthotics can help control foot motion and posture. Healthcare professionals prescribe custom foot orthotics to help patients focus on their foot posture and mobility control. Research studies have ascertained that using custom foot orthotics for posture and mobility control can help fix excessive foot pronation and supination to prevent a variety of foot health problems. The subsequent video describes how custom foot orthotics will help control foot posture and mobility to improve health and wellness.
NCBI Resources
Sciatica is generally caused by the compression of lumbar or sacral nerves or by compression of the sciatic nerve. When sciatica is caused by compression of a dorsal nerve root, it’s known as lumbar radiculopathy. This can occur because of a spinal disk bulge or spinal disk herniation (a herniated intervertebral disc), or by roughening, enlarging, or misalignment (spondylolisthesis) of the fascia, or as a consequence of degenerated discs which can reduce the diameter of the lateral foramen by which nerve roots exit the spine.
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