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Dormant Butt Syndrome: What Causes it and How to Treat it

Dormant Butt Syndrome: What Causes it and How to Treat it

Individuals dealing with chronic knee discomfort, hip tightness, and lower back pain could be experiencing dormant gluteal-butt syndrome. Can recognizing the symptoms and signs and incorporating lower body and core fitness help prevent and treat the condition?

Dormant Butt Syndrome: What Causes it and How to Treat it

Dormant Gluteal Butt Syndrome

Knee, hip, and lower back problems could be traced back to weakened buttocks. Some scientists call the condition “dormant butt syndrome” (Ohio State University, .2023). However, researchers are learning about the important role the gluteal muscles provide in maintaining the lower body strong and healthy. (Hal David Martin, Manoj Reddy, Juan Gómez-Hoyos. 2015)

What Is It?

The syndrome is defined as weak buttock muscles and tight hip flexors. Experts from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center have worked with individuals dealing with knee, hip, or back injuries and believe many of these issues are linked to weakened gluteal muscles. (Ohio State University.2023) The glutes are the muscles of the hips and buttocks. Weakened muscles fail to absorb the shock they’re supposed to during activities, which results in overloading the surrounding muscles and joints and increases the risk of injury. (Ohio State University, .2023)

  • Dormant gluteal-butt syndrome can result from a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged inactivity, like sitting for long periods.
  • The condition also occurs in runners and other physically active individuals who forget about these muscles with targeted exercises.

Exercises

Exercises to target the gluteals and prevent dormant gluteal-butt syndrome include activities/exercises that work the hips and core.

  • When walking properly, the gluteals should execute hip extension naturally.
  • Unhealthy postures, excessive sitting, and continued dysfunctional biomechanics mean walking without achieving optimal hip extension. (Hadi Daneshmandi. 2017)
  • When this happens, the gluteal muscles never get to fully function work, ending up with a series of aches and pains.
  • Pilates exercises can be adjusted to address order, repetition, and variation to strengthen the gluteals. (Laís Campos de Oliveira, 2015)

Hamstring Curls

  • Lie face down on an exercise mat.
  • Use your hands to create a cushion for the forehead.
  • Bend both knees so the feet point up towards the ceiling.
  • Let the knees be slightly apart, but keep the heels together.
  • Squeeze the heels together and tighten the gluteal muscles.
  • Hold for 3 seconds, then release the buttocks.
  • Repeat 10 times and then rest.
  • Hamstring curls can also be done using a weight machine.

Leg Pull Ups

  • Sit on a mat with your legs together in front.
  • Place the hands just behind the backside with the fingers pointing forward if possible.
  • Raise the body up.
  • Keep your head up and look straight ahead.
  • Raise one leg as high as possible.
  • Hold for as long as possible.
  • Lower and raise the other leg.
  • Repeat for a total of 3 reps.

Lining Up With A Wall Posture Helper

Standing posture is important to proper buttock function. Lining the body up with a wall can help train the body to maintain proper posture.

  • Find a wall and stand against it from the heels to the back of the head.
  • Work the backs of the legs and spine as firmly as possible into the wall.
  • Work to get the back of the skull into the wall as well.
  • Add some abdominal work by working the waistline inward and upward.
  • Hold for up to one minute.
  • The alignment is how you want to hold your body.
  • As you move off the wall, learn to maintain that posture throughout the day and night.
  • Repeat the wall exercise several times for reinforcement.

If aching of the hip, back, or knee is part of daily struggles, working out the gluteal muscles may be the solution. Contact the Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic for a full consultation.


Easiest Weight Loss Hack


References

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (2023) Dormant butt syndrome may be to blame for knee, hip and back pain.

Martin, H. D., Reddy, M., & Gómez-Hoyos, J. (2015). Deep gluteal syndrome. Journal of hip preservation surgery, 2(2), 99–107. doi.org/10.1093/jhps/hnv029

Daneshmandi, H., Choobineh, A., Ghaem, H., & Karimi, M. (2017). Adverse Effects of Prolonged Sitting Behavior on the General Health of Office Workers. Journal of lifestyle medicine, 7(2), 69–75. doi.org/10.15280/jlm.2017.7.2.69

Campos de Oliveira, L., Gonçalves de Oliveira, R., & Pires-Oliveira, D. A. (2015). Effects of Pilates on muscle strength, postural balance and quality of life of older adults: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Journal of physical therapy science, 27(3), 871–876. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.871

Fixed Sagittal Imbalance

Fixed Sagittal Imbalance

Individuals with fixed sagittal imbalance, a condition where the normal curve of the lower spine is greatly reduced or absent altogether that can cause pain and difficulty balancing. Can chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and exercise help improve the condition?

Fixed Sagittal Imbalance

Fixed Sagittal Imbalance

The condition is commonly known as flat back syndrome and can be present at birth or can happen as a result of surgery or a medical condition.

  • It can also happen for other reasons, including degenerative disc disease, traumatic injury, or as a result of spinal surgery. (Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 2023)
  • Individuals with flat back syndrome position their head and neck too far forward.
  • A major symptom is difficulty standing for long periods of time.

Symptoms

The spine has two curves. The lumbar spine in the lower back and cervical spine in the neck curve inward. The thoracic spine in the upper back curves outward. The curves are part of the spine’s natural alignment. They help the body balance and maintain the center of gravity.

  • If these curves begin to disappear the body can have trouble and difficulty standing up straight.
  • The loss of curvature causes the head and neck to pitch forward, making it hard to walk and do regular normal activities.
  • Individuals have to flex their hips and knees and adjust their pelvis in order to stand up straight. (Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 2023)
  • There is a tendency to stoop forward which gradually increases and can even feel like the body is falling forward.
  • By the end of the day, the body is exhausted from the strain of trying to maintain balance.

Causes

Some causes of fixed sagittal imbalance include: (Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 2023)

  • Congenital – present at birth.
  • Degenerative disc disease.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis – a type of inflammatory arthritis of the spine.
  • Compression fractures of the vertebrae – for example, caused by osteoporosis.
  • The condition used to be common after spine surgery to correct scoliosis/abnormal curvature of the spine.
  • The devices implanted could cause flat back syndrome, especially for older individuals.
  • However, new and updated surgical techniques have decreased the complications.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about medical history, injuries, or back surgery. This will followed by a physical exam, that can include:

  • A musculoskeletal exam.
  • A neurologic exam.
  • A gait examination will assess standing and walking ability.
  • The gait exam is done because the gait can change to compensate for the loss of the curvature.
  • X-ray imaging will show spinal alignment.
  • Other possible sources of symptoms will be considered before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Treatment

Treatment often involves physical therapy and exercise, bracing to provide increased support, and sometimes surgery.

  • Physical therapy typically begins with stretching and targeted strengthening exercises to improve posture.
  • The goal is to reverse the pattern of muscle imbalance that keeps the lower back flat.
  • Exercises to strengthen the neck, rear shoulder muscles, back, core, and buttocks can include: (National Health Service. n.d.)
  • Abdominal stretches
  • Hamstring stretches.
  1. Hamstring stretches improve the alignment of the lumbar spine.
  2. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds at a time.
  3. Repeat three to five times once or twice a day.
  • Back extensions
  • Chest stretches
  • Planking
  • Side-lying leg raises
  • Seated rows in a gym or pull-ups

In severe cases, patients may need corrective surgery. A few options include: (Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 2023)

A chiropractor and/or physical therapist can recommend exercises and other forms of treatment. (Won-Moon Kim, et al., 2021)


Life-Changing Chiropractic Relief


References

Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Flatback syndrome.

National Health Service. Common posture mistakes and fixes.

Lee, B. H., Hyun, S. J., Kim, K. J., Jahng, T. A., Kim, Y. J., & Kim, H. J. (2018). Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Spinal Deformities. Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society, 61(2), 251–257. doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2017.0181

Kim, W. M., Seo, Y. G., Park, Y. J., Cho, H. S., & Lee, C. H. (2021). Effect of Different Exercise Types on the Cross-Sectional Area and Lumbar Lordosis Angle in Patients with Flat Back Syndrome. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(20), 10923. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010923

Sacral Plexus Rundown

Sacral Plexus Rundown

The lumbosacral plexus is located on the posterolateral wall of the lesser pelvis, next to the lumbar spine. A plexus is a network of intersecting nerves that share roots, branches, and functions. The sacral plexus is a network that emerges from the lower part of the spine. The plexus then embeds itself into the psoas major muscle and emerges in the pelvis. These nerves provide motor control to and receive sensory information from portions of the pelvis and leg. Sacral nerve discomfort symptoms, numbness, or other sensations and pain can be caused by an injury, especially if the nerve roots are compressed, tangled, rubbing, and irritated. This can cause symptoms like back pain, pain in the back and sides of the legs, sensory issues affecting the groin and buttocks, and bladder or bowel problems. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve symptoms, release the nerves, relax the muscles, and restore function.

Sacral Plexus Rundown

Sacral Plexus

Anatomy

  • The sacral plexus is formed by the lumbar spinal nerves, L4 and L5, and sacral nerves S1 through S4.
  • Several combinations of these spinal nerves merge together and then divide into the branches of the sacral plexus.
  • Everybody has two sacral plexi – plural of plexus – one on the right side and left side that is symmetrical in structure and function.

Structure

There are several plexi throughout the body. The sacral plexus covers a large area of the body in terms of motor and sensory nerve function.

  • Spinal nerves L4 and L5 make up the lumbosacral trunk, and the anterior rami of sacral spinal nerves S1, S2, S3, and S4 join the lumbosacral trunk to form the sacral plexus.
  • Anterior rami are the branches of the nerve that are towards the front of the spinal cord/front of the body.
  • At each spinal level, an anterior motor root and a posterior sensory root join to form a spinal nerve.
  • Each spinal nerve then divides into an anterior – ventral – and a posterior – dorsal – rami portion.
  • Each can have motor and/or sensory functions.

The sacral plexus divides into several nerve branches, which include:

  • Superior gluteal nerve – L4, L5, and S1.
  • Inferior gluteal nerve – L5, S1, and S2.
  • The sciatic nerve – is the largest nerve of the sacral plexus and among the largest nerves in the body – L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3
  • The common fibular nerve – L4 through S2, and tibial nerves – L4 through S3 are branches of the sciatic nerve.
  • Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve – S1, S2, and S3.
  • Pudendal nerve – S2, S3, and S4.
  • The nerve to the quadratus femoris muscle is formed by L4, L5, and S1.
  • The obturator internus muscle nerve – L5, S1, and S2.
  • The piriformis muscle nerve – S1 and S2.

Function

The sacral plexus has substantial functions throughout the pelvis and legs. The branches provide nerve stimulation to several muscles. The sacral plexus nerve branches also receive sensory messages from the skin, joints, and structures of the pelvis and legs.

Motor

Motor nerves of the sacral plexus receive signals from the brain that travel down the column of the spine, out to the motor nerve branches of the sacral plexus to stimulate muscle contraction and movement. Motor nerves of the sacral plexus include:

Superior Gluteal Nerve

  • This nerve provides stimulation to the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, and tensor fascia lata, which are muscles that help move the hip away from the center of the body.

Inferior Gluteal Nerve

  • This nerve provides stimulation to the gluteus maximus, the large muscle that moves the hip laterally.

Sciatic Nerve

  • The sciatic nerve has a tibial portion and a common fibular portion, which have motor and sensory functions.
  • The tibial portion stimulates the inner part of the thigh and activates muscles in the back of the leg and the sole of the foot.
  • The common fibular portion of the sciatic nerve stimulates and moves the thigh and knee.
  • The common fibular nerve stimulates muscles in the front and sides of the legs and extends the toes to straighten them out.

Pudendal Nerve

  • The pudendal nerve also has sensory functions that stimulate the muscles of the urethral sphincter to control urination and the muscles of the anal sphincter to control defecation.
  • The nerve to the quadratus femoris stimulates the muscle to move the thigh.
  • The nerve to the obturator internus muscle stimulates the muscle to rotate the hips and stabilize the body when walking.
  • The nerve to the piriformis muscle stimulates the muscle to move the thigh away from the body.

Conditions

The sacral plexus, or areas of the plexus, can be affected by disease, traumatic injury, or cancer. Because the nerve network has many branches and portions, symptoms can be confusing. Individuals may experience sensory loss or pain in regions in the pelvis and leg, with or without muscle weakness. Conditions that affect the sacral plexus include:

Injury

  • A traumatic injury of the pelvis can stretch, tear, or harm the sacral plexus nerves.
  • Bleeding can inflame and compress the nerves, causing malfunction.

Neuropathy

  • Nerve impairment can affect the sacral plexus or parts of it.
  • Neuropathy can come from:
  • Diabetes
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Certain medications – chemotherapeutic meds
  • Toxins like lead
  • Alcohol
  • Metabolic illnesses

Infection

  • An infection of the spine or the pelvic region can spread to the sacral plexus nerves or produce an abscess, causing symptoms of nerve impairment, pain, tenderness, and sensations around the infected region.

Cancer

  • Cancer developing in the pelvis or spreading to the pelvis from somewhere else can compress or infect the sacral plexus nerves.

Treatment of the Underlying Medical Condition

Rehabilitation begins with the treatment of the underlying medical condition causing the nerve problems.

  • Cancer treatment – surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
  • Antibiotic treatment for infections.
  • Neuropathy treatment can be complicated because the cause may be unclear, and an individual can experience several causes of neuropathy simultaneously.
  • Major pelvic trauma like a vehicle collision can take months, especially if there are multiple bone fractures.

Motor and Sensory Recovery

  • Sensory problems can interfere with walking, standing, and sitting.
  • Adapting to sensory deficits is an important part of treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.
  • Chiropractic, decompression, massage, and physical therapy can relieve symptoms, restore strength, function, and motor control.

Sciatica Secrets Revealed


References

Dujardin, Franck et al. “Extended anterolateral transiliac approach to the sacral plexus.” Orthopaedics & traumatology, surgery & research: OTSR vol. 106,5 (2020): 841-844. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2020.04.011

Eggleton JS, Cunha B. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Pelvic Outlet. [Updated 2022 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557602/

Garozzo, Debora et al. “In lumbosacral plexus injuries can we identify indicators that predict spontaneous recovery or the need for surgical treatment? Results from a clinical study on 72 patients.” Journal of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injury vol. 9,1 1. 11 Jan. 2014, doi:10.1186/1749-7221-9-1

Gasparotti R, Shah L. Brachial and Lumbosacral Plexus and Peripheral Nerves. 2020 Feb 15. In: Hodler J, Kubik-Huch RA, von Schulthess GK, editors. Diseases of the Brain, Head and Neck, Spine 2020–2023: Diagnostic Imaging [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2020. Chapter 20. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554335/ doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-38490-6_20

Norderval, Stig, et al. “Sacral nerve stimulation.” Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke vol. 131,12 (2011): 1190-3. doi:10.4045/tidsskr.10.1417

Neufeld, Ethan A et al. “MR Imaging of the Lumbosacral Plexus: A Review of Techniques and Pathologies.” Journal of Neuroimaging: official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging vol. 25,5 (2015): 691-703. doi:10.1111/jon.12253

Staff, Nathan P, and Anthony J Windebank. “Peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency, toxins, and medications.” Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.) vol. 20,5 Peripheral Nervous System Disorders (2014): 1293-306. doi:10.1212/01.CON.0000455880.06675.5a

Yin, Gang, et al. “Obturator Nerve Transfer to the Branch of the Tibial Nerve Innervating the Gastrocnemius Muscle for the Treatment of Sacral Plexus Nerve Injury.” Neurosurgery vol. 78,4 (2016): 546-51. doi:10.1227/NEU.0000000000001166

Joint Injury Rehabilitation Exercises: El Paso Back Clinic

Joint Injury Rehabilitation Exercises: El Paso Back Clinic

Joints are the musculoskeletal areas where two bones connect. The joints have soft tissues around them, like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that covers the ends of the bones at a joint. The tendons are bands between the muscles and bones that connect everything to initiate joint movement. And the ligaments are a kind of bridge that connects the bones of the joints to keep the body stable when in motion. After an injury, the joints need to be worked out, stretched, and massaged to return to proper function and support. A chiropractic personalized rehabilitation program will include exercises that target joint stability.

Joint Injury Rehabilitation Exercises: EP Chiropractic

Joint Injury Rehabilitation

The shoulders, elbows, wrists, knuckles, hips, knees, and ankles are joints. The spine is also made up of joints. The first step for achieving joint stability after a lower-body injury is to assess the joints for:

A physician, chiropractor, or therapist will check the joint and test for weakness or deficits in soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

  • Individuals can have conditions, diseases, or injuries that affect the joints, causing dysfunction.
  • Correcting deficits may require taping, bracing, exercises, or surgery.
  • Joint stability is attained through specific exercises that target balance, proprioception, range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance.
  • Individuals must participate in their rehabilitation program to fully recover from their injuries.

Proprioception and Neuromuscular Training

Neuromuscular training and proprioception are essential to joint stability.

  • Neuromuscular control is an unconscious response to joint motions without awareness.
  • It is how workers or athletes adjust to uneven pavement or shift their weight to stay balanced on an incline or stairs.
  • Proprioception is the ability to sense the body’s orientation in the environment.
  • It allows body movement and responds without consciously thinking about where the body is in space.
  • The information signals detect joint position, limb movement, direction, and speed.
  • A joint with a high level of neuromuscular control and a trained proprioceptive system can respond appropriately to various forces placed upon it during activity, decreasing the risk of injury.
  • Proprioceptive exercises train joint proprioceptors to adapt before initiating a potentially damaging/injurious movement.

Targeted Training

  • Specific to the individual’s injury, specific exercises are incorporated to regain/relearn skill sets and reset automatic movement patterns.
  • Skills training improves the ability to make adjustments quickly and decreases the potential for worsening or creating another injury.
  • Research has found that individuals who participate in neuromuscular retraining have improved muscular activation and reaction to changes compared to those who do not incorporate retraining exercises.
  • Trainers and therapists use neuromuscular exercises to prevent and rehabilitate ACL injuries.

Lower Extremities Rehabilitation Exercises Therapy

The following example of an exercise rehabilitation program can be used to rehabilitate the lower extremities. The exercises should be done slowly over several weeks. Therapeutic exercises should be combined with an appropriate and gradual range of motion and strengthening program. Individuals should always work with a chiropractor and physical therapist to develop the most suitable program for specific injuries and limitations.

One-Leg Balance

  • Try to stand on one leg for 10 to 30 seconds.

One-Leg Balance with Eyes Closed

  •  Stand on one leg for 10 to 30 seconds with your eyes closed.

Balance Board with Half-Squats

  • Balance on a wobble board.
  • Perform ten slow, controlled half-squats.

Step-Ups

  • Step up onto a balance board.
  • Place a balance board, soft pillow, or foam pad 6 to 8 inches above the starting point.
  • Step up ten times.

Step Downs

  • Step down onto the balance board.
  • Place a balance board, soft pillow, or foam pad 6 to 8 inches lower than the starting point.
  • Step down ten times.

Single-Leg Hops

  • Hop forward and focus on landing properly.

Single-Leg Spot Jumps

  • Hop from one spot to another spot on the floor.

Transform Your Body


References

Akbar, Saddam, et al. “Effects of neuromuscular training on athletes’ physical fitness in sports: A systematic review.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 13 939042. 23 Sep. 2022, doi:10.3389/fphys.2022.939042

Borrelli, Joseph Jr et al. “Understanding Articular Cartilage Injury and Potential Treatments.” Journal of orthopedic trauma vol. 33 Suppl 6 (2019): S6-S12. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000001472

Cote, Mark P, et al. “Rehabilitation of acromioclavicular joint separations: operative and nonoperative considerations.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 29,2 (2010): 213-28, vii. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2009.12.002

Jeong, Jiyoung, et al. “Core Strength Training Can Alter Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.” The American Journal of sports medicine vol. 49,1 (2021): 183-192. doi:10.1177/0363546520972990

Porschke, Felix, et al. “Return to work after acromioclavicular joint stabilization: a retrospective case-control study.” Journal of orthopedic surgery and Research vol. 14,1 45. 12 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1186/s13018-019-1071-7

Vařeka, I, and R Vařeková. “Kontinuální pasivní pohyb v rehabilitaci kloubů po úrazech a operacích” [Continuous passive motion in joint rehabilitation after injury and surgery]. Acta Chirurgie orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca vol. 82,3 (2015): 186-91.

Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues: El Paso Back Clinic

Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues: El Paso Back Clinic

Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues: Stenosis means a narrowing. Spinal stenosis can happen in any spine region, but the neck and lower back are the most common locations. The spinal canal becomes narrower and can cause the nerves to become compressed, pinched, and irritated and can extend from the lumbar spine through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis may have difficulty walking caused by sensations of discomfort like numbness, electrical shocks, and pain, requiring the need to lean forward to relieve pressure and symptoms. Additionally, symptoms are likely to worsen the longer the walk. Chiropractic treatment can treat spinal stenosis because it corrects and re-aligns the spine, thus reducing pressure on the spinal cord, joints, and nerve roots.

Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues: EP's Chiropractic Clinic

Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues

The spine is made up of interlocking vertebrae. The regions are cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral bones with a foramen opening. These openings form the protective tunnel/spinal canal surrounding the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a group of nerves that run through the tunnel. The narrowing suffocates the nerves supplying the lower extremities that can influence walking activity.

Symptoms

There may be no symptoms with early lumbar spinal stenosis. Most individuals develop symptoms gradually and may begin to notice them while walking or standing. These can include:

  • Lower back pressure sensations when standing upright or walking.
  • Leg numbness, tingling, weakness, burning, and/or cramping.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Persistent pain in the back, hips, buttocks, or legs while walking.
  • Difficulty lifting the top part of the foot – known as drop foot.
  • Loss of sensation in the feet.
  • A weak foot that drops/slaps down when walking.
  • Loss of sexual ability.
  • In more serious cases, severe numbness, bladder problems, and inability to stand.

Individuals begin to lean forward when symptoms start, bringing relief by reducing the pressure on the nerves. However, constantly leaning forward leads to other posture and health problems.

Diagnosis

A doctor or chiropractor will ask questions about symptoms and medical history and perform a complete physical examination to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis. During the physical examination, a healthcare provider will look for signs, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes.

Tests:

  • X-rays of the lumbar spine may show bone growths called spurs that push on spinal nerves and/or narrowing of the spinal canal.
  • Imaging tests – A CT or MRI scan can provide a detailed look at the spinal canal and nerve structures.
  • Other studies include – bone scans, myelogram, which is a CT scan that uses a color dye, and EMG, which is an electrical test of muscle activity.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care combined with physical therapy is a tried-and-true treatment for spinal stenosis. A chiropractic treatment plan can include targeted and passive exercise programs. Targeted exercises involve strengthening the core and back muscles. Passive treatments include hot and cold therapy, massage, decompression, and electrical stimulation. The objective of chiropractic therapy is to:

  • Strengthen muscles in the core and legs
  • Correct posture and body mechanics.
  • Improve mobility.
  • Maintain ability to perform day-to-day activities.
  • Recommend stretches.
  • Educate on how to keep the spine and back muscles safe.
  • Train on using devices like a back brace, cane, or walker properly.
  • Advise about shoe inserts and splints.
  • Suggest work and home environment modifications, such as ergonomics and cushions.

Chiropractic Relief


References

Conway, Justin, et al. “Walking assessment in people with lumbar spinal stenosis: capacity, performance, and self-report measures.” The spine journal: official North American Spine Society journal vol. 11,9 (2011): 816-23. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2010.10.019

Lurie, Jon, and Christy Tomkins-Lane. “Management of lumbar spinal stenosis.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 352 h6234. 4 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1136/bmj.h6234

Macedo, Luciana Gazzi, et al. “Physical therapy interventions for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review.” Physical therapy vol. 93,12 (2013): 1646-60. doi:10.2522/ptj.20120379

Tomkins-Lane, Christy C et al. “Predictors of walking performance and walking capacity in people with lumbar spinal stenosis, low back pain, and asymptomatic controls.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 93,4 (2012): 647-53. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.09.023

Adjustable Bed Benefits: El Paso Back Clinic

Adjustable Bed Benefits: El Paso Back Clinic

Getting healthy sleep can be difficult when dealing with back problems or recovering from surgery. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to get and stay comfortable long enough to sleep on a regular flat mattress. It is worth considering an adjustable bed as an alternative. Because of their lifestyle and health benefits, these beds are growing in popularity to meet an individual’s spine, posture, and sleeping needs.

Adjustable Bed Benefits: EP Chiropractic Functional Clinic

Adjustable Bed

An adjustable bed can raise and lower a mattress’s orientation to different angles, allowing the upper body to rest at a slight incline, such as 30 to 45 degrees, with support under the knees as they bend at a slight angle. The body can feel better in an inclined or semi-upright position rather than lying flat. Individuals with back or neck problems or joint conditions like shoulder arthritis have reported feeling better in this position.

Features

The number of adjustments varies from model to model. Available features include:

  • Adjustable firmness for the low back/lumbar area.
  • Adjustments may be made by remote control.
  • Some offer massage options.
  • Zero gravity – NASA invented the zero gravity position to reduce pressure on astronauts during takeoff. In this position, the head and knees are raised above the heart, making the body feel weightless.
  • Adjustable beds are sold in single, queen, and king sizes.
  • Split queen and king sizes allow the settings to be customized for each side of the bed.

Benefits

Snoring

  • Over 90 million Americans snore during sleep.
  • The main cause of snoring is the blockage of the windpipe while sleeping, which can be caused by several factors, but most commonly by the weight of the neck on the windpipe, preventing the individual from breathing properly.
  • An adjustable bed allows for an inclined position, decreasing the pressure on the windpipe, reducing snoring, and allowing for a more relaxing sleep.

Asthma

  • Asthma can disrupt healthy sleep and make breathing difficult at night.
  • COPD and chronic lung conditions can worsen over time, impacting sleep quality.
  • Lying flat often irritates these lung conditions.
  • Sleeping with the head and feet in a raised position makes breathing easier.

Posture

  • Unhealthy posture causes soreness, stiffness, tightness, headaches, and other health issues.
  • Adjustable beds provide postural support to the spine and can improve posture and increase overall health.

Back Problems

  • 80% of individuals deal with various back issues and symptoms.
  • Adjustable beds provide support and alignment to the spine by allowing the mattress to conform to the body’s contours.
  • This can prevent sciatica, enabling the nerves to relax and rest without added body pressure.
  • For those with sciatica, pain can be alleviated by using a raised leg position to take the stress off the nerves and increase circulation.
  • Lowering the bed up and down can help stretch the back.

Digestion

  • An adjustable bed can help with digestion issues.
  • An inclined position prevents indigestion and acid reflux and helps the body process food more efficiently.
  • A six-inch raise is recommended to increase digestion.
  • Individuals who go to bed on a full stomach should raise the incline as there is more digestive activity.

Inflammation, Swelling, and Injury Recovery

  • When dealing with neuromusculoskeletal injuries, doctors often recommend elevating the injured part of the body to speed up recovery.
  • An example is propping up the feet and maintaining elevation for a certain period.
  • An adjustable bed lifts or raises the mattress and elevates the limbs while maintaining a neutral/natural sleeping position.

Pregnancy

  • Physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause back discomfort symptoms, sciatica, circulation issues, and swelling.
  • Pregnant women can use the zero gravity position to reduce swelling, alleviate back pain, and improve circulation.
  • This position also makes back sleeping safer for the mom and baby.

Individuals should research all the styles and features available to find what works for them.


Ten Benefits


References

Ancuelle, Victor, et al. “Effects of an adapted mattress in musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality in institutionalized elders.” Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) vol. 8,3 (2015): 115-20. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2015.08.004

Söderback, I, and A Lassfolk. “The usefulness of four methods of assessing the benefits of electrically adjustable beds in relation to their costs.” International journal of technology assessment in health care vol. 9,4 (1993): 573-80. doi:10.1017/s0266462300005493

Tetley, M. “Instinctive sleeping and resting postures: an anthropological and zoological approach to the treatment of low back and joint pain.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 321,7276 (2000): 1616-8. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7276.1616

Verhaert, Vincent, et al. “Ergonomics in bed design: the effect of spinal alignment on sleep parameters.” Ergonomics vol. 54,2 (2011): 169-78. doi:10.1080/00140139.2010.538725

Sciatica Pain Can Radiate To The Knee: Back Clinic

Sciatica Pain Can Radiate To The Knee: Back Clinic

Sciatica pain can radiate to the knee. Individuals with sciatica do report unique/unusual knee pain that was never there and no past or recent physical injuries. Sciatica is the culprit, as the knee muscles are powered and controlled by nerves in the lower spine. Irritation or compression of these nerves can cause symptoms that can include: random back pain, hamstring tightness, weakness in the hips or quadriceps, the development of bunions, and knee pain and/or weakness. Chiropractic treatment can release the compression, heal the sciatic nerve, and alleviate knee problems.

Sciatica Pain Can Radiate To The Knee: Injury Medical Chiropractic

Sciatica Pain Can Radiate To The Knee

Spine conditions that can cause sciatica include:

  • Disc herniation – Where the inside of the discs leak out and compress and/or irritate surrounding nerves.
  • Degeneration of the discs – The discs between the vertebrae wears down naturally as the body ages.
  • Spinal stenosis – The spinal canal begins to narrow, not allowing enough space for the nerves to rest comfortably, resulting in compressed nerves.
  • Spondylolisthesis – A condition that occurs when a vertebrae slips forward onto the vertebrae below it.

Any can cause irritation, inflammation, or compression of the sciatic nerve leading to painful sensations that extends from the lower back down through the leg.

Symptoms

Common knee symptoms that may be experienced with sciatica include:

  • A dull ache, warm sensation, or sharp pain around the knee.
  • Tightness in the hamstrings.
  • Weakness in the hips or quadriceps.
  • Unable to put weight on the knee.
  • Buckling/Collapsing giving out of the knee.
  • Difficulty or inability to straighten the knee.
  • Weakness when extending the knee.
  • Bunions form from weakened stabilizing muscles that affect walking, running, and standing posture.

As sciatica pain can radiate to the knee, individuals will usually also experience pain in their buttocks, thigh, calf, and/or foot. The nerve sensations and other symptoms in the knee can be felt through a branch of the sciatic nerve known as the peroneal nerve.

Duration

The knee pain will last as long as sciatica does, depending on the type of sciatica, whether it is acute or chronic.

  • An acute sciatic episode usually resolves after a few weeks, with possible future flare-ups.
  • Chronic sciatica is a long-term condition that does not resolve independently and necessitates intervention by a specialist.

Chiropractic Treatment Plan

Depending on the diagnosis, a chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan to address the root cause and heal the injury. The treatment plan will include therapeutic massage, posture training, and at-home self-care to help heal and prevent future sciatica.

Massage Rehabilitation

  • Physical therapy and therapeutic massage will loosen and relax the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Heat and ice, exercises, and stretches will prepare the muscles and nerves for chiropractic decompression adjustments.

Posture Training

  • Training will be provided to maintain the back, hips, knees, and feet in proper alignment.
  • Training on removing pressure from the lower back and restabilizing the rest of the body.
  • Training on proper body mechanics, safe lifting techniques, and injury prevention.

Self-Pain Management

  • Training on self-care habits that include healthy weight, core strengthening exercises and stretches for the back muscles, and proper rest for a full recovery.
  • Discomfort and pain management skills.

Health Coaching

  • An anti-inflammatory diet to reduce/eliminate inflammation and achieve a healthy weight and a nutrition plan to maintain overall health.

Surgery

  • Surgery is the final option when conservative treatments are not working.


References

Dydyk AM, Khan MZ, Singh P. Radicular Back Pain. [Updated 2021 Nov 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/

Hirabayashi, Hiroki, et al. “Characteristics of L3 nerve root radiculopathy.” Surgical neurology vol. 72,1 (2009): 36-40; discussion 40. doi:10.1016/j.surneu.2008.08.073

Jandre Reis, Felipe Jose, and Adriana Ribeiro Macedo. “Influence of Hamstring Tightness in Pelvic, Lumbar and Trunk Range of Motion in Low Back Pain and Asymptomatic Volunteers during forwarding Bending.” Asian spine journal vol. 9,4 (2015): 535-40. doi:10.4184/asj.2015.9.4.535

Jeong, Ui-Cheol, et al. “The effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on physical functions and health of low back pain patients with lower limb radiating pain.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 28,1 (2016): 46-50. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.46