Sciatica is associated with pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the hip, buttock, leg, calf, and foot. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest of all the body's nerves. It runs from the spinal column near the pelvis down each leg and can be as wide as your thumb.  Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.

For advice on how a chiropractor can treat these conditions, please click to request a Free Chiropractic Exam.

Causes of Sciatica:

Spinal disc herniation

Herniation of a disc occurs when the liquid center of the disc bulges outwards, tearing the external ring of fibers, extrudes into the spinal canal, and compresses a nerve root against the lamina or pedicle of a vertebra, thus causing sciatica. This extruded liquid from the center of the disc may cause inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissue which may cause further compression of the nerve root in the confined space in the spinal canal.

Piriformis syndrome

In 15% of the population, the sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis muscle rather than beneath it. When the muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma or overuse, it can compress or strangle the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle. 

Don't Suffer in Pain:

Many times people with sciatica wait until the pain becomes unbearable before they contact the chiropractor. Waiting can cause long-term damage. It is important that you contact your chiropractor when the pain originally begins. A number of sciatica treatments can be prescribed (that don't include surgery or medications) to help with your sciatica. The first thing your chiropractor will do is review your complete medical history to determine when the problem began and the possible causes. Then a complete physical and chiropractic exam is performed, and x-rays may be taken. Your chiropractor will review and discuss the results with you and make recommendations for sciatica treatment.

Sometimes, a chiropractor will find the source of the nerve blockage and use manual adjustments to correct the spinal misalignment. The adjustments are designed to remove the blockage that is pinching the sciatic nerve and causing the pain. Massage therapy may be used to reduce muscle spasms. Ultrasound and ice therapies are also used to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. Pain medications merely mask the symptoms and never heal the cause, and surgery should always be the last resort. In most cases of patients who have received spinal manipulations, x-rays taken after sciatica treatment have shown improvement in the spinal alignment as well as a reduction of symptoms. Chiropractic care works, so contact a specialist today if you experience any of the symptoms of sciatica.

For advice on how a chiropractor can treat these conditions, please click to request a Free Chiropractic Exam.

We are located at; 7701 E Indian School Rd, Suite H  Scottsdale, AZ  85251  480-990-Bone
www.boneandjointwellness.com

Carpal TunnelSyndrome is a condition marked by a tingling or numbness sensation in the area of the wrist and hand. It is found in people who perform repetitive daily tasks with the fingers or hands, such as computer operators, cashiers or assembly line workers. The problem is sparked along the median nerve which runs from the fingertips, up the arm, through the shoulder and neck, and all the way to the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord and upper back area has this connection to the hand and wrist area, a chiropractor may be able to alleviate the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Take the Pressure Off

 

A chiropractor can also suggest and explain the need for some other ways to deal with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There are a series of hand and wrist exercises (such as Cats Paw exercises) that a chiropractor can teach the patient to perform daily to keep the hand muscles stretched and strengthened. A chiropractor may also advise the use of arm splints to allow the median nerve and wrist area to heal by not bending or creating undue stress upon the area.

The Research Proves It

Only 14% of chiropractic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome go on to have surgery after treatment, versus 86% of non-chiropractic patients. Manipulation decreases chronic carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms by an average of 70%.
(Manual Therapy, Nov. 2000)


Chiropractic First, Surgery Last!!  Schedule a free exam appointment today: http://www.boneandjointwellness.com/Request_an_Appointment.html

See our webiste for more details: www.boneandjointwellness.com  7701 E Indian School Rd Suite H Scottsdale, AZ  845251  (480) 990-2663

TEST YOURSELF

A common symptom could be having a limited range of motion within the joint. You can perform a self test by holding your palm vertically with your thumb facing the ceiling. Flex your pinky finger so it is out of the way. Open your mouth as wide as you can without strain or pain and place the remaining fingers (middle, ring, and index) between your upper and lower teeth. If you cannot fit all three fingers and you experience pain, it is possible you have TMJ.

WHY DOES MY JAW MAKE NOISE

Commonly, TMJ is accompanied by noises such as clicking, grinding, or crunching when you open and close your mouth. The articular disk is fitted so that the top of the jaw can slide smoothly up and down. The clicking noise will occur when the jaw bone is not in the proper fitted position and passes over the ridge of the disk. As the bone passes over the ridge it will cause a click or pop that can lock the jaw in either the open or closed position and usually requires a manual adjustment to dislodge it back into normal working order. The grinding or crunching noises occur when there is bone on bone contact within the joint. If the articular disk is completely out of place or has worn through, the jawbone will move on its hinge, but in direct contact with the skull. This could be caused by arthritis wearing away the cartilage of the bones. If you experience noises when you move your jaw consult a chiropractor to help determine the severity so as to avoid permanent damage to your jaw.

THE CAUSES OF TMJ

TMJ disorders have various causes. Misaligned or missing teeth can force the bone out of its proper position. Trauma from a fall or car crash can do the same thing. Whiplash is a very common cause of TMJ. Many times stress results in a grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. This can over strain the muscles and cause serious pain. That pain can flow throughout your face, neck, and head causing various symptoms and discomfort. Similar to a kidney infection, that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or a bladder infection; TMJ may appear as various symptoms (headaches and earaches) that wouldn't normally be considered in conjunction with it.


WHY CHIROPRACTIC?

You may ask, "Why have you recommended a chiropractor to correct a problem with my mouth?" The answer is simple; your chiropractor is trained to correct ailments, due to bone misalignments, by examining all aspects of your lifestyle. The first step is a complete medical exam including your medical and family history, as well as, life style habits and daily routines. He will perform x-rays that can locate the porition of your jaw that is incorrectly positioned. A posture evaluation is performed as well as palpation test to determine the severity of the disorder and the amount of mobility.

Your chiropractor will also create a TMJ treatment plan that excludes surgery and medication. An intra-oral orthotic, or splint, can be fitted into the upper or lower jaw, and is designed to reposition the jaw head back into its normal position. If your TMJ is related to stress, several muscle-relieving exercises or stress-relieving therapies may be diagnosed. Some of these therapies would include, biofeedback, meditation, counseling, or massage. Treatments such as heat, ice are used when needed. Another extemely effective treatment for any painful condition is Acupuncture. Our office is equiped to handle all of the treatments mentioned in this article we also place an emphasis on rehabilitation and return of motion through individually tailored programs.

For advice on how a chiropractor can treat these conditions, please click to request a Free Chiropractic Exam. Schedule with us at: http://www.boneandjointwellness.com/Request_an_Appointment.html