Archive for August, 2009

SCIATICA PAIN

Monday, August 31st, 2009

 Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg caused from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerves are the largest (and longest) nerves of the body, reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter, and running down the back of each leg. The sciatic never supplies many of the lower extremity & pelvic structures in body.

When these nerves are irritated or affected by the inflammation of nearby soft tissues, mal-position of lumbar vertebral segments, muscle spasms, then doctors refer to this as sciatic, which may accompany lower back pain…

             One of the most common causes of sciatic leg pain is the vertebral subluxation complex. It can be accompanied by the bulging or herniation of the soft, pulpy discs which separate each spinal bone. This can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord. The results can be an intense pain shooting down either or both legs.

 In the past treatment has involved pain medications, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and even surgery. In a British study of 741 patients, those receiving spinal adjustments got better results than those receiving medical treatment.

 Additional treatments that have shown great results are NON SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY. Results have shown pain improves after treatment, fewer analgesics, improved function, no surgery after effect, and more.

 We at Great Lakes Pain & Treatment Centers welcome any questions you have about our treatments. Call us directly to schedule any appointment for further information on pain management, neurology, neurological conditions and electro diagnostic testing.

10 Healthy Back Tips

Monday, August 24th, 2009

1. Exercise Regularly- This does not have to be anything overly strenuous. Something as simple as a daily walk can make a huge difference.
2. Eat A Healthy Diet- Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself easier
3. Maintain Good Posture- Are you sitting up straight as you read this?
4. Stretch Your Spine Before And After Sports- This will also help to loosen up the surrounding muscles.
5. Don’t Overload Your Backpack Or Purse- Remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load (if possible).
6. Stretch Your Legs And Back After Each Hour Of Sitting- Whether in a car or at a desk, stretching regularly will help to keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.
7. Never Cradle The Phone Between Your Neck And Shoulder
8. Sleep On Your back Or Side, Not On Your Stomach- This helps to keep your spine in line and reduces the risk of hurting your neck while you sleep.
9. Invest In A Good Chair, Pillow And Mattress- When you think about the amount of time you use these things each day, it’s worth it.
10. Have Regular Spinal Check-Ups- It’s much easier to prevent a problem than to correct one.

If you have any suggestions to add to our list please let us know. Great Lakes Pain & Treatment Center is ready to hear what you have to say.

Why use Electrodiagnostic Tests To Evaluate the Cause of Your Pain?

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Electrodiagnosis

Electrodiagnostic studies, including, nerve conduction studies (NCS), needle electromyography (EMG), and somatosensory evoked potential studies (SSEPs) should be considered an extension of the history and physical examination and not merely a substitute for a detailed neurologic and musculoskeletal examination.

These studies are helpful in the evaluation of patients with limb pain where the diagnosis remains unclear (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness in the hand or fingers, tingling in the arms and legs, leg pain, shoulder pain, nerve pain, pain going down the legs, sciatica, radiculopathy, etc.). They are also helpful in excluding other causes of sensory and motor disturbances, such as peripheral neuropathy and motor neuron disease. They can also provide useful prognostic information by quantifying the extent and acuity of axonal involvement in radiculopathies.

We at Great Lakes Pain & Treatment Centers welcomes any questions you have about our treatments. Call us directly to schedule any appointment for further information on pain management, neurology, neurological conditions and electrodiagnostic testing.

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