Archive for October, 2011

Sciatica Remedy : Cayanne Pepper For Sciatica

Monday, October 31st, 2011

cayenne as a sciatica remedyThe term sciatica is used to describe pain symptoms felt in the lower back and buttocks which may be due to an injury, or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Natural medicinal proponents claim the topical use of cayenne may help relieve sciatica pain, and work as a sciatica remedy. However, further scientific evidence is needed to support this claim.

The active ingredient found in cayenne  -which may be beneficial as a sciatica remedy - is called capsaicin.  A study published in the January 2008 issue of “Spine” found topical capsaicin prevented mechanical hyperalgesia, pain sensitivity, caused by disc compression in rats. While these findings are promising, further research is required to determine if cayenne can act as an effective sciatica remedy and reduce sciatica pain in humans.

Capsaicin as a sciatica remedy is suggested to be applied topically by the University of Maryland Medical Center. They also suggest aplying the cream with a 0.025 to 0.075 percent concentration up to four times daily.

Prior to using cayenne as a sciatica remedy, talk with your doctor to determine its safety. As with any natural treatment, cayenne can cause adverse side effects such as skin irritation, itching or a burning sensation.


 

Lower Back Pain : Why Does Back Pain Occur As We Age?

Friday, October 28th, 2011

back pain as we ageDr. Brian Hainline – the author of “Back Pain Understood: A Cutting-Edge Approach to Healing Your Back,” and the chief medical officer of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, discusses back pain and why it commonly occurs as we age.

“Back pain can be a natural part of getting older, especially if you don’t care for your back as well as you should,” explains Hainline. In the interview Dr. Hainline compares the workings of our backs to shock absorbers, and explains that over time these parts loose their ability – making our bodies more vulnerable to pain. “Our backs start to have trouble adapting to our bodies’ needs. It’s much like a car without good shock absorbers.”

So how do we stay ahead of the game, and prevent back pain from occurring as we age? Hainline explains that we have two choices, either we build up the shocks, or we use different roads to get where we’re going.

To learn more watch the video, or visit the interview directly on: Avoiding Back Pain As We Age.

 

 

New Study Compares Benefits of Yoga vs. Stretching For Lower Back Pain Relief

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

new study for lower back pain reliefA recent study in the Archives on Internal Medicine surprised it’s conductors when the results proved that yoga and stretching are both of equal assistance in aiding the relief of lower back pain.

“We expected back pain to ease more with yoga than with stretching, so our findings surprised us,” said lead study author Karen Sherman, a senior investigator at Group Health Research Institute in Seattle.

The 228 subjects were split into three groups – each were assigned 12 weekly classes that lasted 75 minutes each. 1/3 were given a yoga class, 1/3 a stretch class and the last group was given a self help book.

Karen stated, “Our results suggest that both yoga and stretching can be good, safe options for people who are willing to try physical activity to relieve their moderate low back pain.” Visit the following link to read the details of this interesting study on the benefits of yoga and stretching for lower back pain relief.

Sciatica Therapy Techniques: What is Inversion Therapy?

Monday, October 24th, 2011

inversion_tableTreating sciatica pain can be tricky. Many people try sciatica therapy techniques before resorting to major back surgery. One of the newer methods of sciatica treatment is called inversion therapy.

For sciatica pain, inversion therapy could be a great remedy. Over the years inversion therapy has become increasingly popular with patients and doctors alike, in fact a majority of doctors recommend and implement this type of therapy with inversion tables.

So what is inversion therapy?

Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down to apply gentle traction to the spine. Inversion was invented as early as 400 B.C. when Hippocrates first watched a patient hoisted upside down on a ladder for a dose of spinal traction. Not only can Inversion Therapy help to treat back pain but it may also be used to help reverse the negative effects of aging on the spine.

Visit Wikipedia’s explanation of inversion therapy to see study results which support the use of inversion therapy.

 

 

Sciatica Treatment Tips!

Friday, October 21st, 2011

sciatica treatment tipsLiving with sciatica pain can be down right miserable, but there are many different sciatica treatments and remedies available. Use the below sciatica treatment tips to help guide you into a sciatica treatment that works best for you:

  • It is suggested by some to avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time because while sitting or standing most of our weight rests on our lumbar spine.
  • Use a heating pad on the lower back area as it increases the supply of blood and nutrients to the irritated tissues.
  • Some people recommend swimming to get relief from sciatic pain. Swimming deploys rigorous movements of legs muscles and hence takes off the pressure from spine.
  • Stretching may offer good support for the back. Certain stretches for the sciatica can help release the tightness and relax the muscles. In addition, stretching is good prevention.
  • Sitting in a hot Jacuzzi or whirlpool may enhance circulation and relax muscle tissue which in turn could help inflammation.
  • Acupuncture may help reduce muscles spasm and inflammation associated with the sciatic nerve by improving blood flow to the lower back and increasing circulation.

    In addition to trying the above sciatica treatment tips I encourage you to reach out to others who have suffered from this painful condition. Share thoughts, tips and ideas with each other to encourage your healing process. To reach out to others with sciatica visit our sciatica facebook page and start talking today!

    Sciatica Pain Treatment | Meditation For Sciatica Pain Relief

    Friday, October 14th, 2011

    meditation for sciatica pain relief

    Recent studies have shown that meditation for pain relief is a very beneficial way to help relieve pain – so why not try it as as treatment for sciatic pain!

    One of the many benefits of meditation versus other traditional pain solutions, is there are no known negative side effects.

    Meditation can be a healthy way to treat your sciatica without worrying about taking in chemicals or becoming dependent on pain relief drugs.

    How does meditation promote sciatica pain relief?

    Meditation teaches the body to relax and to focus on things other than the present . For sciatica sufferers this means not focusing on the pain. It may take a while to perfect meditation so that you can fully relax and enjoy the benefits – but be patient,  it’s worth the wait!

    See the links below for steps on how to meditate:

    The Daily Heal – 5 Steps To Mindfulness Meditation

    How To Meditate In 10 Easy Steps!

    Basic Steps To Learning Meditation

    Relief From Sciatica | Vitamins for Back Pain and Sciatica

    Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

    relief from sciatica with vitaminsRelief from sciatica sure doesn’t come easy… There is always surgery and physical therapy – but what about those few who have less severe cases, and are looking for relief from sciatica naturally?

    Vitamins can actually be an effective relief from sciatica if used properly. Vitamins for back pain and sciatica include;Vitamin D, C, B and E.

    According to “3 Fat Chicks on A Diet” (really it’s a website I promise!)  Vitamins and minerals can help treat back pain. Read below for their detailed descriptions on which vitamins do what and how they can help give your back a break!
    1. Vitamin D
    The body needs vitamin D to create new bone cells. It is also an essential component in calcium absorption for healthier bones. A lack of vitamin D in the body can lead to the softening of the bone surfaces, which usually results in lower back pain.

    Vitamin D has been proven to be a very good agent in maintaining back health. People with chronic lower back pain experienced significant improvement in their condition when they started taking vitamin D regularly. Studies show that regular vitamin D intake may lessen the spasms in your lower back.
    2. Vitamin C
    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that helps lower back pain. Like vitamin D, it increases calcium absorption in the body which promotes strong and healthy bones.  Vitamin C is known to help in the process of healing fractured and broken bones, wounds and burns. Regular intake of vitamin C also offers many health benefits such as strengthening of your immune system and increased protection from common colds and flu.
    3. B Vitamins
    Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that is essential for your overall health. In this group, three vitamins help lower back pain. They are vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Research shows that these vitamins may considerably reduce your lower back pain. They aid in the healing of inflamed nerves, which is one of the causes of lower back pain. Furthermore, vitamins B1, B6, and B12 help strengthen and nourish your nerves to help them heal and prevent further damage.
    4. Vitamin E
    When your lower back is inflamed, free radicals are released. These free radicals are toxic and may cause more damage, because they can increase the inflammation of your back. Vitamin E can help lower back pain as it is a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals. By taking vitamin E regularly, you increase the antioxidant reaction in your body that may help relieve lower back pain.

    When looking for a natural sciatica treatment always remember that vitamins can be a good place to start – Here’s to good health and yummy vitamins which  provide relief from sciatica!

    Massage For Sciatica | The Best Lotions And Oils!

    Friday, October 7th, 2011

    massage for sciaticaMassage for sciatica can work great as a natural pain reliever.

    According to experience-essential-oils.com, “Every essential oil contains multiple medicinal properties that assist the systems of the body. As a matter of fact, many of the drugs used today were originally derived from the natural constituent first. Once companies learned how to produce those constituents synthetically, then it was easier and less expensive for them to be produced in a chemical form rather than a natural form.”

    There are many oils that can be used in massage for sciatica.  Each essential oil has different properties, some are proven to benefit pain in particular.

    The following list are some essential oils that may be beneficial when doing massage for sciatica pain:

    • Chamomile oil helps to control muscle spasms and has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Lavender oil prevents muscle spasms and inflammation. It also helps to relieve tension.
    • Clary sage is a very soothing oil. It has a calming effect when one is anxious and muscles are tensed up from pain. It has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
    • Rosemary has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It is also good for relieving back pain as it improves blood circulation.
    • Ginger oil can ease back pain and give one more mobility.
    • Peppermint is good for muscle soreness.

    Massage for sciatica is a great way to help temporarily relieve sciatic pain, but is not a cure. Massage will help to relieve tension and stiffness and to relax the muscles.

     

    Aches and Pains in Rainy Weather | TheSciaticaFix.com

    Monday, October 3rd, 2011

    aches-and-pain-rainy-weatherAches and pains can be brought on by many conditions including the weather!

    Have you ever heard someone say “Oh, boy my bones are aching, a storm must be brewing.”  Truth be told, many people that suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritis conditions complain that their aches and pains flare up in rainy weather. Often times these people get pain signals even before the storm officially arrives!

    Typically, any weight-bearing joint can be affected and feel pain during rainy weather. These aches and pains are usually felt in the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and hands.

    According to an article in eHow Health, “the body’s joints have sensory nerves. These nerves are called baro-receptors and they do respond to changes in the atmosphere. When the barometric pressure drops or is low, it signifies that the air has become moist, signaling a chance for rain. The body’s nerve receptors respond to low barometric pressure.”

    Therefore, when the air and pressure in the environment falls it causes the pressure in the body’s joints to vary. People who have arthritis will feel this more because they have less cushioning around their joints. The American Journal of Medicine found a correlation to support this theory and published it in its May 2007 issue.

    If you experience joint pain during the rainy weather try to stay inside – crank the heat, sit by the fire and ward off the damp, cold, rainy weather.