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How to Manage Sciatica Pain During the Colder Months

How to Manage Sciatica Pain During the Colder Months

Many of us are living with various conditions and discomfort, and unfortunately, a lot of them can get worse as the weather gets colder. Sciatica is one of those particular conditions. If you are living with sciatica symptoms, you are no stranger to the overall sense of wellness degrading when winter rolls around. Therefore, we would like to discuss a few things you can do to manage sciatica pain during the colder months. Keep reading to find out more! 

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a medical condition that describes nerve compression, typically in the lower back or lumbar spine. This condition may affect one of the spinal segment’s five sets of nerve roots. As a result, a patient may feel pain in the neck, lower back, buttocks, hip, and/or legs. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica Nerve Pain?

How to Manage Sciatica Pain During the Colder Months_signs and symptoms of Sciatica

Those who are living with Sciatica often characterize it by having one or more of the following symptoms: 

  • Pain that gets worse when sitting down 
  • A sharp pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk
  • Pain that travels down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes 
  • Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg 
  • Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the toes, leg, and or foot leg
  • Leg pain that described as burning, tingling, or searing
  • A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk

The pain level of Sciatic pain and when it happens varies between patients; some say that it is mild and infrequent, and others describe it as irritating to constant and debilitating. It usually depends on where the pinched nerve is located. 

Does Sciatic Pain Really Get Worse During Winter? 

Different studies from across the world have indeed confirmed that many different conditions worsen in cold weather, including Sciatica. However, there are a few reasons patients may be in more discomfort during these dates, and they include: 

  • Air pressure decreases when there is a significant temperature change. This external pressure has the potential to affect joints and muscles. 
  • Cold weather, such as snow and ice, has different physical demands. Having to complete tasks such as shoveling snow or even walking on icy sidewalks can pose pore stress on different areas affected by Sciatica. 
  • The muscles naturally stiffen in cold temperatures, leading to tightness around the spine.

Therefore, there is a direct correlation between the cold and the symptoms of Sciatica worsening. Therefore, if you suffer from Sciatica, it’s time to prepare. This winter, if you are experiencing pain, there are a few things that you can do; keep reading to find out what to do.

 Tips To Ease Your Sciatica This Winter 

1. Stretch and Keep Moving 

Before going out in the cold, there are a few simple stretches that you can do to ensure the different areas you suffer from discomfort don’t act up when about it. Some simple and easy stretches include: 

  • Back extensions 
  • Hamstring stretches 
  • Gluteal stretches 
  • Yoga poses 

A chiropractic specialist can give you a list of the different stretches to do and how to do them properly. Ensure that you do these in the mornings and in the evenings. 

2. Stay Warm 

Never leave home without extra layers! Therefore, be sure that you have enough layers, including at least, 

  • Hats 
  • Gloves 
  • Scarves 
  • Sweater 
  • Undershirt 
  • Thermal Jacket 
  • More in Extreme Conditions 

 Also, before heading out, make sure to warm your body up before braving the cold. Remember to not just focus on the areas affected by Sciatica; protect your muscles from tightening up across your body. 

3. Avoid Sudden Movements 

Ensure that you take your time when completing even the simplest actions. Something as simple as quickly reaching for an object could bring shooting and sharp pains. Additionally, when stretching and exercising, avoid bursts of action and excessive bouncing. 

4. Stay Hydrated 

Everyone needs sufficient water, even if you don’t have Sciatica! It helps the body perform numerous amount of necessary actions, including: 

  • Delivering nutrients
  • Eliminating waste 
  • Diluting acid build-up 
  • Sustaining even body temperature

Those suffering from Sciatica need to ensure they are drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, especially during winter. 

Chiropractic Techniques Are Proven to Provide Relief From Sciatica Pain

Chiropractic Techniques Are Proven to Provide Relief From Sciatica Pain

For many patients, traditional medicine is the go-to for any pain in their bodies. However, traditional medicine makes patients grow a dependence on muscle relaxers and pain relievers to ease their discomfort. In serious cases, patients need surgery which leads to long and painful recovery times, which means time away from work, family, and social gatherings. 

Various non-invasive and advanced chiropractic care techniques can provide relief by realigning the affected lumber vertebrae and or the connected disk. Once the direct reason for the pain is addressed, a chiropractic specialist will set you up with a physical rehabilitation program to ensure the Sciatica does not reoccur. 

Why Choose a Chiropractor for Sciatic Pain 

By eliminating the need for surgery, a chiropractic specialist will help prevent the possibility of complications from developing, which is imperative for older patients who don’t want to take the risk of an invasive procedure. In addition, chiropractors are highly trained to naturally target the source of sciatic pain without the need for dependence on muscle relaxers or pain meds. 

Each patient is unique; therefore, following a thorough assessment of your body, a plan will be developed to give your body a fighting chance to return to its natural alignment. Personalized treatments allow chiropractors to get to the bottom of your condition and provide you with a plan that truly works based on your pain and symptoms. You can avoid putting off the injury with pain meds and the pain and long recovery of surgery with expert chiro care. 

Say Goodbye To Extreme Sciatica Pain This Winter 

Exceptional Chiropractic Care at Advanced Spine & Sports Care 

Do you want to avoid demanding Sciatica pain this winter? Do you want a natural solution while getting help from personal and caring chiropractic professionals? Then choose Advanced Spine & Sports Care. Their chiropractic specialists will ensure you have all the tools and care necessary for a Sciatic “pain-free” winter. Book an appointment today. 

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ASSC Clinic Pre-Cautions | Proper Home & Office Practices

During recent events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans across the nation find themselves having fewer options when it comes to seeking the relief that they need. Luckily for those in Lakeview, IL, and the greater Chicago area, our team at Advanced Spine and Sports Care leave no one suffering from neck and back problems behind. Whether it be directly providing services or offering tips and tricks, you can count on us for help with dealing with any urgent back and neck pain. We sincerely hope that each and everyone is and continues to be healthy and safe.

Neck & Back Pain Relief in Chicago - Advanced Spine

Home & Office Best Practices to for Neck & Back Pain

When it comes to the well-being of your back and neck, you can never be too safe. Even though you may not be able to come in and see us every week, we are constantly uploading new videos and posts that help you take preventive measures demonstrating how you can stay healthy while at home or in the job.

Working from home is rapidly becoming the new norm of our lives and often don’t keep in mind the health of our body, back, and neck. Believe it or not, there are a few things that you can do that truly make a difference. Here are a few tips to stay healthy when working at home:

>Dedicate a proper working space

No matter how comfortable it may be, it is extremely important that you do not work from your bed or couch. The ideal working space, whether it be on a laptop or a desktop, you should be sitting in a chair where your back is at a 90-degree angle and the device you are working on is on a flat service where your head is also at a 90-degree angle.

>Stretch and move around

When you are in the groove with your work, it can sometimes be difficult to take a break, but it is extremely important to do so. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can do some serious damage to not only your neck and back but also your head. That is why it is essential that you take a break from staring at the screen and move around a bit.

>Practice stress techniques

Keep your mind and body at 100% by practicing proper stress techniques like developing a strong sleeping pattern, daily activities like exercises and yoga, and family time.

See Dr. Ingham explaining the importance of proper home and office practices here.

Experiencing Back and Neck Pain?

Back and neck pain is a nuisance that affects the majority of American adults at some time in their lifetime, and though a wide variety of factors can cause these pains, the real issue is learning how to prevent, correct, and heal them. Because we are spending more time in our homes, finding relief may seem like somewhat of an impossible task. But nothing is impossible with the help of our experts at Advanced Spine And Sports Care. Because we care strongly about our clients, we provide weekly exercises that you can easily do in the comfort of your home with common household objects.

Follow our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, you can keep up to date with easy methods to provide fast comfort when you are down with neck and back pain.

DRX9000 – Spinal Decompression for Back Pain Relief & Spinal Injuries at Advanced Spine & Sports Care

Spinal decompression is a chiropractic medical method that provides fast relief without the use of surgery. At Advanced Spine and Sports Care, we currently boast the DRX9000, a state of the art spinal decompression system that directly heals those suffering from back pain that affects the entire body.

Some of the most common spinal injuries DRX9000 Spinal Decompression provides relief for are:
↪ Disc Herniation
↪ Facet Syndrome
↪ Sciatica Nerve Pain
↪ Spinal Stenosis

Contact us today to see if spinal decompression at Advanced Spine & Sports Care, is the right treatment for you!

Sciatic Pain Relief Exercises – From the Comfort Of Your Home

If you are feeling constant pain in the lower back, hip, and legs, you may be suffering from sciatica. According to the American Medical Association, sciatica pain can affect up to 40% of the population over their lifetime, so you are not alone. Because your comfort is something that we strive for, here are a few quick stretches you can do to fight back against sciatica pain:

Chicago Sciatica Nerve Pain Relief at Advanced Spine in Lakeview IL

 

  • What you have to do is sit in a chair and cross the leg of the affected side, do a figure four and lean forward gently.

 

  • This next stretch is similar to the first, lay down on a flat surface, and make a figure four. Slowly bend the opposite leg of the affected area close to your chest.

 

  • Lastly, you will go on the floor and cross the leg of the affected area under your body with the other leg stretched behind you.

 

Hold each of these stretches for 20 seconds on and 20 seconds off up to 3 times. To see how to do these properly, take a look at the video here.

Contact Advanced Spine And Sports Care for Chiropractic Treatment Services Today

During this current pandemic, it can be difficult to identify what services are and are not essential. Identified by the state of Illinois, chiropractic care is an essential service, and those suffering from unbearable back and neck pain should not be afraid to seek help.

Advanced Spine & Sports Care in Lakeview IL - Best Chiropractor in Chicago

 

At Advanced Spine And Sports Care, we take every precaution to ensure the health and safety of our patients so that no one feels at risk while looking for help. For minor back and neck problems, we offer advice, help, and tips on our social media channels to make you more comfortable without having to leave the house. For urgent chiropractic assistance, contact us here to explore your options.

 

 

What Is the Best Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain?

 

What is the Best Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain in Chicago | Chiropractic

Sciatic nerve pain or sciatica, is an incredibly common type of pain that experts estimate 40% of people experience at some point in their lives. This pain can be very disabling and leave one of your legs feeling weak or numb, possibly with a burning or stabbing sensation. If you have sciatic nerve pain or you think that you may be experiencing the symptoms of sciatica, then seeking treatment is one of the best things that you can do to relieve the pain sooner rather than later.

Never heard of sciatic nerve pain or want to learn more about this unique condition? Read on to discover more about the causes and the best treatment for sciatica…

What Is Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is the name of a specific type of pain that you experience when there’s irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is located between the hips and feet and runs down the back of each leg. The location of the nerve explains why the symptoms of sciatica can involve experiencing pain in the lower back, hips, and leg.

Sciatic nerve leg pain, and pain in the hips and back, can manifest itself in many ways, including:

  • Shooting pain
  • Constant stabbing pain
  • Burning pain
  • Numbness
  • Difficulty moving
  • Weakness
  • Tingling

The symptoms of sciatic nerve pain normally only occur on one side of the body, but the experience is very different from case to case. For some people, the pain will only last for a short duration (typically 4-6 weeks) and it will only cause slight irritation. For other people, the pain will last for much longer and can be quite severe.

What Are the Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is generally caused by some form of pressure to the sciatic nerve; the type and location of this pressure can determine the location, severity, and duration of the pain. There’s a long list of causes of sciatic nerve pain, including:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Pregnancy
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
  • Lumbar Subluxation
  • Lumbar Disc Herniation
  • Tumors

Sometimes, other back injuries may also cause sciatic nerve pain. While not generally a cause, the pain experienced can be worse for people that are overweight or accentuated by additional problems, such as inadequate sleeping provisions.

Common Treatment for Sciatica

As you would imagine from the many possible sciatic nerve pain causes, there are a number of treatment options. The treatment advised will largely depend on the severity of the pain and root cause, although in certain cases, like with chiropractic care, some treatments can help with multiple severities of sciatica.

Here are four common treatment options for sciatic nerve pain:

1. Sciatic Nerve Pain At-Home Treatment

At-home treatments can be very effective in treating short-term sciatic nerve pain, as well helping with the recovery process in conjunction with other treatments. Treatments and care at home can include stretching the back regularly, using heat and ice packs, and gentle exercises. If at-home treatments don’t help to reduce the pain, more substantial treatment is often advised.

2. Over-the-Counter Sciatic Nerve Pain Medication

In many cases, an over-the-counter pain medication may be suggested to alleviate the pain. This can work in conjunction with at-home treatment to cope with the pain until it subsides.

3. Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain, along with other physiotherapy treatments, are a very common suggestion for cases of sciatic nerve pain. Unlike some at-home treatments and medication, the purpose of chiropractic treatment is to address the underlying cause of the pain. Chiropractic care can include a range of treatments, such as:

  • Spinal Decompression Therapy
  • Spinal adjustments
  • Ice/cold therapy
  • Manual manipulation
  • Ultrasound Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • (TENS Unit) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

 

4. Complementary Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment Options

Depending on the extent of sciatic nerve pain, further sciatica treatments may be suggested, such as:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Anti-inflammatory treatments
  • Lifestyle changes

(In the worst cases of sciatic nerve pain, where the pain is severe and prolonged, surgery may be an unavoidable requirement to treat the underlying cause of the pain)

What Is the Best Sciatica Treatment Option?

Each type of sciatica treatment has its own benefits, and in some cases, options like surgery may be unavoidable. Yet, for persistent sciatic nerve pain, the best sciatica treatment is often physiotherapy. In particular, chiropractic care is a highly effective physiotherapy treatment for sciatica.

Our highly skilled & advanced Sciatica Treatment Chiropractors in Chicago can help at every stage of sciatica treatment & beyond. From the initial diagnosis, to relief from pain by targeting the cause of the pain, and afterwards with preventive care., in general, chiropractic treatment is immensely well-suited to treating sciatica, as it’s focused on helping the body to heal itself through treatments that improve spinal movement.

As well as treating the cause of sciatica, a chiropractor will also be able to advise you on good practices that can prevent re-occurrences of sciatic nerve pain in the future, such as:

  • Which exercises to do at home to improve the muscles in your back
  • How to correct your posture when you’re sitting and standing
  • Which lifestyle changes to make for improved back health
  • How to properly support your back
  • How to improve your diet for optimum health

Chicago Chiropractic treatment is ideal for anyone seeking the best natural treatment for sciatic nerve pain, as it involves non-invasive procedures. The treatment plan will be customized to your exact needs and lifestyle, and you’ll receive ongoing support from a chiropractor that knows your unique medical history. As is the case with many types of back pain, and pain in other areas of the body, chiropractic care is often an effective and rewarding treatment for sciatica.

Sciatica Treatment Plans Chicago

Sciatica Nerve Pain Treatment Services in Chicago IL (Lakeview) On BelmontAre you you’re looking for chiropractic sciatica treatment in Chicago? The experienced chiropractors at Advanced Spine & Sports Care are here, ready to customize a sciatica treatment plan, that’s best for you. Our sciatica chiropractic care and physical therapy services are a natural treatment for sciatic nerve pain that can effectively reduce the pain you’re feeling and address the real cause of the problem.

Contact us today to talk with one of our excellent team about treatments for sciatica. We’ll ensure that your pain is diagnosed and treated with continued Chiropractic Care  for a healthier life now and in the future!