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Back Pain or Sciatica: What’s the Difference?

Back Pain or Sciatica: What’s the Difference?

by | Feb 10, 2021 | Informational, Injury

Back Pain vs Sciatica: Understanding the Difference

Approximately 65 million Americans report experiencing recent episodes of back pain. However, many individuals might not realize that their back pain could actually be a sign of a different condition: sciatica.

So, what is the difference between back pain from sciatica? Moreover, can a back brace alleviate sciatic pain? How do the symptoms of sciatica differ from those of general back pain?

To clarify these questions, keep reading! This guide will cover everything you need to know in order to differentiate between the two conditions.

Understanding Back Pain Symptoms 

Typically, people experience lower back pain near the beltline. This pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation.

Various factors can contribute to lower back pain, including stress, improper lifting techniques, physical activity, or accidents. Consequently, symptoms of back pain might include:

  • A dull or achy feeling
  • A burning or stinging sensation
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Muscle spasms and tightness
  • Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for prolonged periods

If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit a chiropractor for an adjustment.

Recognizing Sciatica Pain Symptoms

In contrast, sciatica pain symptoms typically begin in the lower back but can also affect the buttocks, legs, and hips. It’s estimated that around 40% of people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives.

Sciatica occurs when the nerve roots in the sciatic nerve become compressed or pinched. As a result, symptoms are usually experienced on one side of the body. Acute sciatic pain may last for one to two weeks and can recur throughout the year, whereas chronic sciatica may persist as a long-term condition.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

  • A pins-and-needles sensation
  • Pain that intensifies with movement
  • Weakness or numbness in the feet or legs
  • Painful tingling in the feet or toes
  • Incontinence

Sciatica can develop following an injury or due to specific conditions such as:

  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated disks
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Spondylolisthesis

If you experience sudden, severe pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional might recommend treatments such as hot or cold therapy, stretches, Chiropractic manipulations, massages, and acupuncture. Additionally, a back brace may provide relief from sciatic pain.

Differentiating Between The Two

So, how can you differentiate between back pain and sciatica?

Back pain encompasses a broad range of symptoms, whereas sciatica is a specific type of back pain. The symptoms of sciatica are distinct, making it easier to identify. Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine, whereas sciatica specifically affects the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, sciatica may take longer to resolve compared to general back pain, which might improve on its own.

If you’re struggling to distinguish between sciatic pain and back pain, try walking across the room on your heels. If you find it challenging to lift your feet, sciatica could be the issue.

For an accurate diagnosis, consider visiting a chiropractor.

In Summary

In essence, while back pain is a broad term, sciatica is a more specific condition. Don’t endure pain unnecessarily—seek relief by visiting a chiropractor.

Ready to take the next step? We’re here to help. Request an appointment today.

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Can a Car Accident Cause Arthritis? A Guide

Can a Car Accident Cause Arthritis? A Guide

by | Feb 8, 2021 | Informational, Injury, MVC

Being the victim of a traumatic traffic accident is a big deal. Depending upon the severity of the crash, the injuries suffered can range from minor to severe, or even fatal. Many victims of severe car accidents also suffer from PTSD, brain injuries, or a range of trauma-related mental and physical disorders. Some physical and mental injuries will heal, but others may be more persistent. Victims of all ages even report feeling recurring pain in their joints. This begs the question, can a car accident cause arthritis?

The answer is an emphatic yes. Typically, when people think of the cause of arthritis, they associate it with old age, but your joints can become inflamed at any age if the right conditions are met. In the case of severe automobile accidents, your chances of suffering from car accident arthritis are high no matter what.

How Can a Car Accident Cause Arthritis?

First of all, humans are soft, fleshy bags of skin, muscle, and bone. Cars are thick metal machines that travel at high speeds. When they hit things, they hit hard. And your soft body doesn’t like that one bit.

It rattles you. It ripples through your bones and jerks your body in ways it should never be jerked. Imagine your body is a computer and someone dropped you on a thick marble floor. You might still work, but your system needs repairs. You can bet a few screws came loose.

When your bones and cartilage are twisted, yanked and cranked during a car crash, post-traumatic arthritis is what you get as a result. This means post-trauma of the body and the wear and tear that occurs afterward are the likely causes of arthritis in people of all ages. 

What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

The keyword here is post-traumatic. The definition of arthritis, particularly post-traumatic arthritis, is the inflammation of and around the joints over time caused by a severe injury. Hence the term, post-traumatic.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

  • Swelling joints
  • Stiffness around the joints
  • Fluid buildup around the joints
  • Difficulty moving the area around the joint.

Keep in mind that post-traumatic arthritis symptoms may not be apparent until many years after the injury. It can sometimes take up to 5 years or more to notice any signs or symptoms.

The speed and severity by which the symptoms arrive can also be affected by age and weight. Trauma victims of a young age and a healthy weight are likely to dodge some of the more debilitating symptoms.

Those who are older and/or overweight/obese may be at higher risk of suffering severe chronic pain soon after the accident.

Diagnosing and Treating Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Your doctor will begin by performing a series of tests and procedures before prescribing medicine or recommending physical therapy.

X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs should aid in leading to a proper diagnosis.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Arthritis?

The next step in arthritis treatment is Chiropractic. You can seek out a chiropractor nearby. Chiropractic is a natural arthritis treatment that can aid in strengthening the area around the affected joints.

Chiropractors can teach you how to exercise your affected joints to alleviate your pain and make the movement around it less painful and more functional.

Keep in mind that Chiropractic can significantly reduce the pain and swelling, but it will rarely get rid of your arthritis altogether.

Are You Worried About Suffering From Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

If you were involved in a car crash, the crucial next step you must take is in consulting with a professional about your physical health and well-being.

Can a car accident cause arthritis? It sure can. Suffering any injury from a car accident is no joke, but if you’re worried about suffering from chronic physical pain, consider booking a consultation with Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness.

Our team strives to provide you with excellent care and service so you may leave feeling alive, refreshed, and ultimately, like a new you. Our services include massage therapy, neuropathy, weight-loss consulting, automobile accident consulting, and more!

Type II Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Living With Type II

Type II Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Living With Type II

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Diabetes, Informational

According to Joslin Diabetes Research Center, over 30 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. That’s almost one in every ten Americans that are struggling with some form of this disease. 

Chances are that you or someone you know is living with type II or type I diabetes. Educating yourself about the symptoms of diabetes, its causes, and how to live with it can be empowering to start your journey to health and wellness. 

Here is a primer on what you need to know about the most common type of diabetes, type II. 

Type I Versus Type II Diabetes 

There are some unique differences between type I and type II diabetes. Type I diabetes often begins in childhood and adolescence but can begin later in life as well. It requires daily injections of insulin to manage the disease as the body has stopped producing insulin. 

Type II diabetes is often seen later in life in those that are overweight and have a genetic predisposition to the disease. With type II, the body is still producing insulin, but the body’s cells can no longer properly use it due to insulin resistance.  

In type II diabetes the body’s pancreas can no longer generate enough insulin to properly regulate the body’s blood sugar. 

Type I diabetes does require lifelong insulin treatment, but the early stages of type II diabetes can be combated through diet and exercise changes. 

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes

Many living with type II diabetes, may not realize it as these symptoms can slowly present themselves. Symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Vision issues including blurry vision
  • Increased infections and sores that take a long time to heal
  • Exhaustion
  • Increased appetite
  • Numb and tingling extremities

Causes of Type II Diabetes

There are numerous contributing factors to developing type II diabetes. Here are some of the causes to be aware of:

  • Being obese or overweight increases
  • Risks increase over the age of 45
  • Lack of daily movement and exercise
  • Having a family history of type II diabetes 
  • Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American ethnicities are more at risk
  • Low HDL and high LDL levels
  • Body fat storage in the stomach area 
  • Pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Unmanaged stress 

Living With Type II Diabetes

If you are suffering from type II diabetes, there are changes that you can make to your lifestyle to help you manage and even reverse it. 

Nutrition and weight loss are two key areas to address. Incorporating a diet of whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats can help you lose weight and improve health. 

Eliminating processed foods, fatty meats, and high sodium snacks is an important lifestyle change to make as well. Look for new ways to incorporate some healthy snacks.

Incorporating more movement in your day, from taking a walk to starting a daily exercise routine, can have a big impact on your weight, energy level, and overall wellness. 

Expert Tips for Eating Healthy the Easy Way

Expert Tips for Eating Healthy the Easy Way

by | Feb 2, 2021 | Informational, Nutrition

Are you ready to start eating healthy in 2021? If eating a healthier diet is your resolution this year, but you’re afraid you can’t make it happen because you’re low on time, we’re here to help. 

Keep reading for some healthy eating tips that are simple and easy to integrate into your lifestyle. Feel better this year by giving your body the nutrients it needs. 

Snack Smarter 

No matter how much you may try to avoid it, snacking is inevitable. If you’re craving a snack in between meals, turn to a healthy option. Stocking up on healthy snack options can help as can reducing the unhealthy snack options you purchase for your home or workspace. 

Instead, find healthy snack options that you also will actually enjoy eating. Nuts, apples with peanut butter, or veggies sticks are all great options. Plus, eliminating the unhealthy snacks in your home will help you avoid grabbing the potato chips when a craving comes on. 

Hydrate All Day 

If over-eating is an issue for you, hydrating throughout the day can help. A lack of water leads to dehydration which can cause you to want to eat more.

Additionally, hydration helps with digestive health which can affect weight loss. Limit the number of sugary drinks in your home so that you can opt for water when thirsty instead. 

Make Healthy Meals in Bulk

Are you often opting for eating out or grabbing fast food during a busy work week? A great way to make sure you’re stocked up on healthy lunches for the week is to meal prep.

Meal prepping can be as easy as finding a good source of protein, carbs, and veggies to cook in bulk. Once cooked, portion out the food in containers for the week. This is also a great easy dinner solution for the whole family and is a great alternative to frying or sauteing your food. The fewer oils you add when preparing the food, the fewer calories you add. 

This is a great way to make easy, healthy homemade meals that also allow for a quick cleanup. 

Swap Your Grains 

A simple solution to a healthy diet is to swap out your refined or white carbohydrates for whole-grain and complex carbs. Whole-grain carbs have tons of dietary fiber which are essential for weight loss. This is also easier to swap out than you may think, as you can find tons of options for whole-grain pasta, bread, crackers, and more.

Eating Healthy Made Simple 

We are much more likely to accomplish our goals if they are attainable. For this reason, if your goal is to improve your health this year, make eating healthy simple. There are tons of little things you can do to improve your overall health that won’t clash with a busy lifestyle. 

Are you looking for more ways to improve your overall health this year? Contact Amazing Life today to request an appointment. 

Your Guide to Restorative Movement for Lower Back Pain Relief

Your Guide to Restorative Movement for Lower Back Pain Relief

by | Jan 26, 2021 | exercise, Informational, Stretching, Wellness

A whopping 16 million American adults deal with chronic back pain — that’s 8% of the population. 

So, if you have an achy lower back, you’re certainly not the only one. And that’s good news if you’re seeking out remedies to help yourself. Those before you have found many methods for natural back pain relief. 

Here are four restorative movements to try. 

1. Knee-to-Chest Stretch

For this one, you will lay on the ground with your legs out straight. Bend your left knee and pull it in toward your chest, holding it in place with interlaced hands. Keep your right leg straight and your foot on the floor as you hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. 

Repeat this move on the right, then cycle through both stretches a few times for a well-rounded stretch. And, if you want to make it a little tougher, pull both knees in at once and hold the crunched position for 20 seconds. 

2. Cat-Cow Pose

If you have any familiarity with yoga, then you may know how to do cat-cow — it’s a great one to have in your arsenal if you’re looking for back stretches. 

Roll over from your knee-to-chest stretch and get on all fours. Make sure your hands are on the ground directly beneath your shoulders. 

Breathe out, and pull your belly button upward toward the ceiling. Imagine how a scared cat’s back looks — you want to mimic that curve. 

When you breathe in, your belly will drop and your spine will relax. This is the cow portion of the stretch. 

Repeat for ten rounds or more to really loosen up and relax your spine. 

3. Seat Forward Bend

Interestingly, it might not just be your lower back that hurts. Research has shown that tight hamstrings can cause tension and pain in the lower back, too. 

So, try the seat forward bend to reduce tension in your legs that could be pulling on the lower back. 

Stay on the floor, but stretch your feet out in front of you so you’re seated in an L-shaped position. Then, grab a towel and wrap it around your feet with both ends in your hands. 

Pull the towel and use it to help you bend your upper body closer to your legs. Keep your back straight, though. You should start to feel the stretch down the back of your legs. 

Hold your bend for 30 seconds and repeat three times with half-minute breaks in between. 

4. Massage

Sometimes, you’re the one performing the restorative movement. Other times, it’s a licensed professional manipulating your body and providing relief. 

In this case, we’re obviously talking about the latter. Massage can reduce the pain and tension in your lower back. And it’s a low-impact treatment method — you’ll probably even find it relaxing. 

Find Natural Back Pain Relief

Whether you get moving or get a massage, you will have signed up for natural back pain relief. But if you need further help to assuage your lower back pain, look no further than Restoration Fitness located in Mill Creek, WA. Request an appointment today and get started on your journey to a stronger, pain-free back. 

 

 

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Informational, Injury, Y-strap

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression and Adjustment

Curious about Y-Strap Decompression? Or did someone suggest it for your chronic neck pain? It might look intimidating, but Y-Strap Adjustments have been used for years to relieve neck pain and balance the spine.

Developed by Dr. Burl Pettibon in the 1970s, the Y-Strap treats the entire spine, not just a single vertebra. Today, the Pettibon Technique is used alongside traditional chiropractic methods to improve posture and relieve spinal pressure.

How is it Performed?

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, WA, we use a Y-Axis traction strap to gently stretch the neck and spine, easing pressure and creating space between the vertebrae.

The practitioner wraps a flexible strap around your neck, cradling your head. The strap extends to a handle at the top of the “Y.” Once positioned, the chiropractor applies a smooth or more assertive force (called High Velocity, Low Amplitude movement), depending on your needs.

Unlike other techniques that use twisting or turning, the Pettibon technique moves straight up and down. This approach effectively relaxes back muscles, aligns the neck and spine, and alleviates compression.

Is Y-Strap Decompression Treatment Safe?

Yes, it’s safe and effective when performed by a professional. At Amazing Life, our chiropractors are highly trained to ensure your treatment is as safe as possible.

While there are at-home products claiming to be safe, we recommend seeing a healthcare professional to ensure a positive outcome.

When is Y-Strap Decompression Treatment a Good Alternative?

Our clients in the Seattle area find Y-Strap Decompression effective for active lifestyles, sports injuries, and overuse issues. It’s also beneficial for spine and neck compression from wear and tear or osteoarthritis, especially in those over 50.

Don’t endure pain and stiffness. Schedule an assessment with us. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, considering your:

  • Lifestyle challenges
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise habits
  • Overall well-being

A Final Note

We offer advanced chiropractic care as a non-invasive treatment for a range of issues. Our goal is to promote lifelong health. Contact us to learn more about the Pettibon technique, Y-Strap treatment, or our other services.

If you are in the greater Seattle community, please contact us to learn more.