Acupuncture For Sciatica - The Best Way Without Side Effects

With the increase of people experiencing sciatica, patients have resorted to various forms of treatments. Acupuncture for sciatica is a new solution that people are exploring. And its effects on relieving nerve pain are promising.

First, Acupuncture treatment for sciatica is natural. It does not involve medications or surgical methods. It is simply done with needles inserted into certain points that let the Chi flow through the body. The flow of Chi has helped a lot of people ease their body pain. This is not just a speculation. It has actually been proven by patients who have tried acupuncture for sciatica in the past. That is the reason why experts today have considered the use of this method to provide relief for their patients.

Sciatica pain is when the lower back aches. The pain usually goes from the top of the buttocks to the legs. This is caused by muscle spasms near the sciatic nerve that is brought about by the lack of exercise or aging. Some patients even felt numbness at times. This is because some degenerative diseases such as the herniated disk may lead to sciatica. Luckily, there is a good solution for this. Acupuncture for sciatica pain has been proven by patients to remove spasms and to provide immediate relief.

Acupuncture for a sciatica nerve has a lot of benefits. Acupuncture can improve blood circulation in the lumbar region and the spinal cord which does a lot of benefits to the body than remove pain. It relaxes muscles and provides flexibility and strength to the bones. It can even increase energy which can push a person to be more active. With these, one can count on it to reduce symptoms. Of course, the effects of sciatica acupuncture are not always immediate. It may vary depending on the person's body.

A basic understanding of sciatica can help a person understand how acupuncture is very effective in treating it. It is a form of pain caused by a pressure on the sciatic nerve and other several factors. Pain may be from muscle spasms through which the nerve is directly connected. It may also be caused by the inflammation of the nerve itself. Degenerative joint diseases may also be a cause if it's located around the spine which affects the concerned nerve.

However, acupuncture for sciatica is not effective if degenerative diseases are involved. Acupuncture may provide temporary relief but not remove the disease entirely. When the disc of the spine starts to press on the sensitive nerves, muscles tighten and cause pain. You cannot expect the method to reverse the location of the disc. Of course, it can alleviate mere muscle spasms and inflammation but it can't change the condition of the disc.

On the bright side, acupuncture is still the safest and most natural way to cure sciatica. It does not require you to take in medications that may produce some side effects. It does not put your sensitive nerves under the surgical knife. Truly, acupuncture remains to be the best method to relieve the nerve pain without the side effects.

Top 3 Signs You Have TMJ Disorder

In the United States alone, over 25% of the population have TMJ disorder, yet a large proportion of this population do not know they suffer from this condition. The sad truth is that TMJ disorder is not always easy to diagnose as it is not uncommon for TMJ symptoms to mimic regular medical conditions.

Unfortunately, most doctors are not yet aware of this condition and therefore cannot always make the connection between the symptoms and the disorder. As a result, sufferers are given cures that do not solve the core problems of the disorder, but only serve to treat individual symptoms. This wastes valuable time and prolongs the pain the patients have to go through.

If you have any of the 3 following symptoms and have tried to treat them without much success, talk to your dentist or primary physician about the possibility of having this disorder.

Symptom 1: Jaw Popping & Clicking

This is one of the sure signs that someone is suffering from TMJ disorder. Sometimes, the popping and clicking sound could just be a minor sign of a tense jaw muscle, in which case, simple jaw exercises might help ease the problem. In more serious instances, this symptom (if left treated) could lead to a more intense condition with unbearable pain. This is why it is crucial to highlight this symptom to your dentist immediately to determine if it is a clear sign that you suffer from TMj disorder.

Symptom 2: Teeth Clenching & Grinding

Like Symptom 1, teeth clenching and grinding can be mistaken as symptoms of an overly stressed lifestyle. Many doctors might prescribe a night guard or mouth guard to protect your teeth at night. This might help ease the wear and tear on your teeth while you sleep, but it definitely does not solve the underlying problem. If this symptom persists for a long period of time, then there might be a chance you have TMJ disorder. Talk to your dentist immediately!

Symptom 3: Prolonged Headaches, Not Migraine Headaches

Some TMJ disorder sufferers cannot tell the difference between regular headaches and migraine headaches. Migraine headaches usually cause impaired vision like sensitivity to light and the pain is normally focused on one side of the head. The bad news is that the remedy for migraine headaches does not relieve TMJ disorder induced headaches. If you experience headaches that resonate in the temple area right behind the eyes, or even at the back of your head along your neck and shoulders, then chances are this is a TMJ symptom not a migraine headache.

It is undeniable that TMJ disorder is a hard condition to go through because it can disrupt a person's daily life and activities. This is why it is crucial to accurately pinpoint the symptoms as they come about and get the proper treatment for TMJ disorder as quickly as possible.

Arthritis - A Common Problem

Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of people. Arthritis is a broad term, which is used to refer to more than 100 conditions that can cause pain in the body's joints. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease and pain and stiffness develop as a result of wear and tear to the joints involved. It is not just a disease affecting the middle aged and older. It's an equal opportunity disease affecting children as well as adults of all ages.

Arthritis is a condition that occurs in various joints in the body, especially in the knees, hips, and spine. Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability and is one of the leading causes of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis is most often a chronic disease, so symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of protective tissue called cartilage in the joints. Juvenile arthritis is a general term for all types of arthritis that occur in children.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is part of a group of diseases known as autoimmune diseases. The joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body's immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the bodies own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women. It causes affected joints to feel tender, stiff and swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning. Initially patients often do not have symptoms following their morning shower. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that warrants treatment as soon as possible to minimize the pain and discomfort.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hips, knees, feet or hands. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of protective tissue called cartilage in the joints. It causes degeneration of joint cartilage and changes in underlying bone and supporting tissue, which leads to joint pain and stiffness, movement problems and difficulty on a daily basis.

Osteoarthritis usually is diagnosed in people older than 40. It is classically worse at night or following rest. Symptoms include joint pain while standing or moving, giving out or locking of the joint, pretty constant pain, decreased activity and abnormal stance or walk. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear from playing certain types of sports, being overweight and getting older.

Arthritis is not a new disease it was found in factory workers during the Industrial Revolution. As the population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing. It is a leading cause of disability and a significant public health concern. Arthritis is a painful condition, and for this reason it should always be taken seriously.

Arthritis and Its Types

It is one of the diseases having a painful effect. It has a far-reaching impact on most people who either have themselves or their family members affected by this disease. Literally Arthritis is a term given to joint inflammation. However in the biological world this term is used for hundreds of diseases. These diseases can affect your ligaments muscles tendons and bones causing stiffness, swelling and massive pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the common types of this disease.

When the diseases takes place on the common joint causing degenerative effect the arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. This is a common type of arthritis and has already affected more than 20 million of US population. In this type the main targeted portion is the cartilage. If you are having this disease you will find that the outer cartilage layer gets broken down. It causes reduction of cushion in the bones and they start rubbing against each other. This leads to a loss in motion for the particular joint involved alongside swelling and pain. Spurs start growing at the edges of the joint. Following that it is seen that the spurs start to break off and float in the joint itself. This causes further damage and more pain. Such arthritis form can only have an affect on your joints.

Another common arthritis form which has more than couple of million of US population currently affected with it is the rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis this form of arthritis is not limited to joint you would find it affecting heart nerves blood eyes skin and other parts of our body. It is actually an inflammation characterized by symmetry. This means that if one of the joints are affected you would find the joint parallel to that also getting affected.

This is why it is quite simple to detect this form of arthritis. Other symptoms of the disease include swelling and pain in joint alongside stiffness inactivity and fatigue. People having rheumatoid arthritis have rheumatoid factor. However it has little or no use if you are trying to diagnose this disease. Apart from rheumatoid arthritis there are a number of other diseases which can have rheumatoid factor. If you see any of the symptoms of the two arthritis types you should consult a rheumatologist today.

Is New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract The Next Great Super Food For Longevity?

The New Zealand green lipped mussel has been an extremely popular food source in New Zealand for ages already. It is a thriving industry which is worth nearly 300 million NZ dollars. Generally speaking, mussel farms yield approximately 10 tons of mussels per hectare. In terms of protein production, mussel farms are roughly 200 times more efficient than onshore livestock farms.

These days the mussels can of course be farmed in other countries but those farmed in New Zealand are considered to be superior in terms of quality. This is of course largely due to the water quality where they are farmed. The New Zealand government has some of the most stringent environmental laws and regulations in place, and water samples are taken regularly for independent analysis in order to check for traces of heavy metals, bacteria, and various other bio toxins.

Okay, we know that green lipped mussels from New Zealand are of the highest quality money can buy, but what makes this particular species of mussel so unique?

Green lipped mussels, when consumed fresh, are known to inhibit an inflammation-supporting pathway known as 5-lipoxygenase. For this reason, a number of dietary supplement manufacturers have started adding concentrated green lipped mussel extract to some of their products which are designed to combat ailments such as arthritis.

The big pharmaceutical companies are of course disputing the anti-inflammatory properties of these mussels, but as we all know, the large pharmaceutical companies dispute all natural remedies. They tried to convince the world that fish oil supplementation is useless, and yet today even the FDA recommends it.

The mussels are also a great source of lipids and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Many health conscious people have even switched from fish oil supplements to green lipped mussel supplements. While oily fish are a richer source of omega-3 fatty acids than mussels, many consider mussel extract to be a safer option. The reason for this being that only farmed mussels are used, and because of this, risk of heavy metal contamination has been eliminated.

Fish oil on the other hand is produced from fish which have been taken from the ocean, and of course it is a well known fact that heavy metal contamination in the world's oceans is getting steadily worse. Even the purest fish oil you can buy comes from fish that have at least some degree of contamination. This is why it is always wise to choose a supplier carefully.

In order to get a high quality extract, the New Zealand green lipped mussel must be freeze dried almost immediately after they have been harvested. They are then turned into powder in order to facilitate lipid extraction, and it this extract which you will find in a good supplement. Lower end manufacturers will however quite often purchase the powder which is left over after the lipid extraction process. This powder is of an inferior quality, but of course it is cheaper, and that equates to bigger profits. The moral of the story... think carefully before you buy.

Treat Bruxism Naturally - How To Get Natural TMJ Cure

Treat Bruxism Naturally

Habits are developed over a period of time; and one of the most common is teeth grinding. Teeth grinding or bruxism takes place during sleep; and may not be known to the easily known by the person suffering from this condition until his attention is drawn to it by someone else. For some people, it may take a visit to the dentist before they find out how bad things have become. Some of the damaging effects include; jaw pain, toothache, severe headache, and broken teeth among others.

There are two different opinions when it comes to the actual cause or causes of bruxism during sleep. There are some who believe that teeth grinding is a reflex action; while others believe that it is a behavior that develops over a period of time. Going by those who believe that it is a habit that develops overtime, one can suggest that it can be handled by the same system; in other words, it can be dropped just like every other habit.

Based on the fact that bruxism develops overtime; one may have to address this problem first from the conditions that lead to it. For instance, a person suffering from this problem can treat anxiety and digestive disorders; which are some of the conditions that lead to bruxism in other to cure it from the root. Natural TMJ cure remains the most effective way to stop teeth grinding.

Once a sufferer begins to tackle teeth grinding from its root causes, he cannot be said to be far from getting a permanent cure for it. To treat bruxism naturally may not have an immediate effect on the person suffering from it, but it will definitely be lasting.

The use of splint or pain medication may not be necessary anymore if one can maintain a regular intake of some diet and do away with some as well. Besides not being able to permanently stop teeth grinding; splint or pain medications have some other disadvantages, which may discourage people from using them.

The disadvantages of using a splint or mouth guard include; the high cost of purchasing it, it does not last long, it creates a lot of irritation trying to fix and remove it every night and every morning, and it does not cure bruxism.

The disadvantages of using pain medications or prescriptions include; it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, it could lead to liver problems, and it does not stop teeth grinding.

Osteoarthritis - Is There Any Modern Day Cure To This Disease?

One of the most feared and extremely debilitating diseases that are a major cause for partial and permanent disability in the world is osteoarthritis. The joints in the body, especially the limbs, are the most affected. There are extremely painful conditions leading to decreased movement, tenderness, inability to walk or make a fist formation and a host of other pseudo psychiatric effects.

Osteoarthritis has its origins in degenerative hereditary conditions and it goes down through the genes into the progenies. It is feasible that any joint in the body can be affected but the most common areas are the knees, hands, hips, spine and feet.

In extreme cases, there is permanent disfigurement too. Swelling in these areas is marked leading to a gradual limp in the gait and virtual inability to climb stairs. Pain gradually increases during the daytime and bedtime becomes unbearable or, at the very least, very uncomfortable. With the complete wearing off taking place in the cartilages, the bone joints rub against each other increasing the pain many fold. Even the slightest touching of one bonehead with the other in the missing cartilage area causes enormous pain.

Since the disease is degenerative in nature, osteoarthritis does not have a permanent cure. There may be medication for pain relief but that is purely temporary in nature. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to prevent worsening of the pain. Surgical treatments such as complete replacement and resurfacing procedures have been able to address the issue with some success but again, the costs involved in these procedures are astronomical. There are also continuous post-surgical medications that may become necessary depending upon the progress made.

Laser Therapy: Conditions That It's Used For

Laser therapy uses monochromatic light emissions from a low power laser. It is used to treat many conditions including musculoskeletal injuries, degenerative and chronic conditions and some wounds. This technology enhances the body's natural process for healing.

There are conditions that conventional therapies are inadequate. For these health problems, laser therapy can offer a great deal of relief. These conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, ligament or tendon tears, soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, tendinitis, bursitis, spinal stenosis, and so on. Some of the other illnesses and conditions include ulcers, burns, shingles, gout, and arthritis. This is merely a partial list of the conditions that this type of treatment may be beneficial for.

Using this type of treatment offers many advantages that a patient will not find with other types of treatment. To begin with, this is a non-invasive procedure. There is no surgery involved. Also, this non-toxic treatment is highly effective and features a cure rate of around 95%. It has no known harmful side effects and is easy to use. This therapy has other positive effects as well. For example, the immune system is stimulated and the natural healing process is enhanced, resulting in tissue regeneration.

For years, therapies such as ultrasound and TENS have been used exclusively for pain treatment and to stimulate the healing process. These types of treatments have been a disappointment to some because they seem to only tone down the symptoms but do not promote the natural healing process. One benefit that this type of treatment has over many of the other types is that it is not harmful to other tissue. Cells that are functioning normally are not adversely impacted by the use of low intensity lasers.

When used for pain or other medical conditions, the number of treatment required may vary. The biggest factor is the individual that is receiving the treatment and their own response to it. A single treatment can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The prices vary as does insurance coverage

Another use for laser therapy is smoking cessation. Although it is not covered by insurance, a typical smoker will spend approximately 1/3 the amount they spend annually on cigarettes to pay the cost of this type of therapy. The laser must be applied to very specific points on the face, ears, wrists, and hands that are associated with nicotine addiction. When used for smoking cessation, there is usually only one treatment with other sessions available if needed.

Lasers are also used by veterinarians to treat animals with chronic pain and age related diseases. Vets can use this treatment to help reduce inflammation and promote healing in tissue that is damaged. This treatment can help a pet that is suffering with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, post surgical pain, and so on. This is a safe and effective way to help improve the quality of life and restore the mobility in your elderly pets.

Laser therapy, although still under a lot of experimentation, is a practical and non evasive way to help doctors care for their patients. Over time, the use of lasers will no doubt advance even further than it is right now.

Natural Ways to Relieve Arthritis Knee Pain - Remedies That Work

This article emphasizes on the natural ways to relieve arthritis knee pain effectively. Knee pain can restrict your movement and can greatly influence your daily life activities.

1. Limiting activities is one way of relieving knee joint pain. Avoid long walks, running or jumping. For instance, instead of stairs, the patient should use an escalator. Excessive exertion can accelerate the damage in already worn out joints.

2. Light aerobic exercises like hamstring set exercises, heel slide, straight leg raise and static hold exercises, knee extension with leg lift, flexion and extension, assisted knee flexion are some exercises that may be practiced at home for relieving knee joint pain.

3. Walking with the support of a cane serves as an effective pain reliever in case of knee arthritis. However while using cane, one should keep in mind to hold the cane in the hand opposite to the leg with the affected knee, and the cane under the guidance of an orthopedic doctor, should be of the appropriate height.

4. Knee braces or ace bandages may be used to give external support to the ailing joint. This helps in checking pain after an activity, and also controls swelling.

5. Reduction in body weight reduces the load on the knee joint. Thus weight reduction is one way of pain reduction.

6. Omega3 fatty acids are essential for mending damaged joints. Sweet water fishes like tuna, salmon, herring, sardines etc are rich in omega3 fatty acids. Also fresh vegetables like broccoli, fruits like banana, grapes and pineapple, flavonoid rich food items can prove beneficial for treating an aching knee.

7. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that have bone boosting properties. Therefore it may be used as a pain relieving means.

8. Cortisone injection for mild arthritis, and Gold injection and methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis are used these days for suppressing knee joint pain.

9. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are helpful in reducing knee pain and swelling. Aspirin is one example of such drug.

10. Glucosamine supplements are capable of restoring and rebuilding cartilages, and are therefore used by countless people all over the world as a remedial measure against knee pain.

11. Ice therapy is a proven means to reduce pain. Ice cube wrapped in fabric may be rubbed on the aching joint to get comfort and relief from pain.

12. Breathable, self-adhesive compression bandages may be used for results. They will prevent fluid accumulation within the knee joint.

13. Elevating knee with the help of pillows can reduce pain and swelling, as it drains away the fluid that could have collected within the knee joint.

14. A warm cozy ambience can ease painful situations.

15. Boswelia and bromelain herbs are clinically proven pain reducing agents.

16. If pain becomes intolerable, and makes the patient gradually move towards disability, knee replacement surgery could be a way out.

Arthritis Pain Relief and Belly Fat

Arthritis pain relief starts in your belly. Your joints ache and you're noting swelling and other annoyances that keep you from going comfortably about your daily activities, it might be time to do something about that waistline.

Did you know that, upon examination of the statistics, weight gain is a proven epidemic in our country, and obesity is rapidly becoming a household problem. In fact, a recent national health survey, which included testing for a wide variety of illnesses, revealed that a full one-third of adults in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes didn't even know they had it! That's pretty scary considering the life threatening side effects associated with the disease.

Your joints aren't the only pains you'll afford from carrying extra weight. Fat around the midsection can also be a precursor to:

• High blood pressure


• Diabetes


• Fatty organs


• High LDL (bad cholesterol)


• Low HDL (good cholesterol)


• High triglyceride levels


• High blood sugar



• Damage to the walls of the arteries


• Damage the eyes


• Damage the kidneys


• Create a 'leaky' blood-brain barrier and allow toxins to enter the brain (this phenomenon is associated with the development of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases).


• Accelerated aging process



• Ovarian cyst formation


• Erectile dysfunction


• Low testosterone levels in men


• Thyroid dysfunction



• Slowing the metabolism

So you see, being overweight can do far more than damage your joints. It can also become the catalyst for life threatening ailments.

Losing weight will help you to prevent all these problems while also taking pressure off your aching joints and gain arthritis pain relief. Remember, losing just one pound will take four pounds of pressure off your knees, ankles, and lower back! From the above information, it is safe to assume that should you fail to address your weight problems, ailing joints and extra joint pain may be the least of your worries!

TMJ Pain Relief - Quick Tips to Mange Your TMJ

TMJ most often is a disease accompanied by episodes of intense pain in the jaw when the cartilage in the lower jaw because misaligned. This misalignment leads to intense pressure, leading to intense pain. For some, TMJ can become a debilitating disease, even to the point where only soft food can be eaten. For others, who have found TMJ pain relief, the disease causes little impact on day to day life and peoples lives are relatively normal. How can you go about getting relief from your TMJ? We'll discuss a few tips.

One top notch method of finding immediate TMJ pain relief, is making some modifications to your diet. Certain minerals can help or hurt TMJ. For example, magnesium deficiency has been linked to TMJ outbreaks as well as some other conditions (i.e., fibromyalgia and insomnia). As a remedy for TMJ you could try to reduce magnesium in your diet.

Aside from diet, there is a technique that has been known to work to manage TMJ when you feel it coming on. TMJ sometimes attacks in what are known as spasms. If you feel one occurring, you could immediately place a warm washcloth over the area and you should start to feel some relief from your TMJ almost immediately.

With a little guidance, you can be well on your way to managing this disease. You should also spend some time researching what foods you should and shouldn't eat for TMJ pain relief as well as certain exercises which over time could cure your TMJ.

SI Joint Dysfunction: What Is It and What Can You Do About It?

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, once the most commonly diagnosed cause of lower back pain, fell out of the medical mind in the 1930's when herniated discs became the main scapegoats for back pain. Recently the diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction began to reemerge on the medical scene. Some estimate that it is to blame for 15% of lower back pain instances, but is often confused with sciatica or disc damage.

The SI joint is located on each side of the body where the sacrum at the bottom of the spine connects with the ilia, or the large bones of the pelvis. This joint is less than one inch long and has a very small range of motion. It is responsible for transferring the forces of the upper body to the lower body.

If an SI joint is misaligned, or if it moves too much or too little, then SI joint dysfunction is present. The condition entails pain at the site of the affected joint that can radiate through the lower back, buttocks, hip and sometimes into the leg, particularly the back of the thigh.

There are a number of ways in which SI joint dysfunction can manifest. A genetic cause is leg length discrepancy. This will cause the pelvis, and therefore the joints, to be misaligned.

Another cause of SI joint dysfunction is muscle imbalance. The pelvis is the site of many muscles that work closely together to control the movements of the lower body and to support the weight of the upper body. If a muscle imbalance exists, the web of tough ligaments that supports the joint will be tugged in one direction, pulling the joint out of its proper position either upward, downward, to the front or to the back.

An example of muscle imbalance causing SI joint dysfunction is that of tight lower back and hip flexor muscles combined with weak hamstrings and abdominal muscles. Hip flexors (muscles in the hip that work to pull the knee upward) and lower back muscles often become tight due to poor posture and improper bending and lifting technique, two biomechanical problems that also lead to underused, weak abdominal and hamstring muscles. The pulling action of the tight, shortened muscles on the pelvis causes it to tilt forward. The ligaments of the joint are strained by this, and the joint may become dislodged.

Another cause of SI joint dysfunction is trauma. A hard fall or other blow to the pelvis can wrench the SI joint out of place. This can create hypermobility or hypomobility of the joint, and both abnormalities provoke the body's inflammatory response to block off the area. Significant pain results.

Other causes of the condition include infection, pregnancy hormones and osteoarthritis.

How to Test for SI joint dysfunction

The only medically certain diagnostic test for this condition involves injecting a numbing agent into the joint and seeing if this alleviates pain.

There are other, less certain tests that are still deemed valid for diagnosing the condition. One indicator may be obvious to you without the help of a medical professional: if one side of your pelvis is higher or more forward than the other side.

Other methods of diagnosis can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RcVGbg2tGM.

Resolving SI Joint Pain

SI joint pain may be difficult to treat; the body's response to inflammation is to lock up the muscles surrounding the joint. This defense makes it hard to exercise, stretch and receive chiropractic adjustment. It may be necessary to pursue self-myofascial release (SMR) first.

Once muscles are loosened, a chiropractor can reset the joint by applying pressure and manipulating the joint's position.

Physical therapy will be needed to resolve any muscle imbalances that may have contributed to your SI joint dysfunction. The therapist can identify which muscles are overly-tight and which ones need conditioning to create a balanced workforce of core muscles.

Stabilizing the joint means stabilizing the whole pelvis; this is why physical therapy and chiropractic care often rely on each other in the treatment of this condition. It may not be possible to perform exercises with the joint out of place, since a hypomobile joint will severely limit range of motion and a hypermobile one may cause posture to be unstable. It will also be impossible to keep the joint aligned after a chiropractic adjustment without resolving muscle imbalances that influence its position.

It is always best to perform exercises for this condition under the guidance of a physical therapist. You can view examples of SI joint stabilizing exercises at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6iQJ1a2-rA&feature=related.

Immediate TMJ Relief - The Best Remedies for TMJ

Are you suffering from TMJ ear or TMJ jaw pain? There really is no "quick fix" for TMJ pain but there is a natural home remedy that can give you immediate relief. If you want a full TMJ treatment program you really should get in touch with a TMJ doctor or TMJ specialist so you can get a complete examination and a plan for TMJ therapy that is designed to address your TMJ symptoms and the root cause.

The best remedies for TMJ are not pain killers, TMJ guards or night guards, or surgery. Pain killers may relieve your pain for a short time but they will only work temporarily and there are usually side effects to deal with. TMJ guards could help if your problem was caused by a long-term bite misalignment but for them to be effective they have to be designed specially for you and should be adjusted periodically. Surgery is highly invasive, painful, expensive, and unproven to help this condition.

Something to keep in mind is this: TMJ ear or jaw pain usually means there is a TMJ disorder and the most common cause of this condition is stress. The stress causes you to clench your jaws or grind your teeth during your sleep and you wake up with sore muscles on the side of your face. This can cause your ear or jaw to hurt. If you begin by learning some stress reducing exercises such as Yoga breathing exercises or something similar it will go a long way towards relieving your TMJ ear or TMJ jaw pain.

What you'll find here is a sample of simple and natural exercises you can do at home. Remember, there is no "quick fix" but if you want to reduce your pain dramatically, use these exercises regularly and they should lessen the severity of your condition.

First we'll start with some passive stretching exercises, do these exercises two or three times per day:

1. While standing in front of a mirror, slowly open your mouth and make sure it opens straight and symmetrically. If you have to guide it with your hand, do that. Open and close your mouth slowly and symmetrically ten times.

2. Again in front of a mirror, with your mouth slightly open move your jaw to the right and left slowly and in a controlled manner. Keep doing this until you have moved it in each direction ten times.

3. With your tongue touching the roof of your mouth, slowly open and close your mouth ten times without letting your tongue lose contact with the roof of your mouth.

Now we'll do some active exercises that require a little more force. If these exercises cause pain do the first three for a few days until you can do these next exercises without a lot of pain. We'll begin with some assisted stretching exercises. If you feel pain while doing these exercises do them with less force because it's important to avoid pain when doing stretching exercises:

1. Slowly push your jaw straight out causing an overbite. Go as far as you can and hold it for 30 seconds. Then when you bring it back in wait 30 seconds before doing it again. Do this exercise ten times.

2. With your fist pushing against the bottom of your jaw slowly open your mouth against the pressure. Just apply a small amount of pressure and do this ten times. If you feel pain you need to stop doing this exercise and do the other for a few days until you can do this one without pain.

3. Clench your jaw for about five seconds with even pressure. Do this exercise ten times and concentrate on relaxing. This exercise should help you stop clenching your teeth in your sleep.

Some people find relief with ice packs or heat therapy. If you haven't tried these you should try heat therapy first. Since warm and moist heat works better use face towels that have been heated with warm water and place them on your ears and jaw for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this 3 or 4 times per day. If heat doesn't work you can try the same with ice packs.

You need to refrain from chewing gum or any type of chewy candy and you could also make sure to stop eating hard crunchy foods like nuts and salads and foods that are very chewy. If you must eat a type of food that's chewy then cut it into tiny pieces first.

Many times when someone finds relief from their TMJ ear or jaw pain they stop doing the exercises and the pain returns. If you will do these exercises for 4 to 6 weeks it should result in a more long-term solution for your TMJ ear pain.

Adult Ballet Beginners - Muscle Stretching Exercises For The Lower Body

I previously wrote for adult ballet beginners, describing one of the muscles stretching exercises for the upper body, stretching the chest so you could open up and do one of those Black Swan arm moves.

(If you haven't just done a walk or some other kind of workout, warm up by walking on the spot. Add some arm movements, and move for five minutes.)

For the lower body, to get your leg up to the back, to do an arabesque, you need to get more flexible in the psoas muscle. This is a postural support muscle that runs from the top of your thigh to the spine. Attached at the front of the spine, this muscle controls the bending of the body at the hip joint. (Say you sneeze and one of your knees lifts up when your abdomen contracts. You bend at the hip joint).

If flexible, this muscle also allows your spine to bend at the waist, when you raise your leg to the back. There is a REALLY simple exercise you can do, to stretch this large, important muscle.

You do not need ballet turnout to do this, so I am going to describe this exercise with your legs in parallel. Release one leg to the beck, about a yard or meter behind you. Place the back foot on the ground. Holding onto a ballet barre or the back of a chair is a good idea.

Now straighten the back leg, without changing your spinal position. You may feel a pull up the front hip and the back leg hip. Pull up the lower abdomen muscles, and you will increase the stretch feeling.

Twist away from the back leg, a little. You will feel the stretch increase, perhaps more in the side of the hip muscle.

Twist toward the back leg, and again you will feel the stretch move somewhat in the hip joint area.

Hold each position for thirty to sixty seconds. Repeat the stretch at least three times, each position, each leg.

Lower Back Pain Strategies by a Musculoskeletal Therapist

Mobility - the ability of the musculoskeletal structures or segments of the body to move or be moved to allow the presence of range of notion for functional activities. The ability of an individual to initiate, control or sustain active movements of the body to perform simple to complex motor skills.

Hypomobility - caused by adaptive shortening of soft tissues and can occur as the result of many disorders or situations.

Factors -

• prolonged immobilization of a body segment


• sedentary lifestyle postural mal-alignment and muscle imbalances


• impaired muscle performance (weakness) associated with an array of musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disorders


• tissue trauma resulting in inflammation and


• pain congenital or acquired deformities.

All these impairments can lead to functional limitations and an increase in injury risk. Remedial massage treatment especially stretching can improve impaired muscle performance or prevent injury as they become an integral component of individualized intervention.

Contracture - is defined as the adaptive shortening of the muscle-tendon unit and other soft tissues that cross or surround a joint, which results in significant resistance to passive or active stretch and limitation of ROM.

Types of contractures

Myostatic Contracture - no specific muscle pathology present. Reduced number but not length of sarcomeres. Can be resolved in a relatively short time with stretching exercises.

1. Pseudomyostatic Contracture - a constant state of contraction giving excessive resistance to passive stretch. Associated with hypertonicity of spastic or rigid nature - a central nervous system lesion such as CVA, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury. Muscle spasm or guarding and pain may cause a pseudomyostatic contracture. Inhibition procedures to temporarily relax the spasm or tonicity will allow full, passive elongation of the muscle to occur.


2. Arthrogenic and Periarticular Contractures - intra-articular pathology including adhesion, synovial proliferation, joint effusion, irregularities in articular cartilage, or osteophyte formation. Connective tissues that cross or attach to a joint or it's capsule become stiff, this reduces normal arthrokinematic motion.


3. Fibrotic Contracture and Irreversible Contracture - these can cause adhesions and development of fibrotic contractures. It is possible to stretch fibrotic contractures and eventually increase ROM, it is very difficult to re-establish optimal tissue length.

Stretching is a general term used to describe any therapeutic manoeuvre designed to increase mobility of soft tissue and subsequently improve ROM by elongating structures that have adaptively shortened and have become hypomobile over time.

Physiology of the Stretch Reflex

It is a monosynaptic reflex arc, two types of neurons are involved (sensory and motor). The reflex occurs when a sudden contraction of a muscle occurs. Slight stretching of a muscle stimulates receptors in the muscle - muscle spindles - these spindles monitor changes in muscle length. The stretch reflex operates as a feedback mechanism to control muscle length by causing muscle contraction.

Physiology of the Tendon Reflex

The tendon reflex operates as a feedback mechanism to control muscle tension by causing muscle relaxation. It protects tendons and their associated muscles from excessive tension. Receptors called Golgi tendon organs detect and respond to changes in muscle tension caused by passive stretch or muscular contraction. When tension is applied to the organ nerve impulses are generated along a sensory neuron, this synapses with and inhibits a motor neuron that innervates the muscle associated with the tendon organ. As tension increases, and the inhibitory impulses increase, the inhibition of the motor neurons to the muscle creates excess tension and causes relaxation of the muscle. It is a protective mechanism to reduce muscle damage due to excessive tension.

Indications for Use of Stretching

• When ROM is limited because ST have lost their extensibility as the result of adhesions, contractures, and scar tissue formation, causing functional limitations or disabilities.


• When restricted motion may lead to structural deformities otherwise preventable


• When there is muscle weakness and shortening of opposing tissue


• As part of a total fitness program designed to prevent musculoskeletal injuries


• Prior to and after vigorous exercise to potentially minimize post-exercise muscle soreness.

Contraindications to Stretching

• When a bony block limits joint motion


• After a recent fracture before union is complete


• Whenever there is evidence of an acute inflammatory or infectious process (heat & swelling) or when soft tissue healing could be disrupted in the tight tissues and surrounding region


• Whenever a haematoma or other indication of tissue trauma is observed


• When hypermobility already exists


• When contractures or shortened soft tissues are providing increased joint stability in lieu of normal structural stability or neuromuscular control


• When contractures or shortened soft tissues are the basis for increased functional abilities, particularly in patients with paralysis or severs muscle weakness.

Types of stretching

1. Passive or assisted - sustained or intermittent external, end-range stretch force applied with overpressure elongates a shortened muscle-tendon unit and periarticular connective tissues by moving a restricted joint just past the available ROM. If patient relaxed it is Passive stretching. If the patient assists in moving the joint through a greater range it is assisted.


2. Self-stretching - (aka active stretching, flexibility exercises) independent stretching carried out after instruction and supervision


3. Neuromuscular Inhibition Techniques - ( aka PNF or facilitated stretching) reflexively relax tension in shortened muscles prior to or during stretching. MET used to stretch muscles and fascia and mobilize joints


4. Joint mobilization/manipulation - stretching techniques specifically applied to joint structures and used to stretch capsular restrictions or reposition a subluxed or dislocated joint.


5. Soft Tissue Mobilization and Manipulation - friction massage, myofascial release, acupressure and TP Therapy. Mobilize and manipulate connective tissue that binds down soft tissues


6. Neural Tissue mobilization - the Neural pathway is mobilized to release adhesions or scar tissue form around meninges, nerve roots, plexus or peripheral nerves.

Elements of stretching

Include alignment and stabilization. Intensity, speed, duration, frequency and mode of stretch; and the integration of neuromuscular inhibition and functional activities into stretching procedures.

Effect of poor Postural Support from Trunk Muscles - with total relaxation of the dynamic stabilizer muscles - the multifidus, rotatores, TA, internal obliques, and QL, the spinal curves become exaggerated and passive structural support is called on to maintain the posture. When there is continued end-range loading supporting tissues become more vulnerable to injury. Continued exaggeration of the curves leads to impaired muscle strength and flexibility. Muscles habitually kept in stretch tend to test weaker because of a shift in the length-tension curve - stretch weakness. Muscles kept in a habitually shortened position tend to lose their elasticity, they are strong only in the shortened position but become weak as they are lengthened - tight weakness.

Lateral shift correction

If the patient has lateral shifting of the spine, it should be corrected prior to flexion extension treatment for lower back pain.

Lateral shift correction when extension relieves discomfort -

standing on the side of the thoracic shift with the therapists hands clasped around the contralateral iliac crest and the shoulder against the patients elbow. Simultaneously pull the pelvis towards you while pushing the patient's thorax away. Continue with the lateral shifting if the curvature is reduced until normal curve is present.

Lateral shift correction when flexion relieves discomfort -

self-correction - standing whit the leg opposite the shift on a chair so the hip is in about 90 degrees of flexion. The leg on the side of the lateral shift is kept extended. Have the patient then flex the trunk onto the raised thigh and apply pressure by pulling on the ankle. Recheck the alignment and continue till pain reduction is greatest.

Exercise techniques and stretches to increase flexibility and ROM

Muscle strength or flexibility imbalance in the hip can lead to abnormal lumbopelvic and hip mechanics, which predisposes the patient to or perpetuates low back, sacroiliac or hip pain..

• To increase hip extension - prone press ups; Thomas test stretch; modified fencer stretch


• To increase hip flexion - bilateral knee to chest; unilateral knee to chest; Quadruped stretch; Chair (airline) stretch


• To increase hip abduction - V lying against wall knees extended butt against wall


• To increase hip abd & external rotation - sitting with soles of feet together hands on inner surface of the knees.

Lumbar stretching techniques

Increase lumbar flexion

Assisted stretching - cross-sitting. Patient lace the hands behind the neck, adduct the scapulae, and extend the thoracic spine. This locks the thoracic vertebrae. Have the patient then lean the thorax forward onto the pelvis, flexing only at the lumbar spine. Stabilize the pelvis by pulling back on the anterior-superior iliac spines.

Increase lumbar extension

Prone press-up (Self-stretching) - Prone, with hands placed under the shoulders. Patient to extend to elbows and lift the thorax up off the mat keeping the pelvis down. To increase the stretch force, the pelvis can be strapped to the treatment table, this exercise also stretches the hip flexor muscles and soft tissue anterior to the hip.

Increase Lateral Flexibility in the Spine

Used when there is asymmetric flexibility in side bending as well as in the management of scoliosis. They are used to regain flexibility in the frontal plane when muscle or fascial tightness is present with postural dysfunctions, designed to stretch hypomobile structures on the concave side of the lateral curvature. When stretching the trunk, it is necessary to stabilize the spine either above or below the curve.

Prone-Lumbar curve -

have the patient stabilize the upper trunk by holding onto the edge of the mat table with the arms. Therapist lifts the hips and legs and laterally bends the trunk away for the concavity.

Heel-sitting - Patient leans forward so the abdomen rests on the anterior thighs. The arms are stretched overhead bilaterally, and the hands are flat on the table. Then have the patient laterally bend the trunk away from the concavity by walking the hands to the convex side of the curve.

Neural Tension Impairments

If positive nerve tension signs are described by the patient while providing the history and positive signs are detected with testing maneuvers, techniques that are reported to mobilize components of the nervous system may be used to diminish the patient's symptoms.

Straight Leg Raise with Ankle Dorsiflexion -

• Once the position that places tension on the involved neurologic tissue is found, maintain the stretch position, and then move one of the joints a few degrees in and out of the stretch position, such as ankle plantar and dorsiflexion, or knee flexion and extension.


• Ankle dorsiflexion with eversion places more tension on the tibial tract


• Ankle dorsiflexion with inversion places tension on the sural nerve


• Ankle plantarflexion with inversion places tension on the common peroneal tract


• Adduction of the hip while doing SLR places further tension on the nervous system because the sciatic nerve is lateral to the ischial tuberosity; medial rotation of the hip while doing SLR also increases tension on the sciatic nerve


• Passive neck flexion while doing SLR pulls the spinal cord cranially and places the entire nervous system on a stretch.

Slump-sitting Stretch -

dorsiflex the ankle just to the point of tissue resistance and symptom reproduction. Increase and release the stretch force by moving one joint in the chain a few degrees, such as knee flexion and extension, or ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

Prone Knee Bend Stretch -

Prone neutral spine, pillow under treatment knee, and hips extended to 0 degrees. Flex knee to the point of resistance and symptom reproduction. Pain in the low back or neurological signs are considered positive for upper lumbar nerve roots and femoral nerve tension. Thigh pain could be rectus femoris tightness. It is important not to hyperextend the spine to avoid confusion with facet or compression pain. Flex and extend the knee a few degrees to apply and release tension.

Duration of stretch

• Despite extensive research there continues to be a lack of agreement on how long a single cycle of stretch should be held or how many cycles of stretch should be applied to achieve the most effective, efficient, and sustained stretch-induced gains in ROM.


• Duration most often refers to how long a single cycle of stretch is applied


• More than one repetition of stretch is referred as a stretch cycle and the cumulative time of all the stretch cycles is considered as aspect of duration.


• Long-duration referred to as static, sustained, maintained, prolonged


• Short term referred as cyclic, intermittent or ballistic.

Types of stretches

1. Static - most common term used to describe soft tissue lengthening. The duration 15 sec to several minutes when manual stretch or self-stretching employed.


2. Research shows static stretching is approx half that created during ballistic stretching.


3. Static Progressive stretching - Static stretch held until a degree of relaxation is felt by the therapist then lengthened further until a news end-range is felt. This capitalizes on the stress-relaxation properties of soft tissue.


4. Cyclic Stretching - short duration stretch forces that are repeatedly but gradually applied, released and then re-applied. Multiple stretches in a single treatment session. Held for 5-10 seconds but with no consensus on the optimum number of cycles in the treatment. Based on clinical experience, some therapists hold the opinion that end-range cyclic stretching is as effective and more comfortable for a patient than a static stretch.

Frequency of stretch -

• number of bouts per day or per week. Dependant upon -underlying cause


• Quality and level of healing


• The chronicity and severity of contracture


• Patients age


• Use of corticosteroids


• Previous response to stretch

Usually form two to five sessions for tissue healing and to minimize postexercise soreness. Ultimately dependent upon the clinical discretion of the therapist. Whatever frequency is decided upon the patient must utilize the new end-of-range into everyday tasks otherwise the connective tissue will return to the pre-stretched position.

Neuromuscular Inhibition and Muscle Elongation

Inhibition techniques increase muscle length by relaxing and elongating the contractile components of muscle. The sarcomere give will occur more easily when the muscle is relaxed, with less active resistance in the muscle as it is elongated. An advantage to the use of inhibition techniques prior to or during stretching is that muscle elongation is more comfortable for the patient.

Types -

1. Hold-relax or contract relax


2. Agonist contraction


3. Hold-relax with agonist contraction.

Stretch isolated muscles in their anatomic planes or opposite the line of pull of specific muscle groups rather than in combined diagonal patterns.

HR - prestretch, end-range, isometric contraction 10 sec followed by voluntary relaxation of the tight muscle. Then the limb is passively moved into its new range as the range limiting muscle is elongated.

AC - Deliberate and slow, concentric contraction of the muscle opposite the range limiting muscle. This causes reciprocal inhibition of the antagonist, and increases ROM.

HR with AC - use of a pre-stretch isometric contraction of the range limiting muscle in a lengthened position followed by a concentric contraction of the muscle opposite the range-limiting muscle.

For more information see http://www.yourmusculoskeletalspecialist.com

Simple Remedies For Arthritis Exposed

Are you having swells on your body? Unimaginable pains on your joints, Have u been Diagnosed lately and the doctors have referred you to see a specialists of some kind on arthritis?

Enough of the melodrama and straight down to terms like osteoarthritis, gout arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis some of these resort to deformation when this happens u have chronic arthritis and this is likely to occur as you age most commonly in your hips, knees, and fingers.

Arthritis; a degenerative joint disease commonly associated with severe pains. Arthritis comes in several forms and its pain pattern differs depending on its form and its location on the body One of its most common forms are Gouty Arthritis which is a form inflammation on the body, others are Osteoarthritis which is as a result of trauma to the joint, infection to the joint, age.

There are however several remedies or postulated methods to curb the effects, pains, and spread of the disease and one of such are physical therapy which entails exercise and dietary supplements/ weight control, exercising of the arthritic joint is highly encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and to the health of the entire body of the person. "Arthroplasty" a form of joint replacement surgery may be required in terms of an eroding arthritis condition.

Considering the extremely painful and irritating features of arthritis there's a considerable amount for the demand of cures and remedies but before dabbling into this there are certain issues to look out for. join me as we uncover these remedies. Getting to the roots of your pain problems can be overwhelming and in most cases of top priority, however the case may be , I would suggest exercise and natural supplements like krill or cod liver to improve the conditions as well as relieve your pains.

Arthritis & Joint Pain

Today almost every other person you talk too is living with daily joint pain. It does not matter what the age or physical shape of the person, daily pain seems to be a common complaint. Living with chronic pain can wear a person down, affecting energy levels, mood and overall stamina. The cause can vary however Arthritis is typically the root problem. Arthritis comes in more than 100 forms and one does not need to be of old age to have this debilitating disease. The cost of arthritis around the world is approx $400 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Let’s face it preventative health care is boring and as a result most individuals do not provide their body with nutritional supplements until they are sick or in pain. We do not eat properly to get the nutrition required and even if we attempt to do so there is very little in nutrients remaining once we cook our food at high temperatures. Therefore it is very important to begin to nourish our joints at a young age to prevent Arthritis however very often this is not done until we can no longer stand the pain.

The fight against Arthritis is to begin early in life with good nutrition. Good nutrition also means the taking of daily nutritional supplements along with a balanced diet. A person should begin to supplement the diet as early as 30 years of age to fend off Arthritis symptoms later in life. As we get older our joints begin to lose lubrication, this can also happen earlier due to an injury or excessive stress on the joints as a result of sporting activity or repetitive motion. Once the joint begins to lose moisture we experience the loss of flexibility, and an increase in inflammation which results in stiffness and pain. We need to preserve the cartilage and fluid in all of our joints to maintain flexibility and live an active life.

Once symptoms begin the first thing most people resort to is pain medication however this just masks the underlying problem and does not provide nourishment to improve lubrication to the affected area. Natural supplements Celadrin, MSM, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin have been on the market for years and commonly taken to alleviate arthritic symptoms. Taken in pill form these supplements may take up to several months before individuals begin to feel better therefore most people give up before they even begin to see results. Pills are required to be broken down by the digestive system before the necessary ingredients can be absorbed by the bloodstream and intestinal track and it may take that long to get enough of these ingredients into the body to be helpful. Gel-nutrition is a new natural alternative which takes these same proven ingredients and keeps them in a pre-hydrated state so that the body can quickly absorb them into the bloodstream for quick relief of pain and they begins to nourish the body and its joints with-in one hour after ingestion. Positive results have been seen with-in 4 to 72 hours depending on the individual. Now just imagine all 4 natural supplements combined into one powerful gel formula, no more need to take a hand full of pills each day.

Just exactly what are these ingredients and what do they do?

Celadrin – or cetyl myristoleate is a blend of cetylated fatty acids that provides lubrication to the joints. Blended, invented and patented by chemist Harry Diehl PhD cetyl myristoleate was found to circulate in the blood of mice and made them immune to arthritis. Celadrin may also act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

MSM – or methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring, organic, sulfur compound. Taken as a nutritional dietary source of sulfur, which is the 4th most abundant element in the human body, MSM is necessary for making and repairing cartilage. MSM has been shown to relieve pain as a result of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Glucosamine – is a small carbohydrate molecule which is naturally synthesized (produced) in the body. This synthesis declines with aging therefore the need to supplement. Glucosamine supports cartilage maintenance and strength therefore reducing and relieving joint pain.

Chondroitin – or chondroitin sulfate is naturally synthesized in the body and supports strong cartilage. Chondroitin protects existing cartilage by reducing water loss and by slowing the breakdown of the cartilage. Glucosamine and Chondroitin work together to protect the cartilage from wear and tear and help it maintain its strength.

As you can see each ingredient has its own job to do and how all 4 are necessary to maintaining healthy joints and reducing pain. To learn more about gel-nutrition visit [http://www.agelhealthandwellness.com].

My Story – The straw that broke the camels back was the day that I broke into tears at work over a situation that I found to be frustrating. Never in my 27 year career had I lost emotional control in my work environment. Growing up in a stiff British home very seldom did I ever lose emotional control over anything? The problem….chronic pain. After years of working on a computer that was not properly set up for my work station I had developed osteo-degenerative arthritis in my neck. I lived every day with a stiff neck, to the point that I had difficulty driving a vehicle and I was having weekly migraines. I was eating over the counter pain pills like they were candy and my doctor eventually put me on a pain medication called Vioxx. This drug was pulled off the shelves after I had taken it for 18 months and could no longer be prescribed. I spent over 2 years and thousands of dollars trying to get rid of the pain and put some mobility back into my neck. I worked with a message therapist, physio therapist and a chiropractor on a weekly basis to get the situation under control. Sound familiar to any of you. Well the pain became manageable however it never fully went away until I began to take a gel-nutrition formula which contained all of the above noted ingredients. The pain medication just masked the problem and all the therapy in the world was not going to put lubrication back into my joints, calm down the inflammation and strengthen the cartilage between my vertebrae. Now having said that, the therapy was also necessary to ease the muscle tightness which had happened around the affected area.

Like many I had tried MSM and Glucosamine in pill form however became impatient due to the slow results. People who are living with chronic pain want quick results even thought I fully realized this problem took years to create and would not be fixed over night. Today I am happy to say that I am pain free, even my ankles, which suffered many years of abuse from jogging and sport activity. My pain and stiffness eased after giving my body the proper nutrition for only 1 week. My symptoms were gone after 2 weeks.

Causes of Shoulder Joint Pain

There are many causes of shoulder joint pain. Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is necessary for a wide variety of movements, from very small movements to large wide range movements. Most of the time you do not think much about the shoulder joint, that is until pain interrupts your natural usage. At this point, you suddenly become quite aware of just how necessary proper shoulder joint function is to your daily life.

There are several reasons you may be experiencing shoulder joint pain and here are a few of the most common causes.

Over Exertion

Over exertion is going beyond your abilities and strength, and when applied to the shoulder area is generally considered an over use injury from repetitive motion. Many jobs and even some hobbies require constant use of the shoulder, which can quickly lead to over exertion and shoulder joint pain. You see, even though the shoulder is the most movable joint in the body it is the most susceptible to injury. The upper arm ball is larger than that shoulder socket and therefore is stabilized by tendons, ligaments and muscles, which can become torn or injured from repetitive use. You will often hear the terms tendonitis or bursitis in reference to this type of shoulder pain.

Injury

A traumatic injury to the clavicle, humerus or shoulder blade can result in a great deal of shoulder pain. If you experience a fall or other blows to the area, you will want to have your shoulder thoroughly checked out by a medical professional. For less serious injuries rest and relaxation may be all the treatment you need, however some situations may call for a brace or other medical intervention.

Dislocated

You may have seen movies where the hero suffers a dislocated shoulder and bravely puts it back into place. Well in the real world that is probably not very accurate, especially the very first time this happens. Dislocation occurs when the ball is forced out of the socket, most of the time due to trauma while the arm is extended above the shoulder. The area may swell, bruise, look deformed and hurt very badly, you will likely be unable to move the joint. Unfortunately, once you have dislocated your shoulder for the first time, it is more likely to happen again. This is why some people simply pop them back into place on their own, because they have become accustomed to the issue.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is pretty much, what it sounds like, a shoulder that will not move or is frozen in place. There may be some small range of movement but nothing significant. This occurs because the tissue around the area has become inflamed and irritated. Scar tissue from a severe injury or surgery can also lead to shoulder joint pain, and frozen shoulder.

What You Can Do

There are many things that can cause shoulder joint pain, from simple over use to extreme injury and sometimes-underlying medical conditions can be to blame. The best thing you can do when experiencing this type of pain is see a physician.

Not moving your shoulder due to pain or arthritis can lead to further problems such as frozen shoulder. Take care of your joints if you want them to take care of you. Consider using natural supplements to assist in recovery. Prescription medications (drugs) work on symptoms such as pain, while natural supplements work toward healing and pain relief.

The Pros and Cons of Hip Replacements

Following on from last week's letter about the best ways to prevent and treat the pain and symptoms of arthritis, I've received a number of emails from people worried about the effectiveness and problems connected with hip replacement surgery.

So, let's start with the facts: There are approximately 65,000 hip operations in the U.K. every year, all of which carry certain risks.

In the past, it was difficult for those under 60 to receive a new hip as the lifespan of the replacement was only 10 to 15 years which meant there was the probability of replacements in the future.

Thankfully, new techniques and materials can now provide a lifelong expectancy for the new hip. Added to that there are also many new preventative treatments used to reduce the risks of post-operative problems.

Blood clots and infections are the most common post-operative problems. These are normally treatable, but you should discuss all the potential problems that could arise with your surgeon.

You should be aware that:

According to NHS Direct, post operative infections can be as high as 10%.

2. A recent study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that blood clotting statistics after hip and knee replacement surgery were as follows:

O.25% suffered pulmonary embolism (obstruction of an artery by a clot of blood or an air bubble).
O.4% suffered painful symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
5.2 % suffered painless symptoms of deep vein thrombosis

*Also you must remember that all forms of hip replacement usually require a period of 18 to 24 months for the new hip to fully knit and this usually causes varying degrees of pain and discomfort during that time

TYPES OF HIP REPLACEMENT:

• Plastic socket and metal ball - this method is now becoming out dated because the plastic wears away over the years, leading to further replacements every 10 to 15 years.


• Metal on metal - The ball and socket are made from cobalt chrome and all the evidence shows that there is no significant wear and tear over time. Therefore, the new hip should last a lifetime. Some people have expressed fears about cobalt/chrome ions being released into the body, but as yet there is no evidence to support that.


• Ceramic on ceramic (aluminum oxide) - again, this will last a lifetime and has even less wear and tear than metal and has a minuscule risk of shattering. However, some experts believe that this is the best material for younger, more active patients.


• Hip resurfacing - Lasts for life, with no drilling into the femur required and it preserves the healthy bone. The new section is made from carbon hardened steel. Steve Backley, the Olympic javelin champion, had this procedure in 2005 and stated that it has allowed him to return to full and normal pain-free mobility.


• Magnetic Hip - A revolutionary new technique containing a magnet that helps the prosthetic last three times as long. It's currently undergoing laboratory testing and should start clinical trials on NHS patients within three years.

Once again, it is vitally important that you speak to your surgeon about all the options available.

If you are not completely satisfied with your surgeon's answers, then either insist on an official NHS printed list of possible risks, or utilise your right to ask for a second opinion.

Never forget you're the patient, its your body, its your life - don't be afraid to ask!

Obviously, as I've been saying all along, it's up to you to take care of your own health, especially your joints. This is vitally important if you want to ensure good health and mobility well into old.

For those of you that already feel the early onset of any arthritic hip problems, you must consult your doctor immediately and be proactive in treating the pain and dealing with lost tissue and grinding joints.

If you are middle aged , and especially if you have suffered from any sporting injuries or endured an arduous working life, you really must consider taking action now to stave off any joint problems, especially with your hips.

TOP TIPS FOR HIPS:

• Weight loss - I know its obvious, but relieving the stress on the joints is vital to retaining healthy tissue around the joint.


• Water exercise - The buoyancy of the water allows for comfortable movement and gentle exercise for the hip area.


• Hydrotherapy - A good physiotherapist can suggest a regime of warm water therapy that will alleviate pain and stress on the joint.


• Strengthening exercises - Again a good physiotherapist can help you to build up the muscles around the affected joint. This will help you with your posture and mobility.


• Artrosilium - Once again I would refer you to the all natural product Artrosilium that I mentioned here last week- its proven to help relieve the pain and even help rebuild lost tissue (and with no side effects!)
  


• I would recommend the regular application of Artrosilium combined with a daily dose of Arthritis Power Formula.

Together they provide a potent arthritis busting team that is completely natural and safe to take.

Remember that arthritis is a particularly cruel condition and can hit anybody at anytime, irrespective of your past physical history - arthritis does not discriminate!!!

5 Jaw Exercises for TMJ Relief

TMJ exercises help in improving the movements of the temporal bone and the mandible. The purpose of the exercises is to ensure that you are able to open and close your mouth without any difficulty, be able to move the jaw on both sides so that you do not have any difficulty while eating, drinking, smiling or making any other form of facial expression. TMJ involves several muscles and tissues that help in the smooth movement of the joint.

Given below are a few exercises that may help in getting rid of TMJ disorder.

1. In order to get relief from the pain, sit comfortably on a chair that has a strong back rest. Now, try and place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and in the same position try opening your mouth with your tongue. Now, breathe in slowly and after a few seconds exhale slowly and then close your mouth. Make sure that you repeat this exercise at least 8 to 10 times for a quick relief.


2. There are many people who suffer from shifting of the jaw to one side. For such people it is suggested that you stand in front of the mirror and see on which side your jaw has shifted. Then try and open your mouth straight. This can be pretty difficult and may require a lot of effort from your muscles on the affected side of the jaw. Try opening and closing your mouth at least ten times in a set and then take some rest. Repeat this thrice in a session.


3. The next exercise involves holding your fist to the damaged side of the jaw just below the TMJ by using a low force and holding it for a few seconds and then release. Do this exercise at least thrice so that you can get relief on both sides.


4. Next, open your mouth as wide as you can and put your fist to your chin and push it to open your mouth wider. Though it may hurt you a little it is worth the trouble.


5. Next, open your mouth wide and try to move your haw to the right side as many times as you can. Use your fingers to push your jaw to the right side. This will cause some movement in the jaw. Hold this position for a few seconds. Make sure that you do this exercise at least four times in a day.

The above mentioned are a few exercises that help in providing relief from TMJ disorder.

Arthritis and Your Pet - Symptoms, Treatment Options, Exercise and Diet

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis means "inflammation of the joint." Inflammation is characterized by swelling, stiffness, and pain. It is a common condition in older dogs and occasionally occurs in cats. This affliction can cause painful swelling and stiffness. Joints which are commonly affected include elbow, ankle, shoulders, and most often, hips.

Signs of Arthritis

Personality change
Limping
Lagging behind on walks
Difficulty sitting or standing
Resistant to touch
Weight gain
Moving stiffly or straight-legged gait
Weight gain
Sleeping more
Being less alert
Yelping in pain when touched
Hesitancy to jump, run or climb
Less interested in play

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis
Degenerative Joint Disease
Hip osteoarthritis - hip dysplasia
Elbow osteoarthritis - elbow dysplasia
Knee osteoarthritis - knee dysplasia
Knee (stifle joint)
Osteochondrosis
Hypertrophic arthritis
Shoulder (degeneration)
Wrist Arthritis (carpi)
Kneecap (dislocation)

What Should I do if I Suspect my Pet has Arthritis?

DO NOT try to give your pet human medication! Anti-inflammatories and Acetaminophen can be extremely dangerous for your pet. Acetaminophen is actually toxic for cats.

The first thing you should do is seek the advice of your veterinarian. He or she can help you find out what kind of arthritis your pet has by taking X-rays, blood tests, joint fluid tests, and sometimes MRIs. Though it is relatively uncommon, sometimes arthritis can be caused by a bacterial infection inside a joint or an autoimmune disorder.

Treatment Options

Depending on the breed, age, history, and weight of the pet, there may be alternatives to medication. Arthritis caused by hip, knee, or elbow dysplasia can sometimes be treated with surgery. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove bone chips. In large breed dogs veterinarians will sometimes replace the entire hip joint. In cats and smaller breeds, they may recommend removing the top of the upper leg bone. The leg muscles will compensate in most cases where this is done.

Many pet owners are moving to more holistic approaches to treating arthritis.

Some practitioners are supporting herbal supplements and antioxidant vitamins.

Acupuncture is also gaining popularity among pet owners for chronic pain.

Massage therapists can also give your pet relief. It is not wise to massage your pet unless you ask your vet to show you how first. You can hurt them if you are not sure where and how to message their muscles and joints.

What About Exercise?

You should always follow your vet's advice regarding exercising your arthritic dog. There is a fine line between your dog needing exercise and exercise that will overexert your pets joints. If you can find a doggy pool close to you, and your veterinarian agrees, water sports can be a wonderful source of exercise that does not stress inflamed joints.

Diet

As always, you want to be sure your dog is on a healthy diet, and especially if your pet has arthritis. Obesity adds to stress on the bones and joints, which adds to their discomfort.

Last but certainly not least, have you hugged your pet today?

Fractures and Back Pain - Who's at Risk?

Overview

Managing back pain due to back or hip injuries and fractures needs thorough assessment, diagnosis and immediate treatment. Having your back and bones thoroughly analyzed by a qualified medical professional is essential to increasing your chances of living a more normal life. The manner in which a doctor treats fracture-related back pain will be based on his evaluation of the type or mode of fracture incurred by the patient.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, patients aging 65 years or older are more prone to fractures, particularly hip, spine or back fractures. By 2050, the worldwide incidence of hip fracture is said to increase by 310% in men and 240% in women. Aside from osteoporosis, age, falls and injuries due to certain activities, bone disease, and post-operative conditions cause hip fracture and hip injuries causing back pain.

Who are At Risk?

Everyone is at risk of incurring fractures. However, people suffer increased risks with conditions like old age, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, type 2 diabetes patients and other diseases that make the bone porous, brittle and highly permeable. Unfortunately, falls and hip injuries are common on frail elderly patients, making hip fracture rehabilitation a primary concern. Elderly and other people like athletes and workers who are prone or highly likely to incur hip injuries must establish an ongoing communication with a qualified medical doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Types and Modes of Fractures

There are several types of fractures, which doctors consider before diagnosis is set:

* Comminuted fracture - is the condition where the bones fragment into several pieces.
* Oblique fracture - the bone breaks acquired a curved or sloping pattern.
* Impacted fracture - otherwise known as the buckle fracture, this is the type of fracture whose ends are driven into each other.
* Transverse fracture - the type of fracture forming a right angle to the bone's axis.
* Greenstick fracture - occurs when the bone is just bent and not fully broken.
* Other types of fracture include pathologic, compressed, avulsion, depressed, and spiral.

Modes of Hip Fractures

Only a few types of fractures are associated with hip injuries, which cause back pain. With that, several modes of hip fractures and considered to thoroughly evaluate the extent of injury:

* Intertrochanteric hip fracture is the type of fracture that does not involve or cause damage to the blood flow in the bone. It usually does not require hip replacement for treatment.
* Intracapsular hip fracture is the type of bone breakage that occurs within the capsule of the joint.
* Extracapsular hip fracture is the type of fracture that occurs at the articular extremity of the bone, which is outside the line of the attachment of the capsular ligament of the hip joint.

Causes of Fractures

Bone fracture can happen to anyone. It is typically caused by various types of trauma on the bone. Bone trauma may result from accidental falls, motor vehicle accidents or a disease that weakens the bone. Hence, hip and back injury, bone fracture may cause back pain, swelling, bruising and internal bleeding.

Assessment of Fracture Risks and Fracture Damage

The risks of getting fractures can be assessed by performing tests and evaluations on bone density, current medications taken, medical conditions, medical history or personal history, and lifestyle or work factors.

To assess actual fractures, doctors usually perform hematology tests and x-rays to evaluate and locate the fracture area. X-ray results will guide them in locating the breaks on the bones while hematology tests help them spot the decreases in HCT and Hgb, which indicative the severity of damage incurred. Doctors may assess the condition by evaluating the pain experienced from motion and the tenderness, immobility, deformity, crepitus, ecchymosis, edema and paresthesia or creeping, tingling and pricking sensations observed and experienced on the affected site.

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology is performed to perform further assessment of fractures, determining certain aspects like time and amount of stress applied on the bones, causing it to break. This way, doctors will be able to localize the tissues surrounding the injury and prevent complications like muscle spasms, edema, hemorrhage, ecchymosis, nerve compression and more.

On Back Pain

Pain is rather common with bone fractures or with the disturbance in the permanence of the bone. In addition to the tingling and pricking sensations felt with the injury, the inflammation and other forms of damage caused by the fracture on the surrounding tissues result to pain. Any type of bone fracture must receive immediate treatment to prevent back pain and chronic and often dangerous complications. The pain caused by fractures might be indicative of more serious conditions, which might pose serious health risks.

Tests for Back Pain

Accurate assessment and proper management of fractures are essential to relieving back pain. Since back pain is a common complication of fractures, diagnostic tests may be performed to effectively manage pain. Initially, patients will be put under physical examination where general inspection of posture, level of distress and range of movement causing back palpitation and pain will be performed.

Plan of Management

Rehabilitative exercises and proper diet and the two things involved in managing fractures and back pain. Performing stretching, ROM and isometric exercises are also helpful in minimizing back pain and gradually increasing movement over the affected area. Pay attention to your routine to prevent further bone damage. In general, a well-balanced diet and vitamin supplementation are important in getting adequate nutrition.

Prevention

Pay attention to your fitness and training routine. Make sure that you do proper warm ups and stretching before going over your reps. To prevent progressive bone loss or degradation, which increase the risk of fractures, taking preventive regimens like vitamin D, calcium and biphosphonate supplements is advised. People who have higher risks of getting hip fracture or hip injury must undergo a muscle strengthening and balance training program. This is particularly helpful to older people. Wearing hip protectors with force-diverting and force-absorbing padding makes a fine investment among the elderly.

Warning

Any type or mode of fracture demands immediate medical attention. Similarly, consulting your doctor when you experience back pain is essential in accurately determining its cause. Once you experience back pain that spreads down the legs, accompanied with numbness and tingling sensations, consult your doctor. These are common red flags of possibly more serious conditions or complications.

TMJ Detection - How To Tell If You Have A TMJ Symptom

TMJ is a common health problem that affects areas such as head, neck, shoulders, jaw and the back. It is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the jaw. TMJ is basically caused by an inflammation in the jaw, which eventually causes a TMJ symptom you might or might not notice.

Some patients do not feel any symptoms of their TMJ condition at all. However, it is important to find treatment right away, since TMJ does not only affect the jaw.

TMJ Symptoms

One of the first things you may notice when you have TMJ is feeling a particular soreness in your facial muscles or jaws upon waking up in the morning. You may find that you have a hard time opening and closing your mouth, or biting properly. These conditions make it especially difficult for you to chew or eat certain types of food. TMJ can also impair speech to a certain degree, as the jaw tends to lock or experience too much tension.

You may notice that, along with the impairment of physical function are sounds you may notice in your jaw like clicking and popping. Grinding sounds can also occur as you start to grind your teeth to find a good bite. Grinding can occur at night when you are sleeping, so if your roommate or partner tells you about this the next day, then may have the condition.

The Visible Symptoms

Visible symptoms would include the jaw protruding from the patients face. If you need to physically pull your jaw backwards towards your ears just to have a comfortable bite, then you may have a TMJ symptom. When you have TMJ, your body reflexes by using your chewing muscles to tow your jaw forward.

If the case becomes worsened your head may start to lean forward as your anterior neck muscles gradually stretch. This can give you overall bad posture.

The more obvious sign and symptom of TMJ is if the areas around your mouth become red and swollen. Another obvious sign is having an unbalanced lip position and a prominent facial fold under the chin.

Symptoms Of Other Conditions

The problem with TMJ is that it can cause other conditions. Symptoms can be experienced in linked conditions such as headaches and ringing in the ears, since the head and ears are one of the closest body parts to the affected jaw. You may feel constantly dizzy or develop sleeping disorders because of the discomfort.

TMJ symptom can cause you to experience back pains and even difficulty swallowing/breathing. You may also develop cervical problems including pain and discomfort in the cervix, since a TMJ pain can gradually be found below the head and neck.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis That You Should Know

Physical, occupational, nutritional therapies are the non-pharmacological ways to combat the disease. Analgesia or pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs like azathioprine, gold salts, leflunomide, minocycline etc are being prescribed these days to control the progression of the disease. The disorder can also be tackled the natural way and through home based remedies.

The patient should carry out the treatment by balancing the commercial medicines along with natural remedies. This is to be done in order to escape to some extent the harmful side effects of toxins in the commercial medicines. Here are some natural ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Light stretching exercise to mobilize affected joints is essential. Mobilization will reduce stiffness at the joint. If the joints attacked by rheumatoid arthritis are left idle and inactive, the problem of stiffness will only worsen. Heavy impact exercises like jumping, running, skiing etc are to be avoided.

2. Food items rich in Omega3 fatty acids, Gamma-linolenic acid should be consumed by rheumatoid arthritis patients. Cold water fishes like salmon, sardines, anchovies etc are rich in omega3 acids. Even fish oil capsules available in market can serve the purpose. Sea food diet thus is highly recommended as a cure for rheumatoid. Borage oil, black currant seed oil, primrose oil are rich sources of gamma-linolenic acids. Raw vegetable juices like that of celery, carrot, and beet can prove beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation.

3. Magnesium and copper supplements can prove beneficial.

4. Cupping therapy, a remarkable form of alternative treatment in Chinese medicine, proves to be an effective natural way of treating rheumatoid arthritis. The therapy reduces pain, inflammation, boosts up blood circulation and helps in getting rid of inflammation causing toxins.

5. Orthotic devices like braces, splints can be worn for acquiring easy mobility. They help in giving support to ailing joints.

6. Turmeric, dry ginger, boswellia, guggul are beneficial herbs that can treat the problem of pain and inflammation due to rheumatoid.

7. Green tea extracts may also bring some relief.

8. Ointments like Ben Gay and capsaicin creams may be rubbed on the ailing joints to get pain relief.

9. Smoking and consumption of caffeine are to be strictly avoided.

Rumatone Gold Capsules and Massage Oil are unique proprietary blend of natural ingredients to ease pain and stiffness due to rheumatoid arthritis. These supplements taken in a regular and disciplined way greatly help in relieving rheumatoid arthritis pain. As these supplements are made of plant-based herbal ingredients, they are safer and natural way to treat the problem.

Natural Pain Relief Safety and Benefits

Pain can be experienced as a result of old age, physical illness, extensive exercise, overwork, heavy lifting, strained muscles or broken bones. Pain triggers a region of the brain known as the lateral occipital complex, reducing a person's ability to concentrate and accurately recognize images, i.e. our ability to think and perceive properly. Pain also interferes with our ability to cope with life emotionally, e.g. sadness, irritation and perhaps depression and hopelessness. Supermarkets and pharmacies have aisles and aisles of pills, powders and bandages to help with pain relief. Some common pain relief medication can cause mild side effects like drowsiness or nausea. Other pain relief medications are prescribed and can have even more serious side effects. Drugs like vicodin and percocet are prescription, heavy duty narcotic pain relief pills that are addictive and dangerous if not taken carefully. New studies suggest those drugs that block pain could also be stimulating receptors that cause pain as well.

A safer option for society's pain relief is the variety of all natural products. These all natural products aid in pain relief for muscle and joint pain, as well as relax the body for a general improvement of the body and soul. Some examples of natural pain relief products are vitamins, supplements, herbs, ointments, creams and even bath formulas to reduce inflammation

Both glucosamine and chondroiton are a nutritional approach to maintaining the fluids needed to lubricate joints and cartilage. . Glucosamine is an amino found in the body that stimulates growth of new cartilage and can also help to reduce joint pain. People using glucosamine experienced as much pain relief as those taking over-the-counter medications. Antioxidants such as glutathione can help tissue recover from inflammation. The antioxidant acetyl-cystine, a precursor to glutathione, can reduce pain from nerve damage. There are widely known natural and herbal remedies for pain relief. These include varying amounts and combinations of "Devil's Claw", Willow Bark, Boswellia, Camomile, Bromelain, Oil of Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Nettle leaf, St. John's Wort, arnica gel, celadrin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, msm and natural pain relief formulas to reduce neuropathic pain.

Bromelain is particularly useful for reducing muscle and tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid. Supplements are made from enzymes found in the pineapple stem. Bromelain is believed to be an effective blood thinner and anti-inflammatory that works by breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein that can interfere with good circulation and stop tissues from releasing used material and toxins properly. Bromelain also blocks the production of compounds that can cause swelling and pain. When inflammation is reduced, blood can move more easily to a traumatized area, Bomelain can help reduce muscle and joint pain, reduce swelling, bruising, redness and drain excess fluid from the injured area.

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common experiences for people with chronic pain. It may not always be that the pain itself prevents a good night's sleep. Some studies suggest that poor sleep makes the pain worse. In fact, one study in healthy men found they grew more sensitive to painful stimuli when deprived of sleep. There are many natural sleep aids available to facilitate a good night's sleep that do not carry the risk of morning after drowsiness, dependence, or impaired thinking or physical ability.

As mentioned earlier, pain can also interfere with one's ability to cope emotionally, concentrate, and perceive properly. Pain may arouse fear, sadness, irritation, moderate depression and decrease one's ability to give and hold attention. There are a wide variety of natural supplements and formulas to help increase oxygen and serotonin to our brain to help us remain calm and alert. These natural supplements include may also be pain relieving as well as mood enhancing at the same time e.g. St. John's Wort, acytl-cystine, and other antioxidants and amino acids that improve general circulation and promote healing as well as enhancing brain function.

Hydrotherapy, i.e. the use of water for relieving stress, tension, and muscle aches, is an ancient and widely used form of natural pain relief. There are natural elements that can be added to our warm, soaking baths to increase water's natural ability to relieve pain. There are also many aromatherapy bath products, e.g. sea salts, minerals, and oils, that not only help with pain relief but also provide therapeutic aromas that help soothe our emotional well being and emotional ability to cope with pain.

There are many topical and ingestion natural supplements and formulas available to help us relieve and cope with pain. These natural substances do not present a risk of harmful or unwanted side effects e.g. dependence, drowsiness, pain increase, etc., as do some prescription synthetic drugs. Natural pain relief supplements can actually help eliminate the source and cause of pain, i.e. aid healing, as well as reducing the feeling and experience of pain. Often natural pain relief supplements provide additional benefits, beyond pain relief, for improving our overall health in general.

The 5 Trigger Points of Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom, or group of symptoms, caused by any number of conditions which compress the sciatic nerve. The main symptom of sciatica is pain radiating from the lower back or buttocks, down the back of the thigh. Pain may travel as far as the calf muscles. There may also be associated tingling, numbness or weakness.

There are numerous conditions which may cause sciatic pain. These include a lumbar disc herniation (also known as a slipped disc, or herniated disc); spinal canal stenosis; sacroiliac joint dysfunction and piriformis syndrome.

Sciatic pain can also be caused by trigger points (T.P's) within the gluteal (buttock) muscles. This is sometimes referred to as myofascial pain.

A trigger point is also sometimes known as a muscle knot. They are hypersensitive points within a tight band of muscle which often refer pain throughout the area they are found in. T.P's can be felt as small, tender lumps within a muscle, which when compressed, often cause pain which may radiate elsewhere and a twitch response in the muscle.

What are the 5 trigger points of Sciatica?

Sciatic pain radiating into the hamstrings can be caused by trigger points found in the buttock muscles.

Sciatica caused by T.P's develops gradually with no specific point of injury; there may be a cramping or tight sensation in the buttocks or hamstrings and tenderness when pressing these muscles. There is not usually any lower back pain, walking and even running may be pain free and strength is rarely affected.

The 5 T.P's which most commonly cause sciatic pain are described here:

1, 2 & 3: Gluteus Medius

Gluteus medius is one of the three Gluteal muscles ('glutes') which form each buttock. They are responsible for extending, abducting and laterally rotating the hip joint.

Gluteus medius is found just below the Iliac crest. There are three common T.P's in this muscle which can refer pain into the posterior thigh. They are located at the origin of the muscle, all three in a row, just below the iliac crest.

4: Tensor Fascia Latae

TFL (as it is shortened to) is a small muscle found on the outer hip. It attaches to the front of the iliac crest and descends downwards to converge with the IT band on the outer thigh.

A trigger point can often be found in the superior half of the muscle, which radiates pain inferiorly, down the IT band and lateral hamstrings.

5: Piriformis

The Piriformis muscle is a small muscle found deep within the centre of the buttock. It originates from the Sacrum and crosses horizontally to the head of the Femur (thigh bone).

It is strongly associated with Sciatica as a condition called Piriformis syndrome can also cause sciatic symptoms. However, this is an actual compression of the nerve caused by muscle tension or an anatomical variation where the nerve passes through the Piriformis muscle (rather than behind it). This occurs in around 10% of the population.

This is not the same as a Piriformis trigger point which does not affect the sciatic nerve at all, but radiates the pain into the hamstrings in a similar fashion.

The most common trigger point found within the Piriformis muscle is in the muscle belly, slightly towards the insertional tendon. This trigger point will refer pain into the outer buttock and down the back of the thigh.

Trigger Point Therapy

There has been lots of research undertaken into the best treatment of trigger points. Acupuncture (or dry needling) and ischemic pressure have been shown to be the most effective.

Acupuncture is the insertion of a needle into the trigger point. The small needle is inserted into the trigger point and left in place for a few minutes. During this time, the muscle gradually relaxes and lengthens. 3-4 sessions of dry needling are usually required to eliminate the trigger point.

Ischemic pressure is the application of direct pressure to the trigger point, with enough pressure to temporarily cut off blood flow to the TP (ischemic = no blood!). The aim of this technique is to stimulate receptors in the muscle which regulate its tension, to reduce the muscle tone. This pressure also provides an analgesic (pain relief) effect due to the release of pain mediating substances. Once the pressure is released, a sudden influx of blood to the point helps to flush out any waste products and bring the required nutrients for healing.

Following either technique, it is recommended that the muscles treated are stretched thoroughly to reset the muscle spindle length.

To conclude, if you are suffering from sciatic pain which had no specific point in time when the pain first developed and you have no lower back pain, consider trigger point therapy to your glute muscles. This simple form of treatment can ease pain in a large number of sciatic patients.