Not All Leg Pain Is Sciatica
Houston Chiropractor Comments: The internet is a wonderful thing … if used correctly. New patients show up for their consultations and examinations at our Houston, Texas office with a wealth of healthcare knowledge that they have learned online. They can enter their symptoms online and a variety of health websites will diagnose their condition and give them a list of possible treatments.
This can work sometimes, but other times … not so well.
A common problem that I see is that all patients with leg pain assume that they have sciatica. Some have even been diagnosed by other doctors or therapists. Luckily, this is not the case.
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica most often happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots. This happens “upstream” from the sciatic nerve.
An easy way to determine if it is sciatica or just referred pain from the lumbar spine or pelvis is if the pain radiates down past the knee. Only nerve pain will cross two joints, in this case the hip and knee. If the pain stops in the hamstring or the front of the thigh, it is not sciatica. Usually, the sciatic patient will present with a sharp pain on the outside of their calf.
Another aspect of sciatica is that it is typically only on one side. If the pain radiates down both legs, it is usually caused by some other condition.
If it is a mild case of sciatica, you can usually treat the condition by yourself with a combination of ice/heat, over-the-counter pain medication, and stretching. The stretches that I suggest can be found in the video I’ve shared below . Walking is also beneficial since it allows motion of the spine, pelvis, and legs. This allows the body to release endorphins and reduce inflammation.
If the sciatica is more severe or does not respond to the above treatment, I have noted while treating patients for 35 years in my Clear Lake City office, that proper chiropractic care gives the best and most lasting relief. With a careful examination and the correct chiropractic treatment, I have noticed that most patients have significant relief in 1-3 visits over a 1-week period-of-time and resolution of the complaint in 1-month.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Manipulation vs. Mobilization
Houston Chiropractor Comments: I recently had a prior patient return for treatment of her low back pain. Her HMO doctor had referred her to physical therapy (PT) for treatment of her pain and she went there. She had asked to be referred to my Clear Lake City, TX office, but her GP stated that chiropractors and PT’s treat low back pain the same so he would not refer her to my office.
The visit at the physical therapy clinic started out the same as most clinics. She had an examination followed by some therapy. After the therapy was completed, she asked about getting her back adjusted.
That is when she found out about the difference between chiropractic manipulation or adjustments and PT mobilization.
A chiropractic manipulation is typically a high velocity end range technique. A PT mobilization typically takes a joint through their range of motion, but does not take the joint beyond its end range.
The chiropractic manipulation requires a lot more skill to deliver the correct treatment. It usually requires several thousand adjustments before a chiropractor can determine the exact amount of force and speed to manipulate patients of any age correctly.
The mobilization usually is slower in speed and does not go through the full joint range of motion. They typically consist of slow, rhythmical, oscillating techniques similar to stretching.
After 3 visits with the PT my patient had not seen any improvement, so she decided to pay out of pocket to see me. After the first chiropractic manipulation she had a 50% reduction in pain and it was completely relieved in 3 visits.
Both of these treatments have their place, but they are not the same and neither are the results.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Chiropractor Near Me
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: I am old enough to remember when new patients to my office were either referred by their friends, family member, or co-worker. Phonebooks were merely a way for people to look up your phone number without calling information.
That all changed in the early 1990’s. First, insurance companies started switching to managed care plans. With these plans, patients first looked to see if you were on their HMO or PPO list. Then they would see if you were near their home or work for convenience.
Next came the internet. Now patients could look up all the information about a provider or clinic. This made looking for a doctor easier. You could get all the information that you wanted (and some that you didn’t want) at the push of a button. As time progressed, you could read blogs about specific questions that you had or videos to see the correct way to stretch.
Now we have reached a time where people are choosing a doctor of chiropractic simply based off their Google or Yelp reviews or because they came up #1 on a search for “Chiropractor Near Me”.
It has been an interesting journey for sure. Luckily, we have blogs covering almost any topic and YouTube videos to show common stretches. We have also been blessed with wonderful patients who have written hundreds of reviews.
In addition, when you type “Chiropractor Near Me” and you live in Houston, Clear Lake, Webster, Friendswood, Pearland, Seabrook, or Pasadena, we come up at the top of the list. We are always ready to help you experience the pleasure of health.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
The Supplements That I Take
Houston Chiropractor Comments: I get asked frequently, “What supplements do you take?” I try to eat a healthy diet with a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, but I still take supplements to make sure that I receive all the nutrients that my body needs.
Multivitamin
The number one thing that I take is a general multivitamin. This will usually cover the minerals and essential vitamins that my body will require. This is beneficial since at times my diet may be lacking in one or more essential nutrients and this helps to support various bodily functions.
Probiotic
The second supplement that I take is a probiotic. This helps to promote a healthy balance of flora in your gut. This will aid in digestion, boost your immunity, and help to prevent gas and bloating.
Vitamin D
While some people get their vitamin D from sunshine, people working indoors or not spending time outside need to take a supplement to get their daily requirements. This will help with your bones, heart, mood, and immune system.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
This will commonly be called a fish oil supplement. This will aid in reducing inflammation in the body as well as helping with heart, brain, and joint health.
Supplements alone will not correct a poor diet. You should also eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and sleep, and periodically receive chiropractic care. Experience the pleasure of health.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Can Chiropractic Help Menstrual Cramps
Houston Chiropractor Comments: An unfortunate problem for some women is that of dysmenorrhea. This is the occurrence of painful menstrual cramps of uterine origin. More than half of women experience some degree of discomfort with their periods. Up that 15% of women with dysmenorrhea find the discomfort so severe and debilitating that they stay home from school or work to recuperate.
Typical medical treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or oral contraceptives. Other treatments used by patients include lying on a heating pad, gentle exercise, or abdominal massage.
Articles published in the NIH National Library of Medicine show that chiropractic spinal manipulation can help reduce the cramps. As the lower spine is manipulated, there is an increase in the blood flow to the pelvic area. This is believed to cause the relief. In addition, spinal manipulation helps to release endorphins that help to reduce pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance your sense of well-being.
This is one of the many amazing benefits of chiropractic care. Let us help you experience the pleasure of health.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Common Chiropractic Myths
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: I am always surprised by the chiropractic myths that still persist in 2024. Even though chiropractors perform 1 million adjustments in the USA each day, people still do not know the truth about chiropractic.
The most frequent comment that I hear is a fear of getting their necks adjusted. People think that if they get their neck adjusted, they will either have a stroke or get their neck broken. Millions of adjustments are performed each year to the cervical spine (neck) with no complications. The only way that a neck could break during a chiropractic manipulation is if there was already an underlying problem in the cervical spine such as cancer. During the exam and after reviewing x-rays, a doctor of chiropractic would diagnose this and refer the patient out for proper care. People having strokes present to the office with vascular dissection already occurring. During the exam, a modern chiropractor notes these findings and complaints and refers the patient to the emergency room instead of treating them.
Another myth is that patients believe that they have to be referred to a doctor of chiropractic from their medical physician. This is only true for HMO’s. For most patients, we are considered a primary care provider. Just like MD’s and DO’s the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) does not need a referral to treat a patient. This is different from a PT who needs a referral from a treating doctor.
A third myth is that once you go to a doctor of chiropractic, you will have to go the rest of your life. For most patients, when they come in with pain or a complaint, their chiropractor will give them a treatment plan that will explain what will happen on each visit and how long it will take. After their problem is resolved, they will be discharged. Some patients will stay with chiropractors for maintenance care because they feel better with regular adjustments. This is similar to going to your PCP for physicals and wellness visits.
A fourth myth is that chiropractors are not trusted by other doctors. This was more common in the late 1980’s when I began practicing. Over the last couple of decades, this opinion has changed greatly. Most doctors have a better understanding of what we do and the great results that we obtain. I personally have several dozen doctors and dentists as patients. Sometimes the doctors refer to us in hopes of preventing surgery or limiting the medications that a patient might need and sometimes it is for a pregnant woman hoping to avoid bedrest or to turn a breach baby. The doctors that are unaware of what we do are changing their minds once they are educated on what chiropractic is.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
How To Maintain Your Wrist Health While on a Computer
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Anyone who has spent time typing on a computer knows that it can make your forearms sore, your wrists achy, and even lead to tingling and numbness in your hand.
The modern office / school environment has people spendings hours every day on a keyboard. This leads to a variety of aches and pains. People present to our Houston, Texas office wearing wrist braces and being told that they need injections or even possible carpal tunnel release surgery.
In addition, they have tried using different keyboards, wrist pads, and even changing their keyboard location.
Most of the time, after examining the patient, we find that it is actually tight muscles from holding the wrists at an unnatural position for hours at a time. The problem is usually resolved with a couple sessions of therapy and then showing the patient how to stretch the wrist correctly so that the problem does not reoccur.
Here is a video for our home stretching program.
Click here for more videos like this one!
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Chiropractic Care For Kids
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: Pediatric chiropractic is something that often surprises patients. Some patients who grew up going to the chiropractor think that it is perfectly normal to bring their infants and young children in for regular care. Other patients wonder why someone so young needs treatment.
Newborns and young children can have a variety of issues that require chiropractic care. Some newborns are seen as a result of a birth trauma. A prolonged delivery or the use of forceps to extract the child may result in a torticollis or wry neck. Some parents just want to make sure that their child’s spine is aligned correctly without any joint adhesions or restrictions.
As the children grow older, patients find that they notice that they have a stronger immune system. They realize that they don’t get earaches as often…if at all. Their breathing issues, such as asthma, lessen. Their digestion improves.
Since a lot of childhood health issues lessen or are alleviated with chiropractic care, the children require less medication. Since the body is not being subjected to repeated cycles of medication such as antibiotics, when the child is prescribed medication…it works better.
If you are looking for a natural, drug-free form of healthcare to boost the quality of your child’s health, then chiropractic is your answer. While chiropractic will not alleviate all childhood illnesses, when a doctor of chiropractic works with an open-minded pediatrician, you will find that your child will miss less school, be healthier, and able to reach their maximum potential.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
How To Improve Your Health And Fitness In 2024
Houston Chiropractor Comments: As a new year begins, people have goals of improving themselves. A common goal is to improve one’s health and fitness. As a doctor of chiropractic, this is the one that I hear about the most.
To help your spine and prevent injuries you should do activities that increase your strength and your flexibility.
For anyone who has been a patient of mine, I always emphasize flexibility. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to sprain or strain a muscle or ligament. Some good ways to increase your flexibility is through stretching, Pilates, yoga, or tai chi. The benefit of this is to allow the muscle and joint to go through their full range of motion. Like the adage “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” that is true of your muscle and ligament elasticity.
To strengthen your body, you need to do any activity that makes you work harder than normal. You can either use your body weight for exercises or use some form of resistance. For body weight training you can do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, cycling, or stair climbing. For resistance exercises you can use weights or resistance bands.
Gradually build up the time that you are strengthening your body. Have a goal of performing the exercises and stretches both for at least 20 minutes 3 times a week. Mix in some aerobic activities such as walking or running for 20 minutes a day and you will have a good foundation for your health and fitness.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Do Weather Patterns Worsen Your Pain
Houston Chiropractor Comments: In the fall and winter, when weather changes quickly and often in Texas, patients ask if it is true that weather causes joint pain. It is not an old wives’ tale, it is true.
People with arthritis and joint conditions can tell you when the weather is going to change. They will tell you that they feel it in their bones. Cold and damp weather can aggravate joint pain, especially in people with arthritic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, or even post-traumatic arthritis.
The main reason for this seems to be a dropping of the barometric pressure. This decreasing pressure allows the tissues in the body to swell. This can irritate your joints. This pain is felt even more if the change in pressure is very rapid, such as when a rain or cold front blows in rapidly.
A cold front will worsen the symptoms due to a constricting of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
To help minimize this weather induced pain, there are a few things that you can do.
First, receive regular chiropractic care and stretch. This will help decrease the pressure on the joints and make sure that the muscles are pulling evenly. Second, stay warm. Dress warmly and if needed, warm up your car before driving. Minimize your joint swelling by wearing compression gloves and stockings and use ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications. Finally, stay active. Remember that movement is medicine. This will keep the synovial fluid moving in your joints.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
