Sciatica and Pain Relief

Sciatica is a pain that affects millions of people throughout the world. It’s one of those types of pains that shoots through your body and feels like a lightning rod. It often manifests itself around your hip area and can be constant and nagging, causing many people to lose sleep. It is not one of those types of pains that should be ignored.

The term sciatica represents a pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. It is one of the longest nerves in our body. The word “sciatic” comes from Latin word which means hip. The sciatic nerve because it’s so long that the pain can extend from your buttocks all the way down to your toes. In fact, this is how many people explained the pain that they feel, which often makes it difficult to diagnose the cause of the problem by a doctor.

When a patient visits a doctor to resolve their problem he/she must trace back the origin of the pain in order to treat the root of the problem. But as mentioned before the sciatic nerve branches out into many parts of the body, through one’s muscles, joints, and tissue. Tracing back the origin of the problem is a tedious and somewhat trial and error method. It is best for the patient to work with the doctor in explaining how long and how far the pain continues.

There are many reasons how sciatica comes about. For example, a person lifting something improperly could cause a misalignment in vertebrae, which then could lead to sciatic pain. In addition, many people sit in front of the computer for long periods of time in an improper position, this could also cause sciatica pain.

Chiropractors have been known to do a very good job in treating sciatica. The doctors thoroughly investigate where the pain begins and check the alignment of the vertebrae in your back. With that in mind, the doctor can trace the areas in which the pain is being propagated. Thus, the chiropractor can then present to the patient the best options to reduce sciatic pain. Exercise and manipulation are often recommended.

Gonstead Chiropractic Technique Explained

Imagine the irony of attempting to correct problems of the musculoskeletal system without trying to identify the source of the problem. In many cases that is how injuries and pain are treated. Pain is treated with medicine that numb the body’s senses and surgery is performed before the root of the problem is identified.

On the other hand, chiropractors who practice using the Gonstead Technique address the whole problem, rather than only treating symptoms or making adjustments that only represent short-term solutions. The Gonstead Technique not only relies on the expert hands of trained chiropractors to help patients, but also helps the body heal without the use of expensive equipment, painful surgery or medications that may result in side-effects.

The practice of Gonstead Chiropractor was developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead (1898-1978). According to a 2003 ranking by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Gonstead Technique is the fifth most popular treatment among chiropractors, with just over half (57.2%) of chiropractors using the treatment.

Here is how the Gonstead Technique works. Chiropractors gather a clear understanding of spinal misalignments in each patient using a serious of tests and evaluations. Since the human body is unique and never exactly the same between two people, every patient will have a different set of misalignments. The chiropractor will determine which alignments to correct first and which to address later. They will deliver a very specific adjustment to correct the problem at its source. Correcting the wrong misalignment can cause the spine to compensate in other areas and create other problems.

A Gonstead Chiropractor will adjust the neck with the patient sitting upright as opposed to lying down. A Gonstead chiropractor will also use their hands to perform the adjustment as opposed to an instrument called an activator.

This technique is so and effective that the first Gonstead clinic in Wisconsin would see hundreds of patients a day. The reputation of this clinic spread world wide and today the clinic is over 22,000 square feet with a waiting room to seat 100 people. Not all chiropractors offer the Gonstead Technique because of the time needed to master — and subsequently demonstrate — competency in the method. Yet, as already noted, a study found that more than half of chiropractors believe in the Gonstead Technique.

The GCSS is also charged with validating the technique through continued research and data collection.

The Gonstead Method differs from other approaches by chiropractors because if offers a thorough analysis of a patient’s spine that encompasses five areas:

• Visualization, which cross reference all findings in a patient’s posture and movement which could indicate problems
• Instrumentation through the use of the Nervoscope, a device which detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which alerts chiropractors to inflammation and nerve pressure
• Static Palpation, a feeling of the spine that detects problems
• Motion Palpation – This also involves feeling the spine as it moves in different directions
• X-Ray Analysis

For more information about the Gonstead Technique, talk to our Fremont chiropractors. Discover Chiropractic is located in Fremont, Ca and Union City, Ca.

Will I Ever Be Normal Again?

Chiropractor patient results vary. At Discover Chiropractic in Fremont, CA, many patients report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their normal lifestyles. Those who neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After the initial care plan is complete, patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.

Dr. Hans Freericks of Discover Chiropractic can be contacted at 510-797-4796 if you have more questions.

How Long After Seeing A Chiropractor Until I’ll Feel Better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief after seeing a chiropractor. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctors’ recommendations.

If you are in the Fremont, CA area, please visit our Fremont chiropractors at Discover Chiropractic. Dr. Hans Freericks can be reached at 510-797-4796.