Acupuncture & Sciatica Pain

By Kevin Dai L.Ac.

Understanding sciatica pain

For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others , the pain from sciatica might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body , and the pain often radiates from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.

Be Careful If You Have One Of These Symptoms

* Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting
* Burning or tingling down the leg
* Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
* A constant pain on one side of the rear
* A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

If you’ve had radiating leg pain and have been told that you need drugs, surgery, or worse yet, if you’re waiting for your pain to “just go away,” you need a second opinion !

You don’t have to suffer needlessly from sciatic pain and you shouldn’t depend on drug to get the relief you’re looking for. Drugs only mask the symptoms; they can’t correct your root problem.

It’s time for you to choose a more effective and safer way !

You Can Count on Acupuncture !

In Western medicine terms it has been discovered that the needling of the acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system to release endorphins which are the body's own powerful pain reducers. But it also causes the release of other chemicals and hormones in the body,
which improve energy levels , restore biochemical balance and stimulate the body's natural healing potential. All of this promotes physical and emotional well being.

What Causing Your Sciatic Pain ?

* Improper lifting
* Cumulative spinal stress
* Sudden impact or trauma
* Old injury
* A fall
* lack of exercise
* over exertion
* Poor posture

Acupressure

This therapy is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but rather than using needles , the practitioner massages or presses specific points along the meridians to effect healing . Although the results may be more subtle than with acupuncture , acupressure may be a good choice if you'd rather avoid needles .

Prevention

Some sources of sciatica are not preventable, such as disk degeneration, back strain due to pregnancy, or accidental falls . Other sources of back strain, such as poor posture, overexertion, being overweight, or wearing high heels , can be corrected or avoided . Cigarette smoking may also predispose people to pain, and should be discontinued.

General suggestions for avoiding sciatica, or preventing a repeat episode, include:
-- Sleeping on a firm mattress;
-- Using chairs with firm back support ;
-- Sitting with both feet flat on the floor ;
-- Habitually crossing the legs while sitting can place excess pressure on the sciatic nerve ;
-- Sitting a lot can also place pressure on the sciatic nerves , so it's a good idea to take short breaks and move around during the work day , long trips, or any other situation that requires sitting for an extended length of time ;
-- If lifting is required , the back should be kept straight and the legs should provide the lift ;
-- Regular exercise, such as swimming and walking, can strengthen back muscles and improve posture . Exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight and lessen the likelihood of back strain ;

Acupuncture & Frozen Shoulder

By Kevin Dai L.Ac.

Frozen shoulder is a name to describe the character of the disease, which also known as ‘Adhesive Capsulitis’. Actually frozen shoulder is the inflammation inside the shoulder or around the shoulder. It is a condition affecting people generally aged between 40 and 60 , but other ages peoples also can get the problem. Essentially, it is a “ painful and stiff ” shoulder . It is more common in people suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. Investigations such as certain blood tests and X-rays are normal. If not treated, This condition usually lasts between 6 months to 7 years, even life time suffering.

There are 3 Phases to Frozen Shoulder, each lasting several months:

1. Freezing: There is increasing pain and stiffness. The patient first complains of a painful shoulder, that ‘feels like a toothache’. This affects the sleep adversely especially when lying on the affected side . Graduallly , it gets more difficult to raise the arm sideway and to touch behind one’s head until it becomes impossible.
2. Frozen: The pain gradually subsides but the stiffness persists.
3. Thawing: The movements gradually return . However , many patients do not regain their full range of movement even after many years.

The anatomy of Shoulder

Shoulder is known as a “ suspension” joint. This type of joint makes your shoulder very
mobile and flexible. However, a “ suspension” joints also limits the strengthen of your shoulder because it has a shallow socket and very little support. The anatomy of your shoulder makes it vulnerable to injury.

Acupuncture care helps restore the strength and integrity of your shoulder’s supporting soft tissues, to keep your joints flexible and working pain-free.

Chinese Medical Treatment for Frozen Shoulder: (Scientific Acupuncture Center's Standard)

During the Freezing phase, usually patient feels serious shoulder pain, patient should receive the treatment of acupuncture as soon as possible. Besides acupuncture, cupping is a standard method too. Usually after 3~7 treatment, the shoulder pain will disappear.

Several things should be noted by the patients, during the treatment of Freezing phase , patient must avoid any kind of movement or exercise of the shoulder. Patient must avoid heat packs. Ice packs could be used, if patient suffer serious pain. Painkiller is not recommended at all.

After patient doesn't feel shoulder pain any more, exercise is still not recommended, the movement of the shoulder only happens when our doctor's treatment. After the treatment, patient should avoid any kind of exercise at home. We think the exercise of the shoulder actually delayed the recovery of the shoulder's full movement range.

Conventional Western Medical Treatment for Frozen Shoulder:

General Advice: There should be sufficient rest for both the patient and the affected shoulder. Resting the affected arm on a “Collar and Cuff” sling may help to relieve pain.
Physiotherapy: Heat, and often, Ice Packs will help in pain relief. Exercise that works through the range of shoulder movement will help if it is conducted regularly and gently. However, this should be done after the acutely painful stage has subsided. One particular exercise is the “pendulum” exercise, whereby the patient leans forward at the hip, hanging the arm down and move it in a stirring movement.
Medications: Oral painkillers such as Paracetamol and Diclofenac will help relieve the pain. Oral steroids are effective too. Occasionally, injection of steroids into the shoulder joint may be indicated.
Surgery: Manipulation Under Anaesthsia, whereby the Orthopaedic Surgeon manipulates the affected shoulder through certain movements while the patient is under anaesthesia. The result is significant pain relief and a possible shortened course of the disease process. Surgical Release can be done either through an open surgery or an arthroscope.

Acupuncture & Back Pain

By Kevin Dai L.Ac.

A new answer for your Back Pain
Do you know that there are as many as 85% of all Americans who will be disabled by back pain at some point in their lives? Fortunately, more and more patients have noticed a safe, effective and proven treatment method now------Acupuncture !


Oriental Medical Method:

Acupuncture--
To control the muscle spasm, stop pain, heal the injured nerves, unblock the meridians , and improve blood circulation.

Chinese Medical Massage--
To change the structure and pathological circumstances of the affected tissue, regulate and restore the tendon and eliminate the edema.

Herbs--
To build up the function of the kidney and the spleen in order to strengthen the low back muscle , assist the speed healing, and prevent the intervertebral disk problem .

Some patients rely on the pain-killing drugs, when they are in pain . However drugs
only mask the pain, but not cure the inside problems. Some patients complain that they
have seen the chiropractic for long time without obvious progress . Some patients have
even been told that they need back surgery . Please take a closer look at your options.
Many our patients have felt a great progress after several treatments , and some of them
corrected their back problems without surgery.

The results of a recent study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain provide further proof that
acupuncture is a safe and effective procedure for low -back pain, and that it can mainta in positive outcomes for periods of six months or longer without producing the negative side-effects that often accompany more traditional pain remedies.

Why the pain shouldn’t be ingored

The key to understand your back is to understand your spine. Your spine plays an important role inyour body’s health. Not only is it involed in every move you make, it also houses your body’s lifeline-your spinal cord.

Your spinal cord extends vertically through the length of your spinal through an opening in each one of your vertebrae. Your centeral nervous system, made up of your brain and spinal cord, generates electrical impulses that control and coordinate every cell, tissue, and system in your body.

Your nervous system interacts closely with your musculoskeletal system. A spinal misalignment is called a “subluxation.” Subluxation cause electrial impulses traveling along your nervous system to be slowed, lost, or confused. Muscle spasms, prolonged periods of pain, delayed recovery from injury, as well as increased chances of permanent damage and degeneration can result.

Helpful Hints for back pain :

* Adjust your desk and chair in a comfortable height
* Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees, or sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and your knees bent
* Wear comfortable, low- heeled shoes
* Avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and move around every 30 or 60 minutes.
* Don't stretch legs straight out when sitting or standing. And avoid stretching altogether as an exercise.