What is a Disc Bulge/Herniation?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZOttcNty7A
Sciatica…Mis-Diagnosed!
One of the more common issues that I tend to see in my office is that of “pseudo-sciatica”. What this refers to is when someone tells me that they have been diagnosed with sciatica, but their symptoms aren’t exactly what you would find in a true case.
Sciatica is essentially when the sciatic nerve, which exits the spine, and travels through the middle of the butt muscles, and down the leg, becomes compressed by either a disc bulge, spinal stenosis, degeneration, or even by the muscle that externally rotates the hip, called the piriformis.
When the nerve is compressed or entrapped, the pain is quite obvious. Usually, it is a sharp pain, and may or may not include a numbness or tingling sensation going down the leg along the line of the nerve.
However, many diagnosed cases of sciatica actually don’t have these symptoms. The most common complaint is “dull aching” sensation around the hip region, and going down the leg in a sort of inconsistent pattern.
That, my friends, is a sign that trigger points may be at work!
As you can see in the picture above, trigger points (marked as “x”) when pressed on, can cause the same type of pain pattern as sciatica.
A simple test for trigger point activity is to press into the areas that are marked X, and see if the pain pattern refers down your leg. If this is the case, you could very well have a trigger point problem.
What is the treatment for trigger points? Simple:
1. Shorten the muscle in which the trigger point is found; This allows the muscle to “reset” and can often de-activate trigger points.
2. Ice or heat; Both can be effective at reducing trigger point pain, particularly when combined with #1.
3. Neuromuscular Massage therapy: This particular form of massage technique focuses on finding and releasing trigger points. In the hands of a skilled therapist, no trigger point can survive! lol!
4. Corrective Exercise: Fixing muscle imbalances is essential in eliminating trigger points, as they can be a major contributer to the development of them! Stretch the tight, strengthen the weak, thats what I say!
Sam Visnic–
On The Topic Of Disc Bulges…
Here are a few of my top suggestions/facts when it comes to disc bulges and back pain:
- Disc herniations can be caused by a single trauma, as well as chronic postural dysfunctions. Movement and postural dysfunctions can only be corrected by focusing on them.
- Inadequate body hydration levels must be addressed in spinal dysfunction, especially spinal discs!
- Respiratory mechanics as well as abdominal wall function is imperative to spinal function. Loss of function creates inability of diaphragm attachments to decompress L-4/L-5, the most commonly herniated disc.
- Rebuilding spinal discs takes nutritional support and good health. Your body makes new tissues out of what you put in your mouth. An inadequate diet and unhealthy lifestyle practices contribute to slow healing.
- Disc derangements do not HAVE to be operated on. There are specific movement techniques that can assist you in stabilizing your spine and reducing disc bulges.
- Healing from a disc bulge takes commitment and time. After a disc has bulged, it can take as much as 18 months to fully heal the torn annular fibers within the disc. This does NOT mean that it will take that long to get out of pain, but instead a reminder to take care of your spine over the long run in order to prevent future injury.
Sam Visnic–
Testimonials
"If you've endured back pain issues, the helplessness, the frustration, the trips to the chiropractor, the osteopath, the recommendations for MRIs, the counter non-recommendations for the MRIs, the $1K+ bills, etc., etc. etc., If you're like me and you reached a point in your life where you declared, "there's got to be a better way!" then get Sam's educational DVDs and go the DIY route to taking control of your back issues. Thanks Sam." --Chris Wilson
“Sam, I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your knowledge and ability as a healer. You are the only person I have seen who been able to get my back out of pain and keep it out of pain. After 28 years of practicing dentistry I thought that I would have to suffer the rest of my life with moderate to severe back pain. I came to you years ago in terrible back pain you relieved that and with regular preventive visits have kept me out of pain. I am also thankful for your nutritional knowledge. After suffering from terrible intestinal pain and all the tests you fixed it by a simple dietary supplement. “Doctor” refers to a healer and even though you don’t have the title you are one in my book. Many, Many Thanks!” --John Shafer, DDS
"Having someone like Sam to refer my patients to who is as comprehensive, brilliant and caring as he is makes my job so much easier!! I feel assured that my patients are in good hands and are going to get the results they so desperately want. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is looking to resolve their back pain easily and effectively!” -Dr. Holly Lucille N.D., R.N.