Network Spinal Analysis and Research

Network Spinal Analysis is a gentle and extremely effective style of chiropractic care used to evaluate and adjust the spine. The purpose of NSA is to allow restoration of proper nerve function for full health and peak performance. 

Network Spinal Analysis is a chiropractic technique developed in America in the early 80’s by Dr Donald Epstein. Network Spinal Analysis utilises light touches, specific body contacts and body positioning to develop breathing and body oscillations (or waves) that dissipate stored tension. NSA allows your body to develop new strategies to release this tension on its own. This promotes the clarity and flexibility a body needs to adapt to the challenges of our busy lives. 

How Does NSA Work?  

The spinal cord, in addition to being an electrical system, also conducts information through oscillation, or wave-like motion. Like an overstretched rubber band, the spinal cord tissues oscillate at a higher frequency, or “phase”, when they are under tension. As every cell of the body is connected via an elaborate nerve network to the spinal cord, any change in tension of the spinal cord affects the function of every cell in the body… all 75-100 trillion of them!   

From this, we found that most tension in the vertebra of the spine was secondary to tension patterns from the spinal cord. The stress of having too much to do and not enough time to do it is epidemic in our culture. Consistently high stress levels freeze the body in a “fight or flight” mode, tightening muscles, rounding shoulders, making breathing shallow, and limiting blood and oxygen to the parts of your brain responsible for relaxation, revitalization, creativity, and growth.   We find that a busy life is typically not the problem. The problem is an inability to shift gears and “unhook” from the stress-causing factors that are overwhelming you.
That’s why, instead of trying to mechanically adjust or align the spine through manipulation of the vertebra, a Network Chiropractor seeks to understand the physical, emotional, and mental factors related to the tension pattern and then find the specific points on the spine that will help the body resolve its tension using the exact amount of pressure that cues the brain from stress into ease. No twisting, popping, or cracking is necessary. 

The Network Chiropractor is using the principle of leverage. This is when they make the light gentle adjustments. The idea is like moving huge boulder without having to use a great deal of force if you use the leverage of a tree branch.
Putting the lever in the exact right place, at the right time with the right amount of light force, you can easily move the boulder. Likewise, Network Chiropractors are trained during post-graduate courses on Network Spinal Analysis to know the exact leverage point and manoeuvres to utilise on the spine to release tension to allow the body to find equilibrium. 

What scientific evidence do you have that your method works? 

NSA is one of the most researched methods in chiropractic. Network Spinal Analysis™ has been the subject of academic study, research and publication for its unprecedented effect in wellness and quality of life, adaptability to stress, enhanced life enjoyment, facilitation of constructive lifestyle changes. Also studies are being conducted as to its influence on the advancement and evolution of the nervous system’s strategies for self-organization.
A retrospective study of nearly 3,000 people through the University of California Irvine Medical College documented significant improvements in quality of life in the majority of people receiving Network Chiropractic care. 

The wave patterns that occur during a Network entrainment are the focus of University of Southern California mathematician professor Edmund Jonckheere, who is currently studying the relationship between these wave patterns and the energy-efficiency and adaptability of the nervous system.   

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine featured the evolving paradigm that contains NSA and SRI, called Reorganizational Healing, in May ’09. 

NSA Sessions 

The adjustments are made along the spine and are as gentle as the pressure that you could comfortably apply to your closed eyelid. 

• You keep your clothes on (except your shoes) during a session.
• Sessions last about 30-40 minutes.
• The therapy is not painful, although the bodily sensations can be surprising and emotional releases during sessions are common.
• Practitioners evaluate the client’s progress based on his or her self-reported experience.

Benefits of NSA 

Research has shown that as a spine, body and nervous system becomes healthier, physical wellbeing improves to provide more spinal flexibility, diminished symptoms and a greater ability to cope, developing an internal sense of wellness regardless of circumstances.
Examples of further additional benefits reported include: 

• Less physical pain
• Less tension or stiffness of the spine
• Greater flexibility
• Reduced allergies, eczema, asthma
• Fewer colds flu & headaches
• Less menstrual discomfort
• Improved response to stress
• Improved mental/emotional state
• Improved life enjoyment
• Improved overall quality of life

Basic care typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks, with 2 to 3 sessions per week. At the end of this period, clients generally report better body awareness, stronger spinal movement, and relief from discomfort and more ease in releasing tension.
After basic care sessions, you can choose to continue with treatment and enjoy wellness 

Network Spinal Analysis Research

The following is a list of peer-reviewed publications involving Network Spinal Analysis Care. Further information regarding Network Spinal Analysis Research currently in process or programs where information on Network Spinal Analysis Research has been presented is available at www.associationfornetworkcare.com

Improvement in Attention in Patients Undergoing Network Spinal Analysis: A Case Series Using Objective Measures of Attention
Pauli Y. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, August 23, 2007; 1-9

Objective: Anecdotal preliminary evidence suggests that chiropractic care may be of benefits for individuals suffering from ADHD. This case series presents the improvement in attention experienced by 9 adult patients undergoing Network Spinal Analysis.

Methods: Nine adult patients are presented (4 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 40.4 years (range 22 – 58 years old). All patients were evaluated with the Test of Variable of Attention (TOVA) before receiving Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) care and at 2 months into care. The nine patients received level 1 NSA care for two months, as taught by the Association for Network Care. Neurospinal integrity was evaluated with palpation, as well as surface electromyography. Cognitive process of attention was objectively evaluated using a continuous performance test, the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA).

Results: We evaluated our patient cohort before and after Network care using sEMG and variables from the continuous performance test (TOVA). Before care, all patients had an abnormal ADHD score with a mean of -3.74 (range: – 8.54 to -1.89). After 2 months of care, all patients had a significant change in ADHD score (p=0.08) and 88% completely normalized the ADHD score. 77% and 66% of patients experienced significant change in reaction time and variability score, respectively. All patients experienced a significant reduction in sEMG pattern of activation (p=0.08). We discuss possible mechanisms by which spinal care may have enhanced the function of the prefrontal cortex, thereby resulting in improved attentional capacities

Conclusion: In this case series the nine adult patients experienced significant improvement in attention, as measured by objective outcomes, after receiving two months of Network Spinal Analysis. The progress documented in this report suggests that NSA care may positively affect the brain by creating plastic changes in the prefrontal cortex and other cortical and subcortical areas serving as neural substrate for the cognitive process of attention. These findings may be of importance for individuals suffering from attention deficit. Further research into this area is greatly needed.

Quality of Life Improvements and Spontaneous Lifestyle Changes in a Patient Undergoing Subluxation-Centered Chiropractic Care: A Case Study
Pauli Y. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, October 11, 2006; 1-15

Purpose of Study: This case study is to report the improvement in quality of life experienced by a patient undergoing subluxation-centered chiropractic care.

Clinical Features: A 36 year old male presented with primary health concerns of stress, eye pain and left leg pain of 14 years duration radiating to the foot and secondary complaints of gastritis, ulcers, nervousness, depression, lack of concentration and general loss of interest in daily life. The patient also smokes, does not exercise, eats a sub-optimal diet and rated his family and friends support, as well as job satisfaction as sufficient.

Intervention and Outcome: We discuss the various analyses employed to evaluate vertebral subluxations, including paraspinal surface electromyography and thermography. Adjustive care included a combination of Network Spinal Analysis, Torque Release Technique and diversified structural adjustments to correct vertebral subluxations over a six month period. We used visual analog scales, open-ended questions and selected items from the Self-Rated Health and Wellness Instrument to monitor health changes, as well as the positive improvements in quality of life as perceived by the patient himself.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that the correction of vertebral subluxations over an 11 month period was associated with significant improvements in the quality of life of the patient.

Chiropractic Care of a Battered Woman: A Case Study
Bedell L. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, July 20, 2006; 1-6

Objective: This case study documents the chiropractic care of battered woman struggling with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Chiropractic offers battered women a unique service, it is the only profession trained and licensed to detect and correct vertebral subluxations. The relationship between the stresses of abuse and vertebral subluxation, as well as the subsequent changes during chiropractic care, are described.

Clinical Features: A Caucasian, 23-year old female presented with headaches, neck pain, and upper back pain. The initial complaint noted sharp, knife-like pains into the medial scapular borders, worse on the right side. Tingling extended into the right hand, most severe in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers.

Chiropractic care and outcome: Protocols of both Torque Release and Activator techniques were utilized to evaluate vertebral subluxations. Subjective quality of life issues were evaluated through a Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) Health Status Questionnaire. After commencing chiropractic care, this woman suffered a cervical spine hyper-extension/hyper-flexion type injury from an automobile accident. For the first 30 days after, adjustments were applied twice weekly. Acute exacerbations of symptoms unrelated to the original complaints were displayed and progress became irregular. During the next 60 days, there were various unexplained falls and severe flare-ups of painful symptoms, and she finally admitted to being battered by her husband. Referrals to counselors and programs dealing with domestic violence were provided. Once the physical battering stopped, consistent progress was noted in both clinical symptoms and quality of life issues.

Conclusion: As a battered woman must receive emotional and social support to improve her situation, it is important for chiropractors to recognize the “red flags” of IPV. Chiropractors re-evaluate regularly for changes in vertebral subluxation patterns and can recognize inconsistent responses. They may also be the first caregivers to offer a vitalistic approach; considering a woman’s physical, chemical, and emotional quality of life; a perspective that offers significant connection and trust. This article serves as a foundation on the topic of IPV and chiropractic, for use in both communities.

Wellness lifestyles II: Modeling the dynamic of wellness, health lifestyle practices, and Network Spinal Analysis.
Schuster TL, Dobson M, Jauregui M, Blanks RH. Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. April 2004;10(2):357-67.
PMID: 15165417

OBJECTIVE: Empirical application of a theoretical framework linking use of Network Spinal Analysis (NSA; a holistic, wellness-oriented form of complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]), health lifestyle practices, and self-reported health and wellness. DESIGN: Cross-sectional self-administered survey study. RESPONDENTS: Two thousand five hundred and ninety-six (2596) patients from 156 offices of doctors who were members of the Association for Network Chiropractic (currently titled Association for Network Care); estimated response rate was 69%. MEASURES: Exogenous variables entered into the structural equation model include gender, age, education, income, marital status, ailments, life change, and trauma. A wellness construct consisted of calculated difference scores between two referents, “presently” and “before Network” care, for self-reported items representing wellness domains of physical state, mental-emotional state, stress evaluation, and life enjoyment. Positive reported change in nine items assembled into dietary practices, health practices, and health risk dimensions serve as indicators of the construct of changes in health lifestyle practices. The NSA care construct consisted of duration of care in months, awareness of energy and awareness of breathing since beginning Network care. RESULTS: Of the exogenous variables only gender, age, and education remain in the final parsimonious structural equation model in these data. Reported wellness benefits accrue to individuals along a direct path from both self-reported positive lifestyle change (0.22), and from NSA care (0.43). The path (0.65) from NSA care to positive health lifestyle changes indicates that NSA care also has an indirect effect on wellness through changes in health lifestyle practices.

CONCLUSIONS: The Structural Equation model tested in these analyses lends support to our theoretical framework linking wellness, health lifestyles, and CAM. This study provides further evidence that our measurements of health and wellness are particularly appropriate for investigating wellness-oriented CAM. There is a positive relationship between the experience of NSA care and self-reported improvements in wellness as well as self-reported changes in lifestyle practices. NSA care users tend toward the practice of a positive health lifestyle, which also has a direct effect on reported improvements in wellness. These empirical links are discussed relative to the sociodemographic characteristics of this population and show that use of NSA care is an aspect of a wellness lifestyle.

Wellness lifestyles I: A theoretical framework linking wellness, health lifestyles, and complementary and alternative medicine.
Schuster TL, Dobson M, Jauregui M, Blanks RH. Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. April 2004;10(2):349-56.
PMID: 15165416

Scholarship concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices within the United States could benefit from incorporating sociological perspectives into the development of a comprehensive research agenda. We review the literature on health and wellness emphasizing definitions and distinctions, the health lifestyles literature emphasizing issues of both life choices and life chances, and studies of CAM suggesting utilization as an aspect of a wellness lifestyle. This review forms the foundation of a new theoretical framework for CAM research based on the interrelationship of CAM with health promotion, wellness, and health lifestyles. To date, few studies have sought to bring these various elements together into a single, comprehensive model that would enable an assessment of the complexity of individual health and wellness in the context of CAM. We argue that attention to literatures on health measurement and health lifestyles are essential for exploring the effectiveness and continuing use of CAM.

The Transition of Network Spinal Analysis Care: Hallmarks of a Client-Centered Wellness Education Multi-Component System of Health Care Delivery
Epstein D. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 5, 2004; 1-7

Network Spinal Analysis TM (NSA) care has been transitioned from a health care system with the objective of correction of two types of vertebral subluxation, to a multi-component system of health care delivery with emphasis on wellness education for participating clients. NSA care is now delivered and communicated in discrete Levels of Care with emphasis on client participation through self-evaluation. Emphasis on wellness education will be introduced into NSA practice through training via a Certificate Program currently under development. This paper considers some hallmarks that delineate a wellness education, patient (client)-centered practice. The concepts presented relative to this wellness model of health care delivery are believed to be applicable to any approach with similar practice objectives. The perspective presented considers that the major aspects of a patient-centered, wellness education health care delivery system is multi-dimensional. Hallmarks include differentiating terms, and establishing a wellness mentality. Substantiation of the discipline must be established through credible published research regarding its efficacy and safety as well as a consistent and valid means of measuring progressive outcomes derived from the care received. The relationship of NSA to other disciplines is discussed.

Successful In Vitro Fertilization in a Poor Responder While Under Network Spinal Analysis Care: A Case Report
Senzon SA. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, September 14, 2003; 1-6

Objective: This case report describes the successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) of a 34 year old female who had one previous aborted IVF attempt prior to Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) care. This case report is being presented to add to other case reports that show positive physiological changes in patients receiving NSA care.

Clinical Features: The IVF was attempted due to her partner’s azoospermia. The first IVF attempt was on 3/26/02. The patient had a poor follicular growth after the standard hyper-stimulation process of the ovaries, including pre-treatment with Mircette (birth control pills) and 1mg/0.2ml of Lupron (a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist), and 3-6 amps of Gonal-F (a recombinant fsh) starting on cycle day 3. Her baseline day 3 estradiol and LH levels were only 21.2pg/me and 5.0 I.U./L respectively. On cycle day 8, estradiol was only 56% and LH was 6.6 I.U./L. The Gonal-F was increased to 6amps. This first attempt was canceled due to the poor follicle growth. Only 3-4 follicles of insufficient size between 10-14mm each were found.

Chiropractic Care and Outcomes: On 4/11/02, the patient commenced regular NSA care. The second IVF attempt began on 6/6/02. The change in IVF protocol was the addition of Repronex (also a gonadotropin a combination of LH and fsh). The total increased dose of Gonal-F and Repronex was 6amps, compared to the first attempt of only 3amps which was then increased to 6amps of Gonal-F only.

Conclusion: On the second IVF attempt, estradiol was 1001pg/ml on day 8, and 2019pg/ml on day 11, with LH at 9.3. The Oocyte retrieval after the second attempt was 10 eggs, each approximately 18mm. A successful aspiration of eggs was completed on 6/17/02, and a successful pregnancy followed. The patient is still under NSA care, and is now in her second trimester with normal fetal heart sounds. The possible role of NSA care in the vigorous follicular growth and other health benefits is discussed.

Insult, Interference and Infertility: An Overview of Chiropractic Research
Behrendt M. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, May 2, 2003; 1

Objective: Infertility is distinct from sterility, implying potential, and therefore raises questions as to what insult or interference influences this sluggish outcome. Interference in physiological function, as viewed by the application of chiropractic principles, suggests a neurological etiology and is approached through the mechanism of detection of vertebral subluxation and subsequent appropriate and specific adjustments to promote potential and function. Parental health and wellness prior to conception influences reproductive success and sustainability, begging efficient, effective consideration and interpretation of overall state and any distortion. A discussion of diverse articles is presented, describing the response to chiropractic care among subluxated infertile women.

Clinical Features: Fourteen retrospective articles are referenced, their diversity includes: all 15 subjects are female, ages 22-65; prior pregnancy history revealed 11 none, 2 successful unassisted, 1 assisted, 1 history of miscarriage. 9 had previous treatment for infertility, 4 were undergoing infertility treatment when starting chiropractic care. Presenting concerns included: severe low back pain, neck pain, colitis, diabetes, and female dysfunction such as absent or irregular menstrual cycle, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, infertility, perimenopause and the fertility window within a religiousbased lifestyle, and a poor responder undergoing multiple cycles of IVF.

Chiropractic Care and Outcome: Outcomes of chiropractic care include but are not limited to benefits regarding neuromuscular concerns, as both historical and modern research describe associations with possible increased physiological functions, in this instance reproductive function. Chiropractic care and outcome are discussed, based on protocols of a variety of arts, including Applied Kinesiology (A.K.), Diversified, Directional Non-Force Technique (D.N.F.T.), Gonstead, Network Spinal Analysis (N.S.A.), Torque Release Technique (T.R.T.), Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) and Stucky-Thompson Terminal Point Technique. Care is described over a time frame of 1 to 20 months.

Conclusion: The application of chiropractic care and subsequent successful outcomes on reproductive integrity, regardless of factors including age, history and medical intervention, are described through a diversity of chiropractic arts. Future studies that may evaluate more formally and on a larger scale, the effectiveness, safety and cost benefits of chiropractic care on both well-being and physiological function are suggested, as well as pursuit of appropriate funding.

Chaotic Modeling in Network Spinal Analysis: Nonlinear Canonical Correlation with Alternating Conditional Expectation (ACE): A Preliminary Report
Bohacek S, Jonckheere E. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, December 1998; 2(4): 188-195

Abstract – This paper presents a preliminary non-linear mathematical analysis of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals from a subject receiving Network Spinal Analysis (NSA).The unfiltered sEMG data was collected over a bandwidth of 10-500 Hz and stored on a PC compatible computer. Electrodes were placed at the level of C1/C2,T6, L5, and S2 and voltage signals were recorded during the periods in which the patient was experiencing the “somatopsychic” wave, characteristic of NSA care. The intent of the preliminary study was to initiate mathematical characterization of the wave phenomenon relative to its “chaotic,” and/or nonlinear nature. In the present study the linear and nonlinear Canonical Correlation Analyses (CCA) have been used. The latter, nonlinear CCA, is coupled to specific implementation referred to as Alternating Conditional Expectation (ACE). Preliminary findings obtained by comparing canonical correlation coefficients (CCC’s) indicate that the ACE nonlinear functions of the sEMG waveform data lead to a smaller expected prediction error than if linear functions are used. In particular, the preliminary observations of larger nonlinear CCC’s compared to linear CCC’s indicate that there is some nonlinearity in the data representing the “somatopsychic” waveform. Further analysis of linear and nonlinear predictors indicates that 4th order nonlinear predictors perform 20 % better than linear predictors, and 10th order nonlinear predictors perform 30% better than linear predictors.This suggests that the waveform possesses a nonlinear “attractor” with a dimension between 4 and 10. Continued refinement of the ACE algorithm to allow for detection of more nonlinear distortions is expected to further clarify the extent to which the sEMG signal associated with the “somatopsychic” waveform of NSA is differentiated as nonlinear as opposed to random.

Reduction of Psoriasis in a Patient under Network Spinal Analysis Care: A Case Report
Behrendt M. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, December 1998; 2(4): 196-200

This case report describes the progress of a 52 year old male with chronic psoriasis, first diagnosed in April of 1992. After the condition exacerbated over a five year period, he was placed on 12.5 mg/week methotrexate, and oral immunosuppressant medication in October of 1997.After commencing the medication, the condition reduced from 6% body coverage, with flares of 15-20%, to a body coverage of 5%. Following a cessation of the oral medication in February, 1998, the condition recurred at the previous uncontrolled level within one month. The patient was again placed on 12.5 mg/week methotrexate, and subsequently the condition reduced to 5% body coverage. The patient’s dose was reduced to 10 mg/week, and later to 7.5 mg/week, with the psoriasis remaining at 5% coverage. On 5/18/98, the patient commenced regular NSA care. He reported a reduction in the psoriasis condition on 6/3/98, and was taken off the oral medication on 6/25/98. The reduction continued, and the patient was advised by his medical physician on 7/01/98 to continue the cessation of oral medication. As of 9/30/98 the psoriasis had decreased to 0.5% to 1.0 % of coverage, and prior plans to initiate ultraviolet-A therapy were canceled. As of 11/98, a five month period since cessation of methotrexate, the patient has remained under regular NSA care, with no recurrence of psoriasis body coverage greater than 1%, the only medication being a topical ointment. This is contrasted to the recurrence after one month, following the patient’s first cessation of methotrexate, and prior to NSA care. The possible role of NSA care in the reduction of the patient’s psoriasis, and other health benefits is discussed.

Changes in Digital Skin Temperature, Surface Electromyography, and Electrodermal Activity in Subjects Receiving Network Spinal Analysis Care
Miller E, Redmond P. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, June 1998; 2(2): 87-95

A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate changes in digital skin temperature (DST), surface electromyography (sEMG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) in a group of twenty subjects receiving Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) care. Data, simultaneously derived from all three parameters, were considered to be indirect correlates of sympathetic nervous system activity. Subjects, including a group of five controls, were assessed for a period of 17 minutes. The continuous assessment period included a baseline interval of 4.5 minutes, followed by a 12.5 minute period which was divided into five 2.5 minute intervals. Care was administered to the NSA recipient group immediately after the baseline period, whereas controls received no intervention following baseline. Results revealed no significant differences in DST either within or between the two groups. Surface EMG readings were relatively constant over the five intervals following baseline in the NSA group, while controls showed significant (p < 0.05) increases in sEMG at the second through fifth intervals relative to the first interval following baseline activity. Electrodermal activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in the NSA group in the second through fifth intervals compared to baseline. Moreover, decreases varied between intervals, but exhibited a leveling from the third through fifth interval. Control subjects, alternatively, exhibited an increase in EDA in all intervals following baseline. The extent of increase resulted in EDA activity significantly greater than the NSA group at the third through fifth intervals. It was concluded that the increase in EMG activity in the control groups may have reflected an increasing level of anxiety due to the duration of the recording period. Since the NSA group expressed constancy in sEMG activity during the same period, coupled to significant decreases in EDA, a “sympathetic quieting effect” was postulated to occur in subjects receiving NSA care. This conclusion is consistent with hypothesized neurological pathways linked to responses observed during NSA care, as well as other reports of self-reported improvements in mental/emotional state and stress reduction in patients receiving Network Chiropractic Care.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: About the Cover
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1998; 2(1): Cover

About the Cover: Functional Magnetic resonance Imaging (fMRI), which measures the relative presence of oxy-hemoglobin, has gained attention as a non-invasive medium through which high resolution images of the brain and other tissue may be acquired. This technology may provide a useful assessment of cortical changes following chiropractic intervention. Images of the patient depicted on the cover, on the left, reflect cortical activity (lighted areas in the parietal cortex, frontal cortex areas 9, 10; visual association areas 19, 37, and 39) associated with the learning process of a “novel” muscular maneuver of the foot. Images on the right reflect cortical activity following a Network Spinal Analysis (form of chiropractic) adjustment session, taken approximately 20 minutes after the first set of images, involving the same activity. The decrease in “lighted” areas before and after the adjustment session suggests that less cortical “planning” or “activity” is associated with the “novel” foot maneuver. Thus, the ability of fMRI to visualize changes in cortical activity may play a significant role in elucidating the consequences of vertebral subluxation correction on neurological function.

An Impairment Rating Analysis Of Asthmatic Children Under Chiropractic Care
Graham R, Pistolese R. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1997; 1(4): 41-48

A self-reported asthma-related impairment study was conducted on 81 children under chiropractic care. The intent of this study was to quantify self-reported changes in impairment experienced by the pediatric asthmatic subjects, before and after a two month period under chiropractic care. Practitioners, representing a general range of six different approaches to vertebral subluxation correction, administered a specifically designed asthma impairment questionnaire at the appropriate intervals. Subjects were categorized into two groups; 1-10 years and 11-17 years. Parents/guardians completed questionnaires for the younger group, while the older subjects self-reported their perceptions of impairment. Significantly lower impairment rating scores (improvement) were reported for 90.1% of subjects 60 days after chiropractic care when compared to the pre-chiropractic scores (p < 0.05) with an effect size of 0.96. As well, there were no significant differences across the age groups based on parent/guardian versus self rated scores. Girls reported higher (less improvement) before and after care compared to boys, although significant decreases in impairment ratings were reported for each gender. This suggested a greater clinical effect for boys which was supported by effect sizes ranging from 1.2 for boys compared to 0.75 for girls. Additionally, 25 of 81 subjects (30.9%) chose to voluntarily decrease their dosage of medication by an average of 66.5% while under chiropractic care. Moreover, information collected from patients revealed that among 24 patients reporting asthma “attacks” in the 30 day period prior to the study, the number of “attacks” decreased significantly by an average of 44.9% (p <.05). Based on the data obtained in this study, it was concluded that chiropractic care, for correction of vertebral subluxation, is a safe nonpharmacologic health care approach which may also be associated with significant decreases in asthma related impairment as well as a decreased incidence of asthmatic “attacks.” The findings suggest that chiropractic care should be further investigated relative to providing the most efficacious care management regimen for pediatric asthmatics.

[Note: NSA care was one of the chiropractic approaches used in this study supported by the Michigan Chiropractic Council]

A Retrospective Assessment of Network Care Using a Survey of Self-Rated Health, Wellness and Quality of Life
Blanks RH, Schuster TL, Dobson M. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1997; 1(4): 15-31

The present study represents a retrospective characterization of Network Care, a health care discipline within the subluxation-based chiropractic model. Data were obtained from 156 Network offices (49% practitioner participation rate) in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Puerto Rico. Sociodemographic characterization of 2818 respondents, representing a 67-71% response rate, revealed a population predominately white, female, well-educated, professional, or white collar workers. A second objective of the study included the development and initial validation of a new health survey instrument. The instrument was specifically designed to assess wellness through patients’ self-rating different health domains and overall quality of life at two “time” points: “presently” and retrospectively, recalling their status before initiating care (“before Network”). Statistical evaluation employing Chronbach’s alpha and theta coefficients derived from principle components factor analyses, indicated a high level of internal reliability in regard to the survey instrument, as well as stable reliability of the retrospective recall method of self-rated perceptions of change as a function of duration of care. Results indicated that patients reported significant, positive perceived change (p < 0.000) in all four domains of health, as well as overall quality of life. Effect sizes for these difference scores were all large (>0.9). Wellness was assessed by summing the scores for the four health domains into a combined wellness scale, and comparing this combined scale “presently” and “before Network.” The difference, or “wellness coefficient” spanning a range of -1 to +1, with zero representing no change, showed positive, progressive increases over the duration of care intervals ranging from 1-3 months to over three years. The evidence of improved health in the four domains (physical state, mental/emotional state, stress evaluation, life enjoyment), overall quality of life from a standardized index, and the “wellness coefficient,” suggests that Network Care is associated with significant benefits. These benefits are evident from as early as 1-3 months under care, and appear to show continuing clinical improvements in the duration of care intervals studied, with no indication of a maximum clinical benefit. These findings are being further evaluated through longitudinal studies of current populations under care in combination with investigation of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying its effects.

Network Spinal Analysis: A System of Health Care Delivery Within the Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Model
Epstein, D. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, August 1996; 1(1): 51-59

The theoretical basis and clinical application of Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) is described. NSA delivers health care within the subluxation-based chiropractic model and seeks to contribute to the distinction of the various techniques and methods within the profession by describing and discussing its major characteristics. In this regard, clinical observations relative to the application of the Network Protocol have been described in relation to the monitoring of patient and practitioner outcomes. Relevant research from a separate Network Care retrospective study, which impacts on its characterization, profiles the patient population as predominantly female. Other data indicates that Network Care is widely and consistently practiced. Additionally, patients report significant, positive changes in health-related quality of life measures linked to certain clinical components of Network Care.
 

Visualization of a stationary CPG-revealing spinal wave* (Abstract from research at the University of Southern California, Professor Edmond Jonchkeere, et al.) 

Program of MEDICINE MEETS VIRTUAL REALITY 14 – ACCELERATING CHANGE IN HEALTH CARE: NEXT MEDICAL TOOLKIT* conference where Professor Jonchkeere will present a paper on the NSA Somatopsychic Wave (Prof. Jonckheere’s presentation is scheduled on pg. 20)

Paper Presentation accepted at the International Society of Quality of Life Research Conference in Prague, Czech Republic Nov. 12-15th, 2003 

Read the latest research articles on Surface Electromyography in Network Spinal Analysis™ (In order to view the files below, it is necessary that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this please Click Here to download your free copy now.)

• Dynamic Modeling of Spinal Electromyographic activity during various conditions
• Nonlinear Switching Dynamics in Surface Electromyography of the Spine 

This research, which involves human subjects, has been approved by the University Park Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Southern California

Network Spinal Analysis™: A Research Perspective

Statement of Efficacy

The Case Report 

Health & Wellness Quality of Life Questionnaire (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required)
(Questionnaire available to download free of charge courtesy of the Association for Network Care)

For more information on Network Spinal Analysis™  Research please visit the Association For Network Care website at www.associationfornetworkcare.com

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Causes of back pain

Muscles/Ligaments

Among the many causes of back pain, the most common by far is a sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments. Muscle spasm can occur after twisting or bending awkwardly, or from a simple sneeze or cough. The majority of muscle spasms tend to get better over time. Severe cases of muscle spasms are treated with medication, physical therapy, also cold laser therapy, see our cold laser therapy section under “Treatments”. 

Discs

Disc Degeneration

Disc problems are common causes of back pain. After an injury, or as we age, discs lose fluid content and deteriorate in a process called disc

The earliest form of injury to a disc is in the form of tears or fissures in the annulus fibrosis (outer portion) of the disc. The annulus fibrosis is very much is like a large round ligament that prevents the nucleus pulposus (inner gel-like portion) of the disc from protruding outward. Tears in the annulus heal by scar formation weakening the tissue. The repetitive annular tears degeneration.which heal by scar formation lead to a disc that begins to degenerate.

As degeneration progresses the disc becomes stiff, narrow, and losses its ability to act as a shock absorber. Loss of shock absorbing capacity of the disc leads to increased stress being put on the bones of the spine causing formation of bone sours or osteophytes. If bone spurs get large enough, they may cause pressure on nerves in the spinal canal which would present as numbness and weakness in the arms or legs depending on the spinal level being affected. The combination of disc degeneration and bone spur formation in the spine is called spondylosis. Any narrowing within the spinal canal, from bone spur formation or from any other cause such as disc prolapsed of thickening of the ligaments of the spine is called spinal stenosis. Spondylosis or spinal stenosis can occur at any region in the spine: cervical, thoracic, or lumbar.

Bulging Disc, Protruding Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Herniated Disc, Extruded disc, Slipped Disc.

The above terms generally describe a disc that is displaced beyond the limits of the intervertebral disc space i.e. the borders of annulus fibrous (the outer fibrous part of the disc)

Disc prolapse or herniation is the protrusion of the central portion of the disc through a tear in the outer annular wall of the disc. If disc prolapsed results in the compression (direct or indirect) of the nerve root it would cause symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness. In some individuals however, disc protrusions will not cause any symptoms. A disc extrusion is a severe version of a disc protrusion in which a large portion of the nucleus pulposus is displaced through the wall of the disc. A disc extrusion is almost always would result in the symptoms of nerve root compression.

 Facet Joints

Facet joints irritation is another cause of back pain. Facet joints are small pairs of joints on the back of the spinal column where the vertebrae meet. Facet joints provide stability to the spine by interlocking two adjacent vertebrae. Facet joints also allow the spine to bend forward (flexion), bend backward (extension), and twist. 

Inflammation of facet joints can occur from injuries, excessive stress put on the spine or a form of arthritis. Facet joint problems are functional problems and would not be visualised on the x-rays of the MRI scan.

Spinal Stenosis

The term stenosis describes any narrowing of the spinal canal. Among many causes of spinal stenosis the most common one is degenerative changes or oseoarthritis of the spine, which occurs almost inevitably as a part of the aging process.

Canal stenosis can be caused by many factors such as enlargement of the facet joints due to degenerative changes; hypertrophy (enlargement) of the ligamentum flavum – the main ligament of the spinal canal; the protrusion or herniation of intervertebral discs into the canal and forward slippage of vertebrae in a condition called spondylolisthesis – all contribute into narrowing of spinal canal on their own or in conjunction with each other.

Main symptoms of spinal stenosis in lumbar spine is pain in the back and legs aggravated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting or stooping forward. Legs pain induced by walking is known as neurogenic claudication (from the Latin claudico, to limp). Neurogenic claudication must be distinguished from is vascular claudication, or leg pain on walking caused by insufficient blood flow to the legs. The features which help to distinguish neurogenic from vascular claudication are the following:

In neurogenic claudication pain occurs after varying amounts of exercise, with standing, or with coughing. Vascular claudication is reliably produced with a fixed amount of exercise, such as walking a certain number of blocks, and is rare at rest. The main distinguishing feature of neurogenic claudication and vascular claudication is the pain relief with sitting and stooping in cases of neurogenic claudication while vascular claudication pain is usually quickly relieved by resting in a standing position. Sensory loss of neurological claudication is in a nerve root distribution, while with vascular insufficiency it is in a stocking-glove distribution. Signs of vascular insufficiency should be absent in neurogenic claudication: diminished pulses, foot pallor on elevation, and decreased temperature of the feet.

Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis and Spondylolistheses are the most common causes of lower back pain in adolescents. Spondylolysis is a  fracture in one  or both pedicles  of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. It usually affects either the fourth or the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back. The fracture site is called a pars defect.

If the bone is unable to maintain its proper position, the top vertebrae can shift forward on top of the bottom vertebrae. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.

For adults, a spondylolisthesis is normally caused from degenerative changes in the spine. When too much movement or slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may become necessary to correct the condition.

Causes such as genetic, overuse or degenerative changes can contribute to development of spondylolisthesis. 

Sacroiliac Joints

Another very common cause of lower back pain is a dysfunction of sacro-iliac joints. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac crest).

The inflammation of sacroiliac joint can result from an acute injury or from chronic postural abnormalities such as undue stress on the joint following lower back fusion surgery, degenerative changes of the hip and knee joint as well as from fallen arches of the foot. Pain distribution from sacroiliac joint abnormalities is in the low back, buttock/hip, abdomen, groin, or legs.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine. With ankylosing spondylitis, the joints and ligaments that normally permit the spine to move become inflamed and stiff. with time the bones of the spine may fuse together, causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible.

Other rare causes of back pain include:

Benign or malignant tumors of the spine or spinal cord Problems of the digestive tract, genitourinary or gynaecological problems can cause referred low back pain Infections.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Back pain, lower back pain

Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Bulging disc.

Trapped  nerve.

Hip Pain Sacroiliac joint inflammation 

Athletic InjuriesLower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain relief, Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections.

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burn

Soft Tissue Injuries including

Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders including Arthritis pain relief and Tenosynovitis.

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) “Whiplash” injury Neck Pain and injuries.

For further in depth information on Back Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”. 

 

Sciatica.

Back Pain. Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health. All health insurance accepted.

Sciatica. What Causes Sciatica? How do I know if I have sciatica? How is Sciatica treated? Cold Laser Treatment  

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve divides into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling the muscles in your lower legs. The term “Sciatica” refers to pain that radiates along the length of this nerve.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is a sign of underlying problem resulting in pressure being applied on sciatic nerve along its course. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated disc (in lumbar spine). Piriformis syndrome is another cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that sits directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. 

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower back to your buttock or buttocks and down the back of your leg or legs is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg or legs. This pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp or burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a sharp stabbing pain or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. Normally it gets worse when you sit.  

How is Sciatica Treated?

The majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic manipulation on lumbar spine. Occasionally, in cases where chronic spasm of the low back or piriformis muscles is causing the sciatic pain, it may be necessary to do a procedure called a trigger point injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of aesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle to break the spasm cycle. However, this is typically not necessary.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Sciatica

Chronic back and Lower back pain

Piriformis syndrome

Slipped disc

Prolapsed disc

Herniated disc

Buldging disc

Trapped nerves

Sacroiliac Joint inflammation 

For further in-depth information, please go to the left top corner under “pain” or “conditions” and for Cold laser therapy, please go to “Treatments,” cold laser therapy is very effective for both pain relief and healing.

 

 

For further in depth information on Back Pain Sciatica, Disc injuries, please go to top left hand corner under “Pain” or “Conditions “and “Treatments” for Cold Laser Therapy is very effective in pain relief and healing

Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurances accepted.

Back  injuries. 

Cold Laser Therapy for pain relief for back injuries such as  Bulging, Prolapsed, Herniated or Slipped discs. Disc Degeneration. Spinal Stenosis. Spondylolysis Spondylolisthesis. Sacroiliac joint. Facet Joints. Muscles. Ligaments. Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Causes of Back Pain Muscles/Ligaments

Among the many causes of back pain, the most common by far is a sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments. Muscle spasm can occur after twisting or bending awkwardly, or from a simple sneeze or cough. The majority of muscle spasms tend to get better over time. Severe cases of muscle spasms are treated with medication, physical therapy, also Cold Laser Therapy, The Cold Laser Therapy section can be found listed under “Treatments”. 

Disc Degeneration

Disc problems are common causes of back pain. After an injury, or as we age, discs lose fluid content and deteriorate in a process called disc

The earliest form of injury to a disc is in the form of tears or fissures in the annulus fibrosis (outer portion) of the disc. The annulus fibrosis is very much is like a large round ligament that prevents the nucleus pulposus (inner gel-like portion) of the disc from protruding outward. Tears in the annulus heal by scar formation weakening the tissue. The repetitive annular tears degeneration.which heals by scar formation lead to a disc that begins to degenerate.

As degeneration progresses the disc becomes stiff, narrow, and losses its ability to act as a shock absorber. Loss of shock absorbing capacity of the disc leads to increased stress being put on the bones of the spine causing formation of bone sours or osteophytes. If bone spurs get large enough, they may cause pressure on nerves in the spinal canal which would present as numbness and weakness in the arms or legs depending on the spinal level being affected. The combination of disc degeneration and bone spur formation in the spine is called spondylosis. Any narrowing within the spinal canal, from bone spur formation or from any other cause such as disc prolapsed of thickening of the ligaments of the spine is called spinal stenosis. Spondylosis or spinal stenosis can occur at any region in the spine: cervical, thoracic, or lumbar.

Bulging Disc, Protruding Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Herniated Disc, Extruded disc, Slipped Disc.

The above terms generally describe a disc that is displaced beyond the limits of the intervertebral disc space i.e. the borders of annulus fibrous (the outer fibrous part of the disc)

Disc prolapse or herniation is the protrusion of the central portion of the disc through a tear in the outer annular wall of the disc. If disc prolapsed results in the compression (direct or indirect) of the nerve root it would cause symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness. In some individuals however, disc protrusions will not cause any symptoms. A disc extrusion is a severe version of a disc protrusion in which a large portion of the nucleus pulposus is displaced through the wall of the disc. A disc extrusion is almost always would result in the symptoms of nerve root compression.

 Facet Joints

Facet joints irritation is another cause of back pain. Facet joints are small pairs of joints on the back of the spinal column where the vertebrae meet. Facet joints provide stability to the spine by interlocking two adjacent vertebrae. Facet joints also allow the spine to bend forward (flexion), bend backward (extension), and twist. 

Inflammation of facet joints can occur from injuries, excessive stress put on the spine or a form of arthritis. Facet joint problems are functional problems and would not be visualised on the x-rays of the MRI scan.

Spinal Stenosis

The term stenosis describes any narrowing of the spinal canal. Among many causes of spinal stenosis the most common one is degenerative changes or oseoarthritis of the spine, which occurs almost inevitably as a part of the aging process.

Canal stenosis can be caused by many factors such as enlargement of the facet joints due to degenerative changes; hypertrophy (enlargement) of the ligamentum flavum – the main ligament of the spinal canal; the protrusion or herniation of intervertebral discs into the canal and forward slippage of vertebrae in a condition called spondylolisthesis – all contribute into narrowing of spinal canal on their own or in conjunction with each other.

Main symptoms of spinal stenosis in lumbar spine is pain in the back and legs aggravated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting or stooping forward. Legs pain induced by walking is known as neurogenic claudication (from the Latin claudico, to limp). Neurogenic claudication must be distinguished from is vascular claudication, or leg pain on walking caused by insufficient blood flow to the legs. The features which help to distinguish neurogenic from vascular claudication are the following:

 

In neurogenic claudication pain occurs after varying amounts of exercise, with standing, or with coughing. Vascular claudication is reliably produced with a fixed amount of exercise, such as walking a certain number of blocks, and is rare at rest. The main distinguishing feature of neurogenic claudication and vascular claudication is the pain relief with sitting and stooping in cases of neurogenic claudication while vascular claudication pain is usually quickly relieved by resting in a standing position. Sensory loss of neurological claudication is in a nerve root distribution, while with vascular insufficiency it is in a stocking-glove distribution. Signs of vascular insufficiency should be absent in neurogenic claudication: diminished pulses, foot pallor on elevation, and decreased temperature of the feet.

Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis and Spondylolistheses are the most common causes of lower back pain in adolescents. Spondylolysis is a  fracture in one  or both pedicles  of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. It usually affects either the fourth or the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back. The fracture site is called a pars defect.

If the bone is unable to maintain its proper position, the top vertebrae can shift forward on top of the bottom vertebrae. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.

For adults, a spondylolisthesis is normally caused from degenerative changes in the spine. When too much movement or slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may become necessary to correct the condition.

Causes such as genetic, overuse or degenerative changes can contribute to development of spondylolisthesis. 

Sacroiliac Joints

Another very common cause of lower back pain is a dysfunction of sacro-iliac joints. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac crest).

The inflammation of sacroiliac joint can result from an acute injury or from chronic postural abnormalities such as undue stress on the joint following lower back fusion surgery, degenerative changes of the hip and knee joint as well as from fallen arches of the foot. Pain distribution from sacroiliac joint abnormalities is in the low back, buttock/hip, abdomen, groin, or legs.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine. With ankylosing spondylitis, the joints and ligaments that normally permit the spine to move become inflamed and stiff, with time the bones of the spine may fuse together, causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible.

Other rare causes of back pain include:

Benign or malignant tumors of the spine or spinal cord Problems of the digestive tract, genitourinary or gynaecological problems can cause referred low back pain Infections.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Back pain, lower back pain

Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Bulging disc.

Trapped  nerve.

Hip Pain Sacroiliac joint inflammation 

Athletic InjuriesLower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain relief and Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections.

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burn

Soft Tissue Injuries including

Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis.

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) “Whiplash” injury Neck Pain and injuries.

For further in depth information on Back Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”. 

 

Call 024 7622 2002 .Reg’d with BUPA. AXA  PPP. HSA.  AVIVA. Simplyhealth. Standard  Life. Pru  health. Cigna. Mercia health. Medisure.  Medicash.  All health insurance accepted.

Chiropractic or Physiotherapy for back pain may include Cold Laser Therapy for pain relief, to injuries such as;

Bulging disc, Prolapsed, Herniated, Slipped discs, disc Degeneration, Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis, Sacroiliac joint, Facet Joints, Muscles, Ligaments, Ankylosing Spondylitis 

Causes of back pain Muscles/Ligaments        

Among the many causes of back pain, the most common by far is a sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments. Muscle spasm can occur after twisting or bending awkwardly, or from a simple sneeze or cough. The majority of muscle spasms tend to get better over time. Severe cases of muscle spasms are treated with medication, physical therapy, also cold laser therapy, see our cold laser therapy section under “Treatments”. 

Disc Degeneration

Disc problems are common causes of back pain. After an injury, or as we age, discs lose fluid content and deteriorate in a process called disc degeneration.

The earliest form of injury to a disc is in the form of tears or fissures in the annulus fibrosis (outer portion) of the disc. The annulus fibrosis is very much is like a large round ligament that prevents the nucleus pulposus (inner gel-like portion) of the disc from protruding outward. Tears in the annulus heal by scar formation weakening the tissue. The repetitive annular tears which heal by scar formation lead to a disc that begins to degenerate.

As degeneration progresses the disc becomes stiff, narrow, and losses its ability to act as a shock absorber. Loss of shock absorbing capacity of the disc leads to increased stress being put on the bones of the spine causing formation of bone sours or osteophytes. If bone spurs get large enough, they may cause pressure on nerves in the spinal canal which would present as numbness and weakness in the arms or legs depending on the spinal level being affected. The combination of disc degeneration and bone spur formation in the spine is called spondylosis. Any narrowing within the spinal canal, from bone spur formation or from any other cause such as disc prolapsed of thickening of the ligaments of the spine is called spinal stenosis. Spondylosis or spinal stenosis can occur at any region in the spine: cervical, thoracic or lumbar.

Bulging Disc, Protruding Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Herniated Disc, Extruded disc, Slipped Disc.

The above terms generally describe a disc that is displaced beyond the limits of the intervertebral disc space i.e. the borders of annulus fibrous (the outer fibrous part of the disc)

Disc prolapse or herniation is the protrusion of the central portion of the disc through a tear in the outer annular wall of the disc. If disc prolapsed results in the compression (direct or indirect) of the nerve root it would cause symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness. In some individuals however, disc protrusions will not cause any symptoms. A disc extrusion is a severe version of a disc protrusion in which a large portion of the nucleus pulposus is displaced through the wall of the disc. A disc extrusion is almost always would result in the symptoms of nerve root compression.

Facet Joints

Facet joints irritation is another cause of back pain. Facet joints are small pairs of joints on the back of the spinal column where the vertebrae meet. Facet joints provide stability to the spine by interlocking two adjacent vertebrae. Facet joints also allow the spine to bend forward (flexion), bend backward (extension), and twist. 

Inflammation of facet joints can occur from injuries, excessive stress put on the spine or a form of arthritis. Facet joint problems are functional problems and would not be visualised on the x-rays of the MRI scan.

Spinal Stenosis

The term stenosis describes any narrowing of the spinal canal. Among many causes of spinal stenosis the most common one is degenerative changes or oseoarthritis of the spine, which occurs almost inevitably as a part of the aging process.

Canal stenosis can be caused by many factors such as enlargement of the facet joints due to degenerative changes; hypertrophy (enlargement) of the ligamentum flavum – the main ligament of the spinal canal; the protrusion or herniation of intervertebral discs into the canal and forward slippage of vertebrae in a condition called spondylolisthesis – all contribute into narrowing of spinal canal on their own or in conjunction with each other.

Main symptoms of spinal stenosis in lumbar spine is pain in the back and legs aggravated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting or stooping forward. Legs pain induced by walking is known as neurogenic claudication (from the Latin claudico, to limp). Neurogenic claudication must be distinguished from is vascular claudication, or leg pain on walking caused by insufficient blood flow to the legs. The features which help to distinguish neurogenic from vascular claudication are the following: 

In neurogenic claudication pain occurs after varying amounts of exercise, with standing, or with coughing. Vascular claudication is reliably produced with a fixed amount of exercise, such as walking a certain number of blocks, and is rare at rest. The main distinguishing feature of neurogenic claudication and vascular claudication is the pain relief with sitting and stooping in cases of neurogenic claudication while vascular claudication pain is usually quickly relieved by resting in a standing position. Sensory loss of neurological claudication is in a nerve root distribution, while with vascular insufficiency it is in a stocking-glove distribution. Signs of vascular insufficiency should be absent in neurogenic claudication: diminished pulses, foot pallor on elevation, and decreased temperature of the feet.

Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis and Spondylolistheses are the most common causes of lower back pain in adolescents. Spondylolysis is a  fracture in one  or both pedicles  of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. It usually affects either the fourth or the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back. The fracture site is called a pars defect.

If the bone is unable to maintain its proper position, the top vertebrae can shift forward on top of the bottom vertebrae. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.

For adults, a spondylolisthesis is normally caused from degenerative changes in the spine. When too much movement or slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may become necessary to correct the condition.

Causes such as genetic, overuse or degenerative changes can contribute to development of spondylolisthesis. 

Sacroiliac Joints

Another very common cause of lower back pain is a dysfunction of sacro-iliac joints. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac crest).

The inflammation of sacroiliac joint can result from an acute injury or from chronic postural abnormalities such as undue stress on the joint following lower back fusion surgery, degenerative changes of the hip and knee joint as well as from fallen arches of the foot. Pain distribution from sacroiliac joint abnormalities is in the low back, buttock/hip, abdomen, groin, or legs.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing  spondylitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine. With ankylosing spondylitis, the joints and ligaments that normally permit the spine to move become inflamed and stiff. with time the bones of the spine may fuse together, causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible.

Other rare causes of back pain include:

Benign or malignant tumors of the spine or spinal cord Problems of the digestive tract, genitourinary or gynaecological problems can cause referred low back pain Infections.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Back pain, lower back pain

Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc,

Trapped  nerves.

Hip Pain, Sacroiliac Joint inflammation.

Athletic Injuries

Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic pain relief, Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections.

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burn

Soft Tissue Injuries including  Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders  including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis.

Chronic pain  such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Neck and Back pain.

“Whiplash” (WAD) injury Neck Pain and injuries

For further in depth information on Back Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”.

 

Migraines are the most common type of vascular headache and are characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, sometimes associated with stomach problems and at times, disturbed or blurred vision

 

Migraine Symptoms:

 

There are two types of migraine headaches known as “classic” and “common.” The visual symptoms called an “aura” such as bright flashing lights or differing line shapes, blurred or temporary loss of vision. Some or all of these symptoms tend to happen ten to thirty minutes before the onset of a classic migraine. There may also maybe a speech impediment, weakness may occur in the arms or legs, the face or hands may tingle, confusion may also occur. The “aura” is a characteristic of a “classic” migraine.

 

Migraine symptoms tend to present as intense throbbing or pounding headache which usually affects one side of the head and can spread to the other side and be accompanied by throbbing or pounding pain in the forehead, temple, ear, jaw or around the eyes. A Common migraine is the most common kind of migraine which affects the greatest number of people.

 

Symptoms of “common” migraine:

 

Mood swings

Lack of mental awareness

No aura

Fatigue

Diarrhoea and increased urination

Fluid retention

Nausea and vomiting

 

Migraine Long-term problems/treatments:

 

 

A classic migraine attack lasts one to two days Common migraine pain can last three or four hours.

 

Both classic and common migraine can strike as often as several times a week

 

Some migraines become very predictable (if in doubt keep a diary)

 

Symptoms:

The pain can be classified by at two or more of the following

 

Severe to moderate headache

 

The headache becomes aggravated by movement

 

Throbbing on one side of the head

 

There is also at least one of the following associated symptoms;

 

Nausea

Diarrhoea 

Vomiting

 

Headache may last for between 4 and 72 hours

Sensitivity to light which is called photophobia, or sensitivity to noise, photophobia

 

Other symptoms include

Articulation and coordination problems

Sensitivity to smell called osmophobia

General feeling of being extremely unwell

Difficulty in concentrating or confusion

An aura which is a visual disturbance, for example: bright lights, flashing lights, zigzag lines, difficulty in focusing or blind spots

Tingling and weakness in either legs or arms associated with pins and needles or numbness.

 

Migraine does occur over many years or even decades. The frequency may vary from person to person, from a few a years to several per week. 

 

Triggers:

Common dietary triggers include:

Caffeine

Missed or inadequate meals

Citrus fruits, cheese and cultured products such as chocolate

Wines, beers and spirits

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Dehydration

 

Physical and Emotional Triggers: 

Emotional triggers such as arguments, excitement and stress

Lack of sleep or oversleeping

Viral infection or cold

Vigorous or excessive exercise

Neck and back pain, stiff and painful muscles, especially in jaw, neck, shoulders, and upper back

 

Environmental Triggers:

Bright sunlight and bright or flickering lights

Weather changes, changes in barometric pressure

Travel and stress related

Strong smells, e.g. Petrol, perfume, chemicals, various food odors

 

Hormonal triggers:

Menopause

Ovulation

Oral contraceptives

Menstrual period    

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

 

Early Warning Symptoms, which are called the prodromal.

Migraine sufferers can experience warning symptoms up to 24 hours before an attack.

 

These symptoms include:

Mood changes, varying from depression and irritability to elation

Behaviour such as being obsessional, lethargic, and hyperactive

Nausea, changes in appetite from intense hunger to a complete lack of appetite; constipation or diarrhoea  

Neurological yawning, drowsiness, difficulty with vision

Muscular symptoms include general aches and pains

Light and sound will have its effect.

Fluid retention, passing more fluid 

 

See top left corner under “pain” or “conditions” for in-depth information on headaches. 

 

Call  02476 222002. Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurances accepted 

Stiff Neck. Inflammatory Diseases, Severe Injuries, Cervical Disc Degeneration, When Should You Seek Medical Care? What is Whiplash associated Disorder (WAD) commonly known as “Whiplash” Diagnosis,

Non specific term for limited neck mobility, often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end in the upper torso. The vertebrae along with the ligaments provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and movement of the neck. The neck supports the weight of the head which is 12lbs amounting to a significant load for the neck to cope with during motion thus increasing stress onto the neck (cervical spine). Compare to the rest of the spine, the neck is less protected and is more susceptible to injury and various disorders that can result in pain and restricted motion. Sometimes neck pain is a temporary condition going away on its own accord. Other cases require medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Cause

Neck pain may result from injury to the soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints of the spine. Soft tissue injuries or prolonged wear and tear are amongst the most common causes of neck pain. Infection or tumours may cause neck pain in rare instances. Sometimes neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.

Inflammatory Diseases

The vertebral  column. Rheumatoid arthritis involves joints in the neck and may cause severe stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in the upper neck area.

Cervical Disc Degeneration

Cervical disc degeneration usually occurs in people aged 40 and older. Disc’s act as shock absorbers between the bones. During cervical disc degeneration the normal gelatine like centre of the disc dries out and the gap between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space narrows, added stress is imposed onto the joints of the spine exacerbating further wear and degenerative changes. When occurs when cervical disc protrudes due to the weakening of its rim, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Injury

Due to its flexibility and the weight of the head it supports the neck is extremely vulnerable to injury. Road traffic or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls are the main causes of neck injury. A “rear end” shunt during car accident may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyper flexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. The use of seat belts and head restrains in cars can help to prevent or minimize neck injury. The soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments are most commonly involved. Severe injuries including fracture or dislocation of the neck may lead to the damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

What is whiplash associated disorder (WAD) or ”whiplash’?

Whiplash injury occurs when the body reacts to sudden deceleration or acceleration force causing hyper flexion or hyperextension of the neck.

‘Whiplash” (WAD) injuries are associated with car accidents. The “whiplash”(WAD) injury is sustained when the muscles of the neck and shoulders do not have enough time to brace and hold the head during sudden acceleration or deceleration force application, leading to injuries of the muscles, ligaments, capsule of the facet joints and discs of cervical spine.

Uncomplicated cases

“Whiplash”(WAD) cases that are uncomplicated are the result of sprained ligaments in the neck. The muscles spasm naturally to form a protective mechanism for the neck. The “whiplash”(WAD) injury may cause a stiff neck and pain may be present down one or both arms if the nerve roots of cervical part of spinal cord get compressed. Relief for “whiplash”(WAD) can be found with chiropractic treatment, physical therapy or pain medication.

 

Studies have shown that 35 of 39 patients, or 91%, of patients with chronic whiplash associated disorder (WAD) benefited from chiropractic treatment

 

Severe cases

In severe cases of “whiplash”(WAD) may last for a month or more with persistent and in some cases constant pain. This may indicate that the “whiplash”(WAD) injury has extensive damage and resulting in disc’s rupturing and trapped nerves in the neck. This may also predispose to a “slipped”, ruptured or herniated disc in the back. (See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Other Causes of neck pain

Tumors, infections, or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae are less common causes of neck pain.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Cases of severe neck pain occur following an injury such as motor vehicle accident, blow to the head or fall related accident. Only a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately.

Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated. If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is:

·         Continuous and persistent

·         Severe

·         Accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs

·         Accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Diagnosis

Determining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain.

Your Chiropractor will take a complete history of the symptoms you are having with your neck. The Chiropractor may ask you about other illnesses, any injury that occurred to your neck, and any complaints you have associated with neck pain. Previous treatment for your neck condition will also be noted.

Chiropractor will also perform a physical examination. This examination may include evaluation of neck motion, tenderness of the neck and the function of the nerves and muscles in your arms and legs.

Digital X-rays often will be obtained to allow your Chiropractor to look at the bones in your neck. This entails simple diagnostic imaging study (radiography) and aids your Chiropractor to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe effective treatment.

Further evaluation may involve the following:

·  MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This non x-ray study allows an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

·  CT (computed tomography). This specialized x-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal.

·  EMG (electromyography). This test evaluates nerve and muscle function.

Treatment

The treatment of neck pain depends on the diagnosis. Most patients are treated successfully with Chiropractic Treatment. Also rest, medication, immobilization, exercise, activity modifications, or a combination of these methods can be very useful.

Inflammation is a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, (See also Cold Laser Therapy under conditions treated; this therapy is extremely affective in the treatment of inflammation). Surgery is required in very few cases to relieve neck pain. For most patients, a combination of Chiropractic treatment, rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disc or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis, such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck.

Non specific term for limited neck mobility, often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

For further in depth information on neck pain, go to top left corner under pain and conditions.

 

Call 024 7622 2002. Sciatica how is Sciatica Treated? Cold Laser Therapy for Pain relief and recovery. What causes Sciatica? How do I know if I have sciatica? Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted.

Sciatica Lower Back Pain.

Sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured discs, trigger points and inflamed joints are the many of different conditions that can result in low back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can lead to an injury and pain, sometimes even the simplest movements, like picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, conditions such as poor posture, stress, arthritis, kidney stones and kidney infections, can be the cause of low back pain.

There may be many other things that can cause low back pain, and some of those things can be serious if left untreated. Physiotherapists are trained in diagnosing the cause and determining a proper course of treatment for lower back pain.

Following are some of the most common causes.

Subluxations

When a disruption in the normal movement or position of the vertebrae occurs it results in pain and inflammation. In the lumbar spine these occur at the transition between the lower spine and the sacrum. Subluxations can lead to debilitating low back pain, however, subluxations are easily treatable and there is often a significant reduction in pain experienced almost immediately after treatment.

Disc Herniations

A herniated disc does not automatically mean that you may suffer from low back pain. In one study almost 60% of all adults had at least one bulging or herniated disc, even though they did not experienced any back pain. However, herniated discs can be a source of severe and debilitating pain, which may radiate to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, when a disc herniates, they rarely, completely heal. Further deterioration can be avoided through chiropractic care, but a complete recovery is less common.

Sprains, Strains and Spasms

Sprains strains and spasms, are the most common source of low back pain. Overworking the muscles or ligaments of the low back may lead to tears in the tissues, which become painful, swollen and may even ache, with a tightening to the area affected.

Stress

When you become stressed, your body responds by increasing the levels of stress hormones leading to the rise of blood pressure and heart rate and tightening up of your muscles. By becoming stressed all the time your muscles will become weak and painful loaded with trigger points.

Physiotherapy or Chiropractic for low back pain is normally straight forward, and simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet.

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It’s likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.

How is Sciatica Treated?

The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic care. Occasionally, in cases where chronic spasm of the low back or piriformis muscles is causing the sciatic pain, it may be necessary to do a procedure called a trigger point injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of anaesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle to break the spasm cycle.

(Listed in our Cold Laser Therapy Section under inflammatory conditions.)

Complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical and health care systems, practices, and treatments that aren’t currently part of conventional medicine, i.e. the care you receive in your primary care doctors’ surgery. Many of these therapies and treatments are being studied intensely and some have proved to help alleviate back pain.  

o    Massage. To conduct an objective clinical trial in massage can be difficult due to variances in practitioners and in massage types however, studies that have been conducted suggest that massage may ease low back pain symptoms by reducing muscle spasm.

Risk factors.

The greatest risk factors for sciatica include:

o    Age related changes in the spine are a common cause of sciatica. You’re likely to have some deterioration in the discs in your back by the time you’re in your late 20s, and most people who develop herniated discs are in their early 30s and 40s and Previous injuries from sport and work related, activity are also common factors.

o    Occupation. jobs that requires you to twist your back, and carry heavy loads, driving a motor vehicle for extended periods makes you more prone to develop sciatica.

o    Prolonged sitting. People who sit for prolonged periods or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than people with active lifestyle.

o    Diabetes. This condition, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage.

When to seek medical advice Seek immediate medical treatment if:

o    You experience sudden, severe pain in your low back or both legs and  numbness or muscle weakness in either or both of the legs.

o    The pain follows a injury, from a traffic or work related accident

o    You have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder.

      Seek medical advice urgently.

Screening and diagnosis of Sciatica.

To help diagnose sciatica and pinpoint these nerves, if any, are affected. your Physiotherapist will ask about your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam, paying special attention to your spine and legs.

You’re also likely to have some basic tests that check your muscle strength and reflexes. For example, you may be asked to walk on your toes or heels, and, while lying on your back, lift your legs one at a time straight in the air. Pain that results from sciatica will usually become worse during this examination.

If your pain lasts longer than four weeks or is very severe, or you have another serious condition such as cancer, you may have one or more imaging tests to help identity why the sciatic nerve is compressed and to rule out other causes for your symptoms’ 

These tests include:

o    Spinal X-ray.

Because ordinary X-rays can’t detect herniated disc problems or nerve damage, they’re not usually helpful for pinpointing the cause of sciatica. A spinal X-ray can show most cancers affecting the bony structures of the spine, narrowed discs and spondylolisthesis, however, and can help rule out other causes of nerve root impingement.

o    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

 This is probably the most sensitive test for assessing sciatic nerve pain. Instead of X-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of your back. The test can detect damage to your discs and ligaments as well as the presence of tumors. MRI is non-invasive and has no harmful side effects. During the test; you lie on a movable table inside the MRI machine, which is essentially a large magnet. If you have a hard time lying still for the required period of time or you’re anxious about the enclosed space, you may be given a sedative. Some MRI units may be wider, shorter or open on all sides, which may be more comfortable for you, although the quality of images taken with these systems may vary. 

o    Computerized tomography (CT) scan.

This test uses a narrow beam of radiation to produce detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. When CT is used to image the spine, you may have a contrast dye injected into your spinal canal before the X-rays are taken a procedure called a CT myelogram. The dye then circulates around your spinal cord and spinal nerves, which appear white on the scan 

Complications of Sciatica.

Although people recover from sciatica, sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Depending on what’s causing the nerve to be compressed, other complications may occur,

They included

o    Loss of feeling, may affected one or both or legs.

o    Loss of movement may affected one or both legs

o    Loss of bowel or bladder function

Different Treatment of Sciatica Include following:

Physical therapy.

For a herniated disc, physical therapy can play a role in your recovery. Once acute pain is reduced and range of movement improves a physical therapist or Chiropractor can design a rehabilitation program to help prevent further injuries. Rehabilitation includes exercises to help correct your posture, strengthen the muscles supporting your back and improve your flexibility. Physical therapy, exercises should be Started as early as possible. 

Prescription drugs. 

Doctors may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication along with a muscle relaxant. Narcotics also may be prescribed for short-term pain relief. Antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs can be used in easing chronic pain. They may help by blocking pain messages to the brain or by enhancing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. 

More invasive treatment .  Epidural steroid injections.

In some cases, doctors may inject a corticosteroid medication into the affected area. Corticosteroids mimic the effects of the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone, which are made by the outer layer (cortex) of your adrenal glands; Corticosteroids suppress inflammation around the irritated nerve thus giving pain relief. Their usefulness in treating sciatica remains a matter of debate. Some research has found that corticosteroids can provide short-term symptom relief, but that these medications aren’t a long-term solution. In addition, corticosteroids can have side effects, so the number of injections you can receive is limited usually no more than four per joint.

Surgery.

This is usually occurs when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence, (when this occurs seek medical advice urgently) or you have pain that gets progressively worse or does not improve.Surgical options include lumbar laminectomy and microdiscectomy. In lumbar laminectomy with discectomy, surgeons remove a portion of a herniated disc that’s pressing on a nerve. Most of the disc is left intact to preserve as much of the normal anatomy as possible. Sometimes a surgeon will perform this operation through a small incision while looking through a microscope (microdiscectomy).

Success rates of standard discectomy and microdiscectomy are about equal, but you may have less pain and recover more quickly with microdiscectomy. Discuss which option might be best for you with your doctor, and carefully weigh the potential benefits of surgery against the risks as surgery is not always successful.

                             (Always get a second opinion).

 Prevention

 Exercise regularly.

This is the most important thing you can do for your overall health as well as for your back. Pay attention to your core muscles the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. For cardiovascular benefits, try using an exercise bike or treadmill. Swimming is also recommended. 

Maintain proper posture when you sit.

A good chair should comfortably support your hips, and the seat should not press on the back of your thighs or knees. If the chair does not support the natural curve in your lower spine, place a rolled towel or pillow behind your back. When working at a computer, adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your arms rest on your desk or the chair’s arms, with your elbows bent at a right angle. Take frequent breaks every 20 minutes, even if it’s just to walk around your office a little stretching will also help.

Driving.  

Before setting off adjust your seat to keep your knees and hips level, and move the seat forward to avoid overreaching for the pedals. 

Using body mechanics. 

Being aware of how you stand and lift heavy objects and even how you sleep can go a long way toward keeping your back healthy. That’s because poor posture stresses your back, leading to fatigue and stress on joints and nerves. Always hold reading material at eye level instead of bending forward, and if you’re standing for long periods rest one foot on a raised object about the height of a foot stool. Before you lift something heavy, decide where you’ll place it and how you’ll get it from A to B. Bend at your knees, not your back, so that your legs do the lifting. Carry objects close to your body at about waist level. If possible, set the object down on a surface between shoulder and knee height to avoid lifting objects over your head or bending over too far. Don’t twist at your waist. Instead turn by pivoting your feet. Be careful moving heavy things when you become tired, Tiredness can cause you to move more awkwardly than normal. Heavy loads are the greatest risk to your spine, so know your limitations. Don’t attempt to lift something that is beyond your normal ability.

 Try the following measures:

o    Cold or ice packs.

Initially using cold packs may be able to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply to the painful areas for 15 to 20 minutes at least 7 times a daily.

o    Stretching.

Stretching exercises for your low back can help you feel better and may help relieve nerve root compression. Avoid or sudden movements and twisting during the stretch and try to hold the stretch as long as possible. Around 40 seconds per stretch if possible.

o    Medications.

Pain killers (analgesics) fall into two categories those that reduce pain and inflammation and those that only treat pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol,) will be helpful for sciatica. Although they provide real relief, both types of medication have a limit to how much pain they can reduce. If you have moderate to severe pain, exceeding the recommended dosage will not provide any additional benefits. In addition NSAIDs can cause side effects such as nausea, stomach bleeding or ulcers, and acetaminophen can cause liver problems.

If you’re using these medications, you should talk to your GP so that you can be monitored for any arising problems. Periodically reassess whether you still need drug treatment or not. Exercise, stretching, massage and other none drug treatments can often provide the same benefits without side effect. 

Regular exercise. 

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you’re in pain, but regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat chronic discomfort. Exercise prompts your body to release endorphins chemicals that prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. Exercise in moderation. In the early stages of sciatica, swimming or other low-impact exercise such as an exercising bicycle will help you stay active without worsening your symptoms. Later, as you improve and the pain becomes less combining aerobic activity with strength training and core stability exercises that improve the strength of your back muscles can help limit the effects of degenerative changes in your spine.

Start out slowly and progress to at least 45 minutes every day. This may prevent further injury.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as Athletic and sports injuries;

Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Back Pain and injuries.

Lower back Pain.

Slipped disc.

Prolapsed disc.

Herniated disc.

Bulging disc.

Sciatica. 

Trapped Nerves.

Stiff Back.

Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic pain relief, Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections, including cold sores
Relief of Stiffness, the Promotion of Muscle Relaxation, and Cell Restoration
Wound Management  including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns
Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders and Conditions including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis
Chronic pain; Including Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Cold Laser Therapy is used at our clinic for pain relief and treatment of ligament and tendon injuries, muscle sprains by reducing pain and accelerating the healing process.

For further in depth information on “Back Pain, lower back pain”  “Conditions”  “Treatments” and “Cold Laser Therapy”. Please go to top left corner.

Call  024 7622 2002. Prolapsed disc is also known as a Herniated,Bulging or Slipped Disc. The dishirec’s in the spine are called intervertebral discs; they are thin, biscuit like structures that act as cushions between the bones of the back (vertebrae). Each disc is made of a soft gelatine centre surrounded by a tough, fibrous outer case. This structure allows the disc to be tough enough to maintain the space between the vertebrae, but soft enough to absorb when the spine flexes during any movement such as bending, leaning and turning sideways.

Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simplyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted.

Prolapsed Disc. 

Prolapsed disc is also known as a Herniated or Slipped Disc. The dishirec’s in the spine are called intervertebral discs; they are thin, biscuit like structures that act as cushions between the bones of the back (vertebrae). Each disc is made of a soft gelatine centre surrounded by a tough, fibrous outer case. This structure allows the disc to be tough enough to maintain the space between the vertebrae, but soft enough to absorb when the spine flexes during any movement such as bending, leaning and turning sideways.

People, mostly adults between 25 and 55 are at risk of suffering from a Prolapsed disc. A disc’s tough outer case develops an area of weakness or a small tear. The result can be, part of the disc’s soft inner core can bulge out of its normal position (herniate), producing a condition called a prolapsed disc. If the Prolapsed disc presses on nerves in the area of the spinal canal, this can cause differing nerve related symptoms, including pain, numbness and muscle weakness. In the most severe cases, a Prolapsed disc can compress nerves that control the bowel and bladder, causing urinary incontinence and loss of bowel control.

Combination of the following factors:

Prolapsed discs are in people under 20, but common among people aged over 25 to 55. Of all the factors responsible for Prolapsed disc’s, aging is probably the biggest factor. With age the disc’s outer case appears to degenerate slowly, through wear and tear.

Genetic factors,

In some families, several close relatives suffer from Prolapsed discs

Individual risk factors.

There may be at increased risk of a Prolapsed disc if you work at a job or participate in a sport that involves heavy lifting or impacted.

There are three distinct areas of the vertebral column where a prolapsed disc may occur:

·   The cervical area between the vertebrae in the neck

·   The thoracic area between the vertebrae in the upper back.

·   The lumbar region between the vertebrae in the lower back and above the pelvis. 

        

The symptoms and signs of a prolapsed disc are usually back pain in the area of the affected disc. This is the pain is the signal that a disc tough outer case has been injured in some way, However, it’s not necessarily that the inner core has herniated. If the inner core does herniate and presses on a nearby nerve, the resulting symptoms will be different, depending on the location of the Prolapsed disc.

·   In the cervical region Pan occurs in the neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, arm or chest, together with numbness or weakness in the arm or fingers, headaches may also occur.

·   In the thoracic region Symptoms may be vague and varying, from pain in the upper back, lower back, chest, abdomen or legs, together with weakness and numbness in one or both legs. This may also affect the bowel or bladder incontinence.

Sciatica 

Chiropractors have been treating effectively millions of people for lower back pain for over 100 years. Recent research shows that chiropractic techniques are the most effective treatment for Sciatica ad lower back pain.

Sciatica is defined as a lower back pain that refers into buttock, one or both legs along the course of the sciatic nerve. Patients with sciatica suffer from a wide range of symptoms. Pain can range from minimal to severe, localized in the lower back and buttock to spreading in one or both leg and to weakness and tingling into the lower legs and feet. Loss of sensation and weakness are present in more severe cases of sciatica. Compression of sciatic nerve can be caused by misalignments of the lumbar spine, herniation of one or more lower back disc, tumors, diabetes, trauma, or inflammation and spasm of the piriformis muscle.

Sciatica usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then extends down the back of either leg. The pain usually worsens with long periods of sitting or standing. The sciatic nerves are formed by five pairs of nerves exiting the spine in the lower back. They may endure abnormal pressure from bugling, herniated, or ruptured discs, resulting in swelling, inflammation, and pain when coughing, sneezing, or moving. By restoring joint motion and positioning, chiropractic care can improve disc height and spacing. Removing the source of pressure on the sciatic nerve roots allows them to heal

Discs do not slip

Intervertebral disc are attached to the adjacent vertebrae through strong fibrous tissues. Discs however do tear, bulge, herniate, prolapse or rupture – the terms describe the tears in the outer fibre layer of the disc causing herniaton of the nucleus pulposus (central part of the disc).  The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joints. Besides reducing disc bulging, better spinal function helps decrease inflammation so the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissues can begin 

Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Cold/Low Level  Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as:

Back /Mid/ Lower back

Sciatica

Prolapsed/ Herniated/ Slipped / Bulging discs

Lower back injuries

Trapped nerves

Hip and joint pain/ inflammation

Athletic and sports injuries

Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury

Whiplash and Neck injuries 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain Relief and Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections, including cold sores,
Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns
Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas
Joint Disorders including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis
Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia,

 

For further in depth information on Prolapsed disc, Back Pain, lower back pain, and Sciatica, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”.       

 

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Back  injuries. Cold Laser Therapy for pain relief for back injuries such as  Bulging, Prolapsed, Herniated or Slipped discs. Disc Degeneration. Spinal Stenosis. Spondylolysis Spondylolisthesis. Sacroiliac joint. Facet Joints. Muscles. Ligaments. Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Causes of Back Pain Muscles/Ligaments

Among the many causes of back pain, the most common by far is a sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments. Muscle spasm can occur after twisting or bending awkwardly, or from a simple sneeze or cough. The majority of muscle spasms tend to get better over time. Severe cases of muscle spasms are treated with medication, physical therapy, also Cold Laser Therapy, The Cold Laser Therapy section can be found listed under “Treatments”. 

Disc Degeneration

Disc problems are common causes of back pain. After an injury, or as we age, discs lose fluid content and deteriorate in a process called disc

The earliest form of injury to a disc is in the form of tears or fissures in the annulus fibrosis (outer portion) of the disc. The annulus fibrosis is very much is like a large round ligament that prevents the nucleus pulposus (inner gel-like portion) of the disc from protruding outward. Tears in the annulus heal by scar formation weakening the tissue. The repetitive annular tears degeneration.which heals by scar formation lead to a disc that begins to degenerate.

As degeneration progresses the disc becomes stiff, narrow, and losses its ability to act as a shock absorber. Loss of shock absorbing capacity of the disc leads to increased stress being put on the bones of the spine causing formation of bone sours or osteophytes. If bone spurs get large enough, they may cause pressure on nerves in the spinal canal which would present as numbness and weakness in the arms or legs depending on the spinal level being affected. The combination of disc degeneration and bone spur formation in the spine is called spondylosis. Any narrowing within the spinal canal, from bone spur formation or from any other cause such as disc prolapsed of thickening of the ligaments of the spine is called spinal stenosis. Spondylosis or spinal stenosis can occur at any region in the spine: cervical, thoracic, or lumbar.

Bulging Disc, Protruding Disc, Prolapsed Disc, Herniated Disc, Extruded disc, Slipped Disc.

The above terms generally describe a disc that is displaced beyond the limits of the intervertebral disc space i.e. the borders of annulus fibrous (the outer fibrous part of the disc)

Disc prolapse or herniation is the protrusion of the central portion of the disc through a tear in the outer annular wall of the disc. If disc prolapsed results in the compression (direct or indirect) of the nerve root it would cause symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness. In some individuals however, disc protrusions will not cause any symptoms. A disc extrusion is a severe version of a disc protrusion in which a large portion of the nucleus pulposus is displaced through the wall of the disc. A disc extrusion is almost always would result in the symptoms of nerve root compression.

 Facet Joints

Facet joints irritation is another cause of back pain. Facet joints are small pairs of joints on the back of the spinal column where the vertebrae meet. Facet joints provide stability to the spine by interlocking two adjacent vertebrae. Facet joints also allow the spine to bend forward (flexion), bend backward (extension), and twist. 

Inflammation of facet joints can occur from injuries, excessive stress put on the spine or a form of arthritis. Facet joint problems are functional problems and would not be visualised on the x-rays of the MRI scan.

Spinal Stenosis

The term stenosis describes any narrowing of the spinal canal. Among many causes of spinal stenosis the most common one is degenerative changes or oseoarthritis of the spine, which occurs almost inevitably as a part of the aging process.

Canal stenosis can be caused by many factors such as enlargement of the facet joints due to degenerative changes; hypertrophy (enlargement) of the ligamentum flavum – the main ligament of the spinal canal; the protrusion or herniation of intervertebral discs into the canal and forward slippage of vertebrae in a condition called spondylolisthesis – all contribute into narrowing of spinal canal on their own or in conjunction with each other.

Main symptoms of spinal stenosis in lumbar spine is pain in the back and legs aggravated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting or stooping forward. Legs pain induced by walking is known as neurogenic claudication (from the Latin claudico, to limp). Neurogenic claudication must be distinguished from is vascular claudication, or leg pain on walking caused by insufficient blood flow to the legs. The features which help to distinguish neurogenic from vascular claudication are the following:

 

In neurogenic claudication pain occurs after varying amounts of exercise, with standing, or with coughing. Vascular claudication is reliably produced with a fixed amount of exercise, such as walking a certain number of blocks, and is rare at rest. The main distinguishing feature of neurogenic claudication and vascular claudication is the pain relief with sitting and stooping in cases of neurogenic claudication while vascular claudication pain is usually quickly relieved by resting in a standing position. Sensory loss of neurological claudication is in a nerve root distribution, while with vascular insufficiency it is in a stocking-glove distribution. Signs of vascular insufficiency should be absent in neurogenic claudication: diminished pulses, foot pallor on elevation, and decreased temperature of the feet.

Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis and Spondylolistheses are the most common causes of lower back pain in adolescents. Spondylolysis is a  fracture in one  or both pedicles  of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. It usually affects either the fourth or the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back. The fracture site is called a pars defect.

If the bone is unable to maintain its proper position, the top vertebrae can shift forward on top of the bottom vertebrae. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.

For adults, a spondylolisthesis is normally caused from degenerative changes in the spine. When too much movement or slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may become necessary to correct the condition.

Causes such as genetic, overuse or degenerative changes can contribute to development of spondylolisthesis. 

Sacroiliac Joints

Another very common cause of lower back pain is a dysfunction of sacro-iliac joints. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac crest).

The inflammation of sacroiliac joint can result from an acute injury or from chronic postural abnormalities such as undue stress on the joint following lower back fusion surgery, degenerative changes of the hip and knee joint as well as from fallen arches of the foot. Pain distribution from sacroiliac joint abnormalities is in the low back, buttock/hip, abdomen, groin, or legs.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine. With ankylosing spondylitis, the joints and ligaments that normally permit the spine to move become inflamed and stiff, with time the bones of the spine may fuse together, causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible.

Other rare causes of back pain include:

Benign or malignant tumors of the spine or spinal cord Problems of the digestive tract, genitourinary or gynaecological problems can cause referred low back pain Infections.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Back pain, lower back pain

Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Bulging disc.

Trapped  nerve.

Hip Pain Sacroiliac joint inflammation 

Athletic InjuriesLower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain relief and Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections.

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burn

Soft Tissue Injuries including

Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis.

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) “Whiplash” injury Neck Pain and injuries.

For further in depth information on Back Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”.