Phases of healing

The 5 components of the body’s healing

There are 5 phases of healing that your body will go through during any injury, and due to things such as: postural issues, bad sleeping habits, improper lifting mechanics, sitting incorrectly at a computer and many other day to day activities can alter these as well. Can you think of anything else that can?

These 5 components can cause changes in the motion/position of the spinal bones, joints of the extremities, facilitate lesions, muscle/ligament/tendon damage and can result in degenerative changes from neglect.
1. Spinal Kinesio-pathology
2. Neuro-patho-physiology
3. Myo-pathology
4. Histo-pathology
5. Patho-physiology

Spinal Kinesio- pathology 
Spinal bones can lose their normal motion or position. So can bones of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, jaw, ribs, hips, knees and feet. This can occur from trauma, tension, faulty posture during the day or at night while sleeping. When this occurs the discomfort can be felt as tightness, stiffness, pressure, and/or pain. It is often difficult to sense that a joint has changed position. Most patients feel as if it is “just a muscle”. They will often have someone massage the muscle and feel some relief for a short period of time. This is due to the muscle that is around the joint being tight as well. The sensation they feel comes back and seems to never completely go away.

A joint moving out of place is no different than teeth that do not grow straight. Braces would be placed on the teeth and over time and with further follow-up the teeth slowly change their alignment.

Neuro-patho-physiology

When there is improper spinal biomechanics the nervous system can and will be affected. The nerves from the brain go through the spinal column and one exits at each vertebrae. These nerves in turn go out to different parts of the body to supply the muscle motion, sensory feeling in the body, the organs, lungs, heart, etc. The nerves that leave the neck—two supply the sensory sensation to the head (they cause headaches/ migraines), the other 6 go down the arms and end in the fingers. They also supply the immune system, heart, brain, diaphragm and other areas. The mid back nerves supply the arms, mid back, and organs in the abdominal cavity.

The nerves from the lower back supply the hip joint, the leg muscles, the knee joint and feet. They also supply the reproductive organs.

Nerve tissue is very delicate and can be stretched, twisted, irritated, pinched, choked and you may not even know you have issues. It is the same as the electricity that runs through your house. If you did not have enough running through the wires the light would not work and if there was too much electricity you would have a short in the wires. The same works with your nerves!

Myo-pathology
The muscles that support the spine, the wrist, arms, shoulders, jaw, hips, knees, and feet are involved during myo-pathology. The muscles become flaccid, weakened, tight, adhesed, develop scar tissue and can go into spasm. These malfunctioning muscles lose their proper elasticity. These muscles play an important role in the recovery process and can take a long time to retrain and to balance out on both sides of the spine.

The adhesions/scar tissue that changes the elasticity of the muscle is like gristle in a steak. Muscles adapt and get used to supporting the spine and the extremities improperly, like trying to change a hair part. A tug of war. Unhealthy muscles take longer to work with than healthy muscles. These muscles can appear to be weak to you and also they are not very flexible due to the adhesions. This is the same as an elastic band and tying 4 knots in it— would it be as flexible?

When the adhesions are worked out, the muscle is easier to stretch and it is easier to strengthen it!

Histo-pathology 

Greater stress on the disc

Research has shown that:
Improper sitting, lifting, sleeping habits can place greater stress on the disc.

Discs, ligaments, cartilage and other soft tissues have a very poor blood supply. In fact, these tissues depend heavily upon the pumping action of the joint fluids to supply the nutrients and express the waste products (like lactic acid). When this pumping action is impaired, these critical soft tissues don’t heal with the speed today’s patient wants or expects.

It can take weeks, months or sometimes several years for these to heal properly. Dependant on the area injured, each area does need to follow through a protocol of steps to aid in healing to avoid further re-occurrences and continued damage to the area.

Often, patients feel that resting the area, icing and maybe taking medication will solve the problem. Other steps need to be followed for proper healing.

Patho-physiology
Over time, if the problem is neglected, the body will at the tempt to splint or stabilize the injured joint, like mend the body. First, a thickening of adjacent bone surfaces, then a lipping effect, bone spurs, and later if left, fusion will occur.

This generative changes effect the spine, extremities, organs and tissues throughout the body. 

These changes in the bones are the same as leaving your teeth and having tooth decay. The extra bone thickening of bone our bone forms in the area is the same as mineral deposits in a cave. Our body lays it down to attempt to help. Since the joint is not moving properly our body develops extra bone in the area. This extra bone causes more problems with the discs, and muscles. 

Active Release Technique (ART)

ART

If you have ever pulled or torn a muscle or severely injured a muscle group, chances are you have muscle adhesions in that area of your body. Muscle adhesions act like your body’s natural ‘Band-Aid’, as it is a strategy to help repair damage. The downside is that along with other scar tissue, muscle adhesions can cause a person pain and discomfort leading to that ‘old and worn’ feeling. Similar to plastic wrap, adhesions can bind two tissues together, resulting in decreased muscle length and the muscle becoming non-compliant. Cramping of the lower limbs at night is a typical sign of a non-compliant muscle.

Many individuals believe that a few stretches and time will release the adhesions, however; active release technique (ART) offers a much better approach. An advanced massage technique, ART is designed specifically to release and relieve tension found in muscles, tendons and fascia (the muscle covering). ART treatment works by breaking up adhesions and restoring integrity to the soft-tissue. In principle this is achieved by maintaining contact on the adhesion, with the muscle in a shortened position and elongating the muscle along its fiber orientation to break up the adhesion.

Concerns about ART include pain during treatment and treatment length. The sensation patients often experience is one of those “hurt so nice” feelings and significant results are often seen within 3-4 weeks. Once the restrictions have been removed an effective stretch routine plays a role in preventing the return of restrictions.

Treatable Conditions with ART

There are over 500 ART treatment protocols and ART can help with various conditions such as back, hand, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, neck, shoulder and foot pain, as well as injuries specific to sports such as golfing, running, paddling and swimming.

One of the benefits of ART is the quick results it can achieve. When combined with a stretch and exercise routine, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerve related problems tend to respond well to ART treatments.

All of Back to Health’s health care practitioners are certified in ART, for more information regarding conditions that can be treated using ART click here: Active Release Techniques.

Active Release Techniques Can Help Resolve Many Common Back Conditions Including:
→ Facet syndrome
→ Muscle strains/pulls
→ Arthritis
→ Sciatic Nerve Entrapment
→ Disc Injuries
→ Mechanical low back pain

The Injury Process

Over time repetitive forces on the body accumulate placing strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. This process can be amplified when the body already has movement restrictions. As time goes on athletes or active individuals will continue their training regime or daily activities leading to micro trauma. While this may not be aggravating or painful, the individual may experience tightness or a slight discomfort. These tiny damages to the tissue still require repairs and small amounts of scar tissue will be laid down around the site of injury, the body’s normal response to micro-trauma. The issue lies with the repetitive nature of an individual’s activities. By constantly straining/stressing the same areas more and more, scar tissue is laid down at the same tissue sites, eventually building up into an adhesion. At this point you will really notice a difference in muscle function such as pain and joint restriction. If the cycle continues the muscle’s ability to contract may become affected to the point where an individual’s stability can become compromised, such as a runner’s knee.

Traditional approaches to these types of muscle injuries make use of anti-inflammatory medications, rest and ice. Unfortunately these interventions fail to address the underlying adhesions that are binding tissue and restricting movement.

Active release technique combined with stretch protocols is a more active approach to addressing the adhesions, which don’t treat themselves!

Who Can Provide ART Treatment?

Healthcare providers that are licensed to work on soft-tissue conditions and injuries can take ART courses. This includes Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists and Medical Doctors. Personal Trainers & Physical Therapy Assistants are not licensed to treat soft-tissue conditions and are not able to take ART courses. ART involves over 500 protocols and providers are trained to have an advanced feeling for tissues, including their texture, tension and movement.

Stretch of the Month:

Last month we had an article on Illiotibial Band Syndrome and how it is a repetitive strain injury that can cause problems for runners and cyclists. To avoid ITB tightness it is a good idea to incorporate stretches with a foam roller into your stretching routine, as a foam roller can help to increase flexibility and reduce muscle tension. To perform the ITB stretch:

1. Lie on your right side with the roller just under your hip-bone.
2. Straighten your right leg, support yourself using your arms and if needed, the left leg.
3. Roll from the hip down the outer side of your leg to the knee.
4. Repeat on the other side

Nutrition

Nutrition and depletion of nutrients due to diet/drugs

telegraph.co.uk

Antibiotics destroy the natural intestinal micro-flora (bacteria) that assist in digestive and absorptive processes. These natural micro-floras are even involved in creating certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and K. Antibiotics can cause a mal-absorption of fat, protein, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Antibiotics also change or kill off the natural micro-flora in your gastro-intestinal system that are responsible for aiding in normal digestion and in creating nutrients. You should eat yogurt and take a pro-biotic when you take antibiotics. Continue to take the probiotic afterwards too.

Vitamin K deficiency can also occur due to taking antibiotics which can cause mal-absorption syndrome. You may experience weight loss, abdominal bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, bulky stool, fatigue, weakness, swelling or fluid retention, and muscle wasting. 

Antibiotics can cause you to not digest properly and you will have an upset stomach, gas and bloating. People often take antacids to aid with this. A high intake of calcium-containing antacids will interfere with the absorption of the other minerals - iron, magnesium, and zinc. You could feel tired, suffer more colds/viruses/flus, have muscle cramps, and even experience irregular heartbeats.

High Blood Pressure Medications

info-on-high-blood-pressure.com

These medications help flush magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and coenzyme Q10. The drugs can cause sexual dysfunction, glucose intolerance, gout, and low sodium level (hyponatremia).

The list of supplements that can help lower blood pressure is lengthy, and includes coenzyme Q10, essential fatty acids, fiber, garlic, lipoic acid, hawthorn, magnesium, N-acetylcysteine, taurine, vitamins B6 and C.

Birth Control Pills

pinkconcussions.com

Birth control pills can interfere with absorption or utilization of nutrients. Oral contraceptives, for example, can deplete your body of B6, B12, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc. Because contraceptives are often taken over extended periods of time, even subtle effects could add up to nutrient deficiencies. 


If you're taking birth control pills, a daily multi-vitamin is a good idea. Be sure to support your body nutritionally with these nutrient-packed foods: lentils, cashews and spinach!

Pain Killers/Anti-inflammatories

nhs.uk

These drugs can create a Gastro-Intestinal irritation causing blood loss and an iron-deficiency anemia. They can also hinder absorption of folic acid (B-vitamin), 5-HTP (used for sleeping), and vitamin C, reduce calcium absorption and impair vitamin D metabolism. These effects can further contribute to the loss of bone and the development of osteoporosis associated with their long-term use. 
Check out this site for more information: 

www.naturalnews.com/DrugWatch_Home.html

telegraph.co.uk

Anti-depressants
A deficiency of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 can be associated with anti-depressant use. Symptoms of deficiency include muscle weakness and pain, gingivitis, and weakened immune function.

As well, a vitamin B2 deficiency can occur. Symptoms may include cracks at the corners of the mouth, inflammation of the skin, growth retardation, and impaired wound healing.
Please see the binder out front for food choices to aid in replenishing these nutrients!

Is It Because of My Age?

The aging process begins at birth! When we are born our cells start to form, divide, grow and mature. During this process the cells in our body require nutrients, rest, and exercise in order to mature. These cells form a variety of different structures in the human body. The cells aid in developing our skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs, brain, and bones. As we age these cells go through renewing themselves each day. For instance, over the course of 7 years our bodies develop a whole new bone system! Yes, that is right, even at a later age our bones go through a renewal of cells and a taking away of cells. Just think in 7 years time your bones will have regenerated to form themselves again. If you live to the age of 70 your bones will have renewed themselves 10 times!  

We at Back to Health enjoy helping people age gracefully. We often have individuals who believe that their problem is because of their age! We as a society feel that as we age it is normal to have issues with a joint, muscle, tendon, ligament or another body part. We are often told for instance that a left knee problem is due to our age! If this were the case how come the right knee does not bother this person?

Should we not change our philosophy on aging and think of it as a time to take care of these issues and to address the underlying causes? After all is it not things we did when we were younger or that we did not have taken care of that often come back to haunt us as we age?  

THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY FOR CANADIANS WAS 81.2 YEARS OF AGE! FROM 2009

12 months of weekly strength training improved cognitive function in women as they aged and decreased the chances of fractures. Try yoga for strengthening!

Ensure that when you strength train that you focus while lifting and maintain proper body alignment

Are you Omega 3 deficient?

Omega 3 deficiencies result in altered cell membranes that simply do not function properly. Cell membrane dysfunction is a critical factor in: cancer, diabetes, arthritis, nerve and eye tissues, cognitive disorders of the brain, cardiovascular disease – including heart attacks and strokes.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 are the names of two groups of polyunsaturated fatty acids known to be “essential”. This means that our body cannot make these on its own and we must take them in through the foods we eat! Studies have shown that the ideal ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in our bodies is 1:2. The typical modern diet has caused the ratio to skyrocket to between 1:10 and 1:25.  

The key Omega 3’s are called: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahaxaenoic acid) and they are abundant in fatty fish – such as mackerel, sardines, and anchovy. We do not normally eat enough of these fish. It is recommended to take between 1,000 and 3,000 mg. per day of an Omega 3 supplement.  

There are also plant based products such as flaxseed and hemp that provide a type of Omega 3 called ALA (alpha-linoleic acid). The body must first convert this ALA into the EPA and DHA before it can be used. Studies have shown we only convert about 2 – 20%.

If you consume a lot of Omega 6 in your diet – meats, grains, vegetable oil, and olive oil – you should look at supplementing with Omega 3!

Please see the information sheet on the board in front reception.

Differences in bones, cartilage, muscle, tendons and ligaments as we age!

Bones reach a maximum mass between ages of 25 and 35. The aging process causes bones to shrink in size and density. You might notice yourself becoming shorter. Bones become less dense partly because they contain less calcium (which gives bones strength). The amount of calcium decreases because the body absorbs less calcium from foods. Also, levels of vitamin D, which helps the body use calcium, decrease slightly. Certain bones are weakened more than others. Those most affected include the end of the thighbone (femur) at the hip, the ends of the arm bones (radius and ulna) at the wrist, and the bones of the spine (vertebrae).

The cartilage that lines the joints tends to thin, partly because of the wear and tear of years of movement and old accidents we have had. The surfaces of a joint may not slide over each other as well as they used to, and the joint may be slightly more susceptible to injury. Damage to the cartilage due to lifelong use of joints or repeated injury often leads to osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common disorders of later life. 

Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed but you can have work done in the area to improve joint motion!

Ligaments and tendons tend to become less elastic, making joints feel tight, stiff and resulting in you becoming less flexible. These tissues also weaken. Muscles, tendons and joints lose some strength and flexibility. Reflexes become slower and you may become less coordinated during the aging process. You can do exercises to aid in maintaining balance and coordination.

Who is in charge of your Aging? 

The human population lives longer now than ever before! Unfortunately we sleep less, eat processed foods, and do not always put ourselves first when it comes to taking the time for stretching, icing, strengthening, exercising and other general wellness aids. Why is this? We have the tendency to ignore things till there is a problem. We are not conditioned as a society to think of general wellness, prevention and maintenance for our body as we age. When we do have an issue we want a quick fix for it!

Some European countries do think of maintaining their health in this way. With these countries they find there are less chronic issues, greater wellness, less time off work, decreased sick days and people generally feel healthier!   

Should we start thinking in this way? Yes! General wellness starts with you! Start taking the action required to bring yourself towards this goal so that you may feel great as you age. It does not have to happen overnight. Sit down and make a list of the things you feel that would take you on a road to wellness as you age. Make one change initially and then after working through the one change, look at the next item on your list!

If you require help with the list then enlist the appropriate people to aid you on this path! After all, If you wear out your body, where will you live?

Take action today to help yourself for the future! You are in charge of how you age!

With age, if a problem is neglected, the body will attempt to splint or stabilize the injured joint, like mending a broken bone. First a thickening of adjacent bone surfaces, then a lipping effect, bone spurs, and later fusion will occur. These degenerative changes affect the spine, extremities, and tissues in our body. These changes in the bones are the same as leaving your teeth and having tooth decay. The extra bone/thickening of bone our body forms in the area is the same as mineral deposits in a cave. Our body lays it down to attempt to help.  Since the joint is not moving properly our body develops extra bone in the area.

  

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleeping postures and pillows

my.clevelandclinic.org

balancewinnipeg.com

We spend approximately one third of our lives sleeping.  Sleep allows our body to restore itself for the day both energy wise and physically. 

Common sleeping positions often lead to poor sleeping posture, neck and back pain when sleeping, pressure on the different joints of the body, and injuries due to sleeping.  With respect to our sleeping position we should either sleep on our sides (with a pillow between knees) or back (a pillow under knees) and never on our stomach.  Sleeping on the stomach reverses your spinal curves and places a lot of force on the joints of the body. 

Are you sleeping properly? If you are not you can injure yourself and interfere with your body’s recuperation time.

We should never sleep with our arms up above chest height, with our hands under our pillow, or with our legs rotated forward and bent too high.  Your body should be in a straight alignment.

Your pillow should be replaced every 1 – 2 years unless you sleep with a water pillow and these last normally 5 years. The pillow should be at a height so that when you lie on your side your neck and head are straight and not bent down or up.  If you are wondering about your pillow please bring it in and Dr. Barbara Rodwin can check the height and age of it for you.  We have pillows to loan out, ask the front desk about borrowing one if you would like to.

Sleeping Tips:

You should try to go to sleep at the same time each night.  The room you sleep in should be as dark as you can make it.  Do not sleep with your cell phone under your pillow as studies have indicated that the cell phone emits harmful radiation that can damage your brain and lead to brain cancer or tumors.

If you have problems falling asleep or you wake up in the middle of the night you can take natural supplements to aid in getting a good night’s sleep.  These can include: melatonin, 5-HTP, taurine, magnesium, Phosphatidlyserine, and several other ones. 

If you have problems sleeping email Dr. Rodwin and she can make suggestions to ensure you obtain a good night’s sleep!

Mattresses

eofdreams.com

Mattresses last for 10 to 12 years.  If yours is older than this, it is time to replace it. A mattress is important to getting a good night’s sleep and allows our body to feel good!  There are so many types in this day and age to choose from. You should ensure you do your research before going out to look for one and understand the warranty and exchange policy the company offers for the one you purchase.

There are basically three comfort preferences: soft (Pillow Top), plush and firm. There are also varying forms of the Pillow Top. Learn about the support system- foam or innerspring.  A good support system provides good support whether your mattress is a pillow top, plush or firm. Never put a new mattress on an old foundation. You can also look at purchasing a latex or memory foam mattress. Mattress buying is the most important decision you will make in furnishing your home, since you and your loved ones will spend close to one-third of your lives sleeping on your mattresses. For a mattress that costs $1,000, you spend approximately three cents a day. Aim to buy the best mattress you can for the money.

For more information on mattresses please ask Dr. Barbara Rodwin.

The Top 11 Causes of Low Energy 1.   Low Iron 2.   Thyroid Dysfunction 3.   Vitamin B12 Deficiency 4.   Insufficient Magnesium 5.   Stressed Adrenals 6.   Food Sensitivities 7.   Missing Essential Fats 8.   Low Coenzyme Q10 9.   Chronic Bowel Issues 10. Dwindling Sex Hormones 11.  Not getting a good night’s sleep

Are you tired of feeling tired? If you are find out how to increase your energy! Ask Dr. Barbara Rodwin.

Pinched Nerves

How Nerves work!

Nerves are like electrical cords that carry information from the brain to the rest of the body and vice-versa. They are distributed throughout the entire body. 

Motor (efferent) nerves carry information from the brain out to the body. This allows the brain to send commands to the various organs of the body. For example, these commands are sent to the muscles causing them to contract and move, or sends information to the heart to either beat faster or slower. 

Sensory (afferent) nerves send information from the body back to the brain for processing, including information about pain, touch, taste, temperature or other information.

The information travels along the nerve by an electrochemical signal, much like information traveling along an electrical cord. When a nerve is pinched, the signal is interrupted somewhere along its path.

What causes a Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve is caused when a nerve is somehow damaged or injured by direct pressure or compression and is unable to properly conduct its signal. There are many potential causes for a pinched nerve, depending on the location of the nerve. This cause can be examined and the problem can be diagnosed.

A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a vertebral joint restrictions, muscle adhesions/scar tissue, herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs or spinal stenosis. These can be due to an old accident, improper sleeping positions, and posture at your desk, to name a few!

When the nerve is pinched due to one of these issues many different problems or symptoms can result!

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the nerves pass with the spine. A pinched nerve in the lower back or buttock can compress the sciatic nerve, which can cause sciatica.

How is a Pinched Nerve Diagnosed?

“When a nerve is pinched, less information goes to the areas it supplies.  Much like a kink in a garden hose causes a trickle of water to come out”

Dr. Barbara Rodwin will ask various questions about their pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and other symptoms. The patient will be asked about other medical conditions, work history, and family medical history. This information can often assist in identifying the nerve(s) affected. Dr. Rodwin will then examine the part of the body involved. This will include testing the patient's strength, sensation, and muscle tone in specific muscles. Depending on the results of the medical history and the physical examination, the patient may need additional tests.

If Dr. Barbara Rodwin suspects the patient has a pinched nerve (compression of the nerves) in the neck or lower back, X-rays may be necessary to assess possible injury to the spine or arthritis of the spine. Depending on the severity and duration of the patient's symptoms, the patient may also need a MRI scan. Dr. Rodwin may also recommend specific tests for the affected nerve including a nerve conduction study or an electromyography (EMG).

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

The symptoms of a pinched nerve depend on what nerve is affected. Each nerve is responsible for sending information to or from specific parts of the body. 

The most common symptoms of a pinched nerve are: pain, numbness, tingling (pins and needles), or weakness of the muscles along the path of the nerve, prickly sensation, stabbing sensation, burning sensation, pain radiating outward from the injured area, the pain may come after periods of sitting or standing, the pain maybe intensified while coughing, sneezing, and laughing.  A weakness in the leg or foot is also a common symptom of Sciatica or a pinched nerve. Also your fingers, hand, toes, buttock, foot falls asleep and you have to shake it awake!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A pinched nerve in the wrist from carpal tunnel syndrome typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It can also cause a weakness in the patient's grip strength, and atrophy (muscle wasting) of the muscle of the palm near the thumb. A pinched nerve in the elbow from cubital tunnel syndrome affects the forearm, the ring (fourth finger), and the small fingers of the hand. Chiropractic adjustments, active release, massage and acupuncture are very effective for treatment.  

As well changes to a workstation and a brace may be needed.

Treatment for Pinched Nerves

Any type of pinched nerve can be treated. Sometimes the treatment may involve surgery! This should be considered as the last result in the course of finding an answer. Surgery does not always solve the answer, as we see when patients come in to have treatment after surgery.

At Back to Health we like to try the conservative approach first for a pinched nerve. This will involve examining the area, determining the reason for the pinched nerve and offering our advice on ways to unpinch it.

We offer treatments such as: massage for the muscles, active release to the nerve and surrounding tissues, a nerve entrapment technique for the nerve, chiropractic for the surrounding joint that are normally involved, acupuncture for the nerve symptoms and aiding in healing the nerve, advice on proper mechanics for the nerve, stretching, strengthening programs to aid in strengthening the area.

Nerves can be tricky and often require more than one treatment approach, take awhile to heal and require management! There is not a cure for nerve issues that is quick and simple.

Why does my neck or lower back hurt? Could it be a pinched nerve?

Does your neck or lower back hurt? Did you do something funky, and now there's pain?

You are not alone! Neck and back pain is in fact such a common problem in humans, studies suggest that over 90% of all adults will experience neck or back pain in their life time. Don't panic, usually neck or lower back pain can be examined and treated! Even though there are temporary cures that bring relief to neck or lower back pain, if you want to secure yourself against future injuries, you need to learn about the REAL cause behind why your neck or lower back hurts & pinched nerves.

Let's clear up any confusion you have about all of this stuff, so that you can get the proper treatment, and not have to suffer from pain any longer. Find out why your neck or lower back hurts and what pinched nerves have to do with it.

A pinched Nerve is a nerve that is trapped and has something pushing on it. That will cause pain to shoot down the length of the nerve, which is why sometimes you will have pain radiating into your leg or arm.

It can be caused from: abnormal sleeping positions, flat pillows, improper work station set-up, leaning forward in you chair, old injuries, accidents, repetitive motions that are not correct, hereditary factors, improper alignment of your body, vertebral joint misalignments, tight muscles, adhesions in the nerve and disc herniations.

Sciatica

Leg pain – often diagnosed as Sciatica –can be a painful and debilitating problem that commonly interferes with walking, standing, sitting, and sleeping. In some cases it is difficult to find any comfortable position at all. Along with pain, symptoms such as throbbing, numbness, weakness, and “pins-and-needles” can also be present. Adding to the frustration of these symptoms, this type of leg pain is often initiated by a seemingly routine task, or in many cases has no clear cause at all. As the lower 5 nerve roots exit the spinal column they join together to form the Sciatica nerve. 

Sciatica refers to pain that develops as a result of compression or irritation of this nerve. As the nerve roots come together to form the Sciatic nerve – which occurs close to the spine in the upper region of the hip – the Sciatica nerve travels down the back of the leg all the way to the foot. As the nerve travels down along the back of the hip, thigh, knee, and calf it must pass between - and in some cases through - the muscles of these regions. As long as the muscles are loose and flexible, and the nerve is able to freely glide along these muscles, the nerve remains healthy. However, if the nerve becomes compressed or irritated at any point along its path from the spine to the foot, Sciatica pain can develop. It is important to realize that Sciatica refers to a group of symptoms that occur as a result of injury and irritation to the Sciatic nerve and the vertebral spinal joints the nerve exits from.  

One common misconception is that Sciatica always results from a disc herniation of the lower back. Although disc herniations often result in Sciatica symptoms, they are actually one of the less common causes of Sciatica. In fact, it is much more common for Sciatica symptoms to develop as a result of vertebral joint issues, and tight muscles of the hip and leg. 

Summer Activities

If you are travelling try to take your pillow with you. Also when sitting support your lower back with a small cushion or roll up a T-shirt and tuck in into the small of the back.  Keep your neck straight above you shoulders by using a neck cushion while sleeping.

When gardening, try to sit on a stool, or kneel on a pillow. Use your legs to squat down; do not bend from the waist to bend down.  

When painting, try to alternate the use of your arms to roll the paint. If painting the ceiling put the roller on a broom handle, this straight up but forward slightly! 

Always maintain excellent body alignment with all sports!  If you have questions, please ask!

Success Stories

Over the past year we have had many patient success stories. Here is a sampling of some that highlight patients who have overcome tremendous physical limitations and are now living much healthier and happier lives! Please note that due to space limitations, only excerpts of these stories are included. If you would like to read the full stories, they will be posted in their entirety on the bulletin board in the clinic waiting room.

My Success Story - Anonymous Patient 

In the summer of 2005 I found that I was having trouble with my Achilles.  I went to the “Yellow Pages” looking for a place where I could possibly get some orthotics and called this place with this long name - Back to Health Wellness Centre.  That’s when I met Keri-Lyn Dudgeon. She informed me that I did indeed need orthotics, but also suggested that I make an appointment in order to be assessed by Dr. Barbara Rodwin. I was hesitant as I thought all chiropractors were “quacks,” but I decided to go for it.

I was assessed by Dr. Rodwin and she suggested that I see her twice a week to start.  “Ya right!!!  She just 
wants all of my money,” is what I thought.  Anyway, luckily I took her advice and have never looked back. Dr. Barbara Rodwin has been the person that I have consulted about all of my health issues that I have had since September 2005.  I consider her to be my prime health care provider.  I see her once a week. Back to Health Wellness Centre deals with the whole person; mind, body and soul.  I cannot express in words the gratitude that I have for finding this very special Chiropractor and health care provider.  Thank you for all that you do!!  I look forward to continuing my journey with the Back to Health Wellness Centre team.

My Recovery from Shoulder Pain, etc.
I had shoulder pain which caused a lack of strength and affected my sleep. I had tried physiotherapy but these treatments did not help my condition and I had also seen a chiropractor previously but felt discouraged as the treatments did not seem to get me anywhere.

I had come to Back to Health Wellness Centre to see Keri-Lyn Dudgeon to replace my shoe orthotics and it was she who suggested I see Dr. Rodwin.    Dr. Rodwin put me on twice weekly appointments which were time consuming but I stuck with it as I quickly saw improvements. Dr. Rodwin suggested I seek regular massage therapy from Ashley Rocheleau which also helped loosen my joints.

I would surely recommend Dr. Rodwin. I really felt in good hands. I really liked the warmth and friendliness of everyone at the clinic and the office was run “like a tight ship”.

Chiropractic will always be part of my life and I fully realize that I will need to see Dr. Rodwin for many years to come albeit on a reduced basis if I want to stay young.

A Chiropractic Success Story by Duane Faris
I have been a patient at Back to Health Wellness Centre for almost fourteen years. I was recovering from spinal trauma suffered playing contact sports at the time. I had four herniated discs and had aggravated the three other herniations that I had from a previous injury. I had terrible plantar fasciitis to the point where I would jump if someone even touched my foot. Since that time I have had a multitude of sports injuries, wear and tear conditions, one car accident, and a major work injury that forced me to miss almost two years at my job.    

Dr. Rodwin and the staff at Back to Health Wellness Centre have seen me through all these injuries. They have never treated me as a number. They have always taken the time to listen to me. They have been kind, patient and compassionate to a fault. They have found a way to get me in when emergencies have arisen and I called at the last minute. They work as a team and were clear that my health was a priority. In addition to the fantastic health care that I get from her, Dr. Rodwin has also provided me with dietary and supplement suggestions. She has created exercise plans for me that have brought me from a non-runner to having now completed four half marathons. She has never told me to stop doing something (rugby, running, jiu jitsu, kung fu), but has made suggestions as to how I can continue doing the things I love in a different way. She has suggested alternatives as well as additions to my training that have allowed me to continue being active on my terms. I have said with all sincerity that Dr. Rodwin is the reason that I am still walking. My spine and feet were very messed up. I was taking Robaxicet eight times a day when I started seeing her and was in constant pain. I don't need any of that now. 

When I had my work injury she made sure that I was treated properly. She helped me with forms and phone calls that needed to be made. She supported me personally and medically. There are not enough words to describe how amazing Dr. Rodwin is with her patients. Back to Health and Wellness is a fantastic clinic. I regularly refer people to them. It has been almost fourteen years that I have been a patient there. I look forward to the next fourteen.