The 5 Effects and the 5 Contributory Factors Exacerbating Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The 5 factors contributing to neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain or sciatica have been discussed at length, and yet bear repeating.

The 5 factors are:

Excess weight and/or obesity

Muscle weakness

Muscle imbalance

Inadequate diet and nutrition

Dehydration or inadequate hydration

The 5 factors lead to and exacerbate neck pain, back pain, and sciatica in most adults at some point in their lives; and, many children, as well.

The 5 effects are a bit different in nature but they are affected by the 5 factors in a myriad of ways and the 5 factors may in fact lead to many more than 5 consequences, as they have a compounding effect on an individual.

The 5 effects are:

1) Psychic or Psychological Effects. The psychological effects result in a myriad of consequences and/or affects. In many individuals, chronic and chronically acute neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain (sciatica) are responsible for a myriad of psychological consequences and diagnoses, to include depression and anxiety disorder.

2) Financial Effects. The financial effect and impact of chronic neck pain, back pain, and sciatica cannot be overstated. Not only is permanent disability a real consideration but the debilitating pain can also lead to a myriad of financial consequences. Additionally, financial effects include possible bankruptcy, as a consequence of long term medical care and the costs associated with such care. The costs associated with medical bills, lost income, and many other “hidden” costs cannot be hidden from and include doctor, hospital, and pharmacy co-pays, lost wages, and other associated and related expenses.

3) Physical Effects. The physical effects go hand-in-hand with the 5 factors. Significantly, the affect or effect of chronic pain, combined with the 5 factors and the other 4 principle effects, lead to an over physical deterioration of the neck pain, back pain, and sciatica patient. Such effects as ulcers, migraine headaches, colitis, and increased levels of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica have been reported. There seems to be a compounding effect on long term neck, back, and sciatic nerve pain sufferers. There is also a lot of data that suggests the neck pain, back pain, and sciatica may have a combined psycho-social affect.

4) Functional Effects. The body does not perform well under severe stress and when an individual is in chronic and/or acute levels of pain. Not only is bodily function impaired, the resulting functional affect may be devastating on the overall health of the individual neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain sufferers.

5) Systemic Effects. An individual’s entire body may be affected. Meaning, an individual suffering from neck pain, back pain, and sciatica may undergo a system-wide breakdown of the body. In such cases, many and often every aspect of an individual’s life is affected, long term.

How does an individual suffering from chronic to acutely chronic neck pain, back pain, and sciatica overcome such obstacles?

The neck pain, back pain, and sciatica patient must first deal with the 5 factors, while at the same time focusing on the overall impact of the 5 affects. This is by no means an easy task and the long term prognosis for chronic neck pain, back pain, and sciatica sufferers is yet unclear. Yet, one thing is clear, doing nothing will only contribute to the problem and lead to a more significant effects.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, the decision to take the first step is yours to make. But the alternative? Neck pain, back pain, and sciatica exacerbated by the 5 factors and leading to greater overall breakdown the entire system, in this case the human body.

Yours in health!

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-539-7412 (office)
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

PS, To take the first step, to make the decision to deal effectively with the 5 factors and the 5 effects, eliminating neck pain, back pain, and sciatica is yours to make. Contact me if you need help any time, for any thing!

Degenerative Disc Disease and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Treatment and Relief: Part II

Contrary to what many in the medical community would have you believe, degenerative disc disease is not a disease at all, it is a condition. In fact, degenerative disc disease is a symptom of a breakdown in the overall health of the musculoskeletal system, generally. And, it is a symptom of deterioration in the health of the spine, specifically. Significantly, degenerative disc disease is an age-progressive phenomenon affecting millions worldwide, one of the primary causes of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica, primarily as we age.

Let me restate my main points:

• Degenerative disc disease is not a disease, it is a condition!

• Degenerative disc disease is an age-progressive phenomenon. Or, more accurately, it is an age-progressive constellation of phenomena.

• Degenerative disc disease is actually several phenomena, meaning there are several age-related factors working against us, and our spines, in concert as we age.

• Degenerative disc disease is age-progressive, behavioral, and preventable!

There are many factors that come into play, affecting the musculoskeletal system generally, and the spine specifically. Consequently, some of the factors affecting spine health contribute to degeneration of the spine generally and the intervertebral discs (IVDs or discs), specifically; and, there is a ripple effect as the breakdown in one system impacts and affects the next, and so on.

The degeneration of the spine leads to specific and often serious consequences. Some of the consequences associated with spinal degeneration include structural changes, as in the case of degenerative disc disease.

Some of the structural changes include:

• Bony spurs, also known as osteophytes. Osteophytes generally appear in direct response to stress or a traumatic event. The overall appearance of osteophytes,
and the associated bridging (a fusion or near-fusion of osteophytes across the intervertebral space), mimics the curvatures of the spine in frequency, with the secondary curvatures being more commonly affected. The secondary curvatures being those of the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. The presence of osteophytes may be asymptomatic, meaning no pain or other symptoms are apparent, or they may lead to neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, depending on the level and severity.

• Stenosis. Stenosis is a narrowing of various spinal openings, known as foramen, by the deposition of bone. Bony deposition may also be a consequence of ossification and/or calcification of connective tissue adjacent to the foramen. The intervertebral foramen allow the spinal nerve roots to exit the spinal canal. Pressure, stress and/or trauma on and of the nerve roots, either as a consequence of stenosis or as a result of bulging or herniated discs, will often lead to neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, depending on the severity and the level of the spine affected.

• Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may cause abnormal bone deposition, often leading to stenosis, osteophytosis (the creation of osteophytes), and neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. Osteoarthritis generally affects the secondary curvatures with greater frequency and intensity, particularly as we age. In our 60s, 70s, and 80s osteoarthritis may be every bit as common a factor in neck pain, back pain, and sciatica as degenerative disc disease. In fact, the often co-present in the same individual and are interrelated.

• Changes to the intervertebral discs. Changes to the IVDs occur as a consequence of the five factors mentioned above, all five contributing to degenerative disc disease, and other age-progressive phenomena, such as osteoarthritis and osteophytosis, also affected by the five factors. Changes in the intervertebral discs is one of the primary causes of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.

• Connective tissue damage, including ossification and calcification. The reasons for a breakdown in the connective tissue associated with the spine can in large measure be traced back to the five factors. However, factors such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and several other conditions, diseases, and traumatic events may contribute to a breakdown of the connective tissue, particularly the spinal ligaments. The breakdown of the spinal ligaments is one of the principle factors contributing to degenerative disc disease and neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.

• The vertebrae (vertebral bodies). As stress transfers from the muscles to the connective tissue and on to the intervertebral discs, the stress and associated trauma adversely affects and impacts the vertebrae. When the vertebrae are adversely affected by stress and trauma meant to be handled by other components of the musculoskeletal system generally, and the spine specifically, the vertebrae undergo structural changes. Often when the vertebrae are stressed, osteophytes and osteophyte bridges occur. The osteophytes may be an adaptive response on the part of the spine to stress normally handled by the musculature, connective tissue, and intervertebral discs.

The structural changes listed above, incomplete as the list may be, provides a window into how interconnected and interrelated the spine is as a living system and how one component’s health directly affects the overall spine health.

As noted above and in part one, some of the factors contributing to a breakdown of spine health include:

• Excess weight and/or obesity

• Muscle weakness

• Muscle imbalance

• Inadequate diet and nutrition

• Dehydration

The five principle factors listed above, along with other contributory factors, negatively impact the musculoskeletal system and place stress on the spine generally, and its components individually. Consequently, stress on the spine often creates a breakdown in the overall health of the system and degeneration of the individual components, including the intervertebral discs or IVDs (or more simply, the discs), thus leading to a myriad of consequences…including degenerative disc disease and neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

As stated in part one, stress placed on the spine as we age may be traced, in part, back to excess weight and/or obesity. Excess weight sets in place a ripple effect throughout the spine. The excess weight often leads to exaggerated spinal curvatures. The exaggerated curvatures of the spine stress the musculature, particularly the core muscles of the lower back and abdomen. Muscle weakness leads to back strain and back sprains. Muscle weakness may also lead to muscle imbalance, although muscle imbalances may also occur in otherwise healthy individuals, something we will address in an upcoming article. Muscle weakness and muscle imbalance may also exacerbate neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.

Interestingly, muscle weakness and muscle imbalance may lead to exaggerated spinal curvatures. Exaggerated spinal curvatures may lead to muscle weakness and muscle imbalance. All four factors, excess weight and/or obesity, exaggerated spinal curvatures, muscle weakness, and muscle imbalance will lead to a breakdown in the connective tissue, particularly the spinal ligaments, and the intervertebral discs (IVDs), thus leading to degenerative disc disease. The vertebrae themselves are affected by the stress being transferred from muscle, to ligament, to IVD, to vertebral body, leading to osteophytosis and other bony changes.

All of the above related factors will result in neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, depending on the level of the spine affected. In later life, the health of the spine becomes adversely affected and debilitating pain and disability may result. The entire process is often accelerated by decades when the five factors work in concert and against the musculoskeletal system and the spine, leading to early onset degenerative disc disease and neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

As the spinal system begins to break down, as demonstrated above, the impact is often across the board, meaning as one component breaks down they all do, one affecting the next. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs may and often does occur, thus leading to degenerative disc disease and neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.

In part three we will examine the final two factors, inadequate diet and nutrition, and inadequate hydration or dehydration. The final two factors to be examined are as important, if not more-so, depending on the individual. Diet, nutrition, and hydration may affect and impact not only the overall spine health but the body’s ability to heal and rebuild itself when stressed and during and after a traumatic event.

Ultimately, the five factors contribute to degenerative disc disease and neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, they must be dealt with in the context of an entire system and not as singular entities if neck pain, back pain, and sciatica treatment is to be effective and pain relief lasting.

To your health!

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

PS, Do you want to start right away? Are you ready to be rid of your neck pain, back pain or sciatica? Do you want to find real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief? Just click this link and start today!

PPS, Or go to my other neck pain, back pain, and sciatica blog and follow us, join us, as we create a new future in time for the New year…one without pain, one with real and lasting pain relief!

Contrary to popular belief, while one of the primary causes of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica, primarily as we age, degenerative disc disease is not a disease, it is a condition. Degenerative disc disease is an age-progressive phenomenon. It’s actually several phenomena, meaning there are several age-related factors working against us, and our spines, all at once as we age!

Degenerative Disc Disease is Age-Progressive, Behavioral, and Preventable!

Degenerative Disc Disease: Excess Weight and/or Obesity

In fact, degenerative disc disease is a natural, albeit somewhat preventable, age-progressive phenomenon that occurs as we age and our muscles, connective tissue, intervertebral discs (IVDs), and vertebrae weaken. As we age, we tend to put on and carry excess weight, some people becoming obese. The added weight places additional stress on the curvatures of the spine, particularly in the cervical (neck pain) and lumbar (lower back pain) regions. However, the thoracic and sacral regions will also experience stress, creating the related upper and middle back pain, as well as lower back pain and even sacroiliac joint dysfunction (a somewhat related condition). Overall, excess weight is the biggest single contributor to back pain of any kind, and particularly lower back pain and sciatica. As we gain weight, and as the various curvatures experience greater stress, the muscles, connective tissue (especially the ligaments), the intervertebral discs, and the vertebrae have to do more work and the once healthy back will begin to become stressed, its balance no longer sustainable, and as a result we experience neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica…depending on the level most affected.

Degenerative Disc Disease: Muscle Weakness

As we gain weight, and as the curvatures of the spine are adversely affected as a result of additional weight, the muscles weaken, particularly the core muscles of the spine and abdomen. The abdominal and back muscles weaken as a result of the additional strain placed upon them and because of the sedentary lifestyle usually associated with weight gain…and aging. The weakened musculature, associated with inactivity, lack of exercise, and weight gain, will create a shift in the stress handling mechanisms of the spine, thus transferring much of the work usually done by the muscles of the spine and abdomen to the ligaments, intervertebral discs (IVDs), and the vertebrae. Consequently, as a result of the added weight and/or obesity, combined with the loss of muscle tone and strength, the stress transfers and the spine is more vulnerable to insult and injury, as well as “normal” age-progressive phenomena, such as degenerative disc disease.

Degenerative Disc Disease: The Spinal System and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

As you can no doubt see by now, the entire system in interconnected, one component dependent upon the next and the overall health of the spine affected by a breakdown at any one level (curvature) or by one component (muscles, connective tissue, IVDs or vertebrae). A breakdown at any point makes the entire system more vulnerable to injury or degeneration…with the resulting neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

Degenerative Disc Disease and Connective Tissue: The Ligaments

The next spinal component at risk is the connective tissue, the tendons and ligaments, and particularly the ligaments of the spine. The two major ligaments, and there are far too many to cover all of them in this article (e.g., the anterior costotransverse ligaments and the interarticular ligaments, to name just two more of many), are the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments are very important and are central to the overall health of the spine for a number of reasons. The ligaments provide stabilization and strength along the entire length of the spine. As their name implies, they run longitudinally from the cervical region down the entire length of the spine to the sacrum and connect one vertebral body to the next via the intevertebral discs. The makeup of the anterior and posterior ligaments are somewhat different; and, they have a complex structure and a variety of functions. However, they are crucial to the overall health of the back and, when they are stressed, either as a result of a single event or as the result of excess weight, muscle weakness or muscle imbalance, the entire system is at risk. A loss of strength and/or stabilization may have an immediate and far reaching impact on the spine, resulting in neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Discs: IVDs and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The intervertebral discs, IVDs, or simply discs are the next major component in the spinal system affecting and affected by a breakdown in the system, either as a consequence of aging generally or excess weight, muscle weakness, muscle imbalance, connective tissue issues and stress (including various stress-related injuries, trauma, ossification and calcification), specifically. The intervertebral discs are made up of approximately 80 to 85 percent water. The IVDs are also the spine’s shock absorbers, also responsible, along with the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments mentioned above, for stabilization and strength. The IVDs are made up of two parts, the annulous fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus, a cartilaginous outer ring system and a center gel-like substance. The IVDs have been referred to as a kind of jelly donut, with the gel in the middle being held in place by the outer cartilage and responsible for much of the impact absorption. They are also responsible for the height of the spine, maintaining a set distance between vertebrae, which allows the spinal nerves to leave the spinal canal without injury or stress. It is the intervertebral disc, its height, resilience, and strength, all related to disc health, that directly impacts and affects the presence and level of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

Degenerative Disc Disease: A Constellation of Behavioral Factors

Significantly, as the system begins to break down, as described above, or as the result of a single stress-related injury, the disc may undergo significant change. The changes in the disc over time, as a result of aging combined with excess weight, muscle weakness, muscle imbalance, loss of connective tissue strength and stability, and two additional factors, inadequate diet and nutrition, and inadequate hydration or dehydration may cause the intervertebral discs to break down, resulting in neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica. The combination of aging and the constellation of other contributory factors leads to what is commonly called a disease, in this case degenerative disc disease. Interestingly, degenerative disc disease is not a disease but a combination of consequences, all but one traced back to behavior.

The age-progressive nature of degenerative disc disease is related to the following:

1. As we age, we generally gain weight, some of us becoming obese.
2. As we age, and we generally gain weight, some of us becoming obese, and our muscles weaken due to inactivity and/or a sedentary lifestyle.
3. As we age, and we generally gain weight…and our muscles weaken due to inactivity…the connective tissue breaks down as our muscles can no longer do the job alone and thus the stress is transferred to the connective tissue.
4. As we age, and we generally gain weight…and our muscles weaken due to inactivity…the connective tissue breaks down as our muscles can no longer do the job alone…stress is transferred to the connective tissue…the stress is then transferred to the intervertebral discs which break down due to the stress from the above mentioned factors and due to muscle imbalance, inadequate diet and nutrition, and inadequate hydration and/or dehydration.

Interestingly, I am certain I could probably stretch the above 4 points out to between 10 and 12, perhaps even more, before even starting to stretch things. But I hope you get the overall message here, that degenerative disc disease, while associated with aging, is actually linked to a constellation of behaviors; and, it is the behaviors over time that lead to the degeneration of the IVDs and not a disease process. The degeneration of the discs over time results in the entire system being more susceptible to insult and injury…and not a disease process but a behavioral constellation of factors.

Does degenerative disc disease lead to neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica?

Certainly!

Degenerative Disc Disease and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica: The Prognosis?

Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Treatment and Relief!

However, the impact of the process we call a disease can be overcome to a great extent, depending of course on how much damage has been done prior to starting the right sort of treatment strategy; and, it can certainly be slowed down, if not halted entirely, through behavior modification combined with an intelligent, overall program of diet, exercise, and treatment. If applied properly, a neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica relief and treatment strategy can offset, alleviate, and in many cases even eliminate many of the consequences of degenerative disc disease.

In the second part of this article we will explore the other factors responsible for degenerative disc disease and some of the neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief and treatment strategies many have used to find real and lasting pain relief.

Do you want to start right away? Are you ready to be rid of your neck pain, back pain or sciatica? Do you want to find real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief? Just click this link and start today!

Or go to my other neck pain, back pain, and sciatica blog and follow us, join us, as we create a new future in time for the New year…one without pain, one with real and lasting pain relief!

Have questions, comments, feedback? Leave it here or contact me directly!

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526 (Home/Business)
866-835-2913 (Toll Free)
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

The Beginning: The 30 Day Walk Away from Back Pain and Sciatica…A Challenge and a Huge Success!

Now We Continue: How to Overcome Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica: The 30 Day Challenge Part II!

Start the Holidays and the New Year Out Neck Pain, Back Pain and Sciatica Free!

Over the past 108 days, since June 28, 2009, I have been on something of a quest to help others overcome their neck pain, back pain, and sciatica through a very simple and straightforward set of pain relief strategies. The response has been amazing, people all over the world have sent me emails, called me on the phone, and added me to their Skype contact lists in order to tell me they had started to walk again, were once again beginning to take control of their lives…any achieving real neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief for the first time in years! Still other people, some suffering with chronic neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica for decades were contacting me via YouTube, on Facebook, and even on Twitter. The feedback has been extremely gratifying and has kept me going with this much longer than I had originally intended…at least in any sort of a public manner.

Millions are Affected by Chronic Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica!

The fact is, millions of people around the world are affected by neck pain, back pain, and sciatica; and yet, most of them have no idea how to deal effectively with their pain. Back pain is the number 6 reason in the entire world why people see a medical practitioner, with millions visiting medical practitioners daily, seeking pain relief! Most people suffering from chronic pain, and as I mentioned above, some for decades, have simply resigned themselves to the fact that neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica is part of their life.

This does not have to be the case!

I actually get angry, infuriated, when I think about how many years, decades, I threw away because of this false notion. Unfortunately, there are millions of people living their lives under the assumption that they are doomed to a life of chronic neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica!

Nothing is further from the truth! You don’t have to live in chronic pain!

But you must take control of your life, and of your destiny, or you are doomed to a life of chronic, debilitating, and ultimately disabling pain!

So, how do you take control when you have had surgery, been through every “alternative” pain relief method under the sun, and have been living with your neck, back or sciatic nerve pain for years?

The Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica!

Well, there are 5 contributory factors involved in either the onset of neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica, its continuation, or its exacerbation. I have spoken of these 5 factors in previous articles, videos, and blog posts and we will touch on them briefly here.

Excess Weight, Obesity, Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The first of the 5 factors contributing to or exacerbating neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica is excess weight, meaning either excess weight or obesity. The excess weight and/or obesity issue is a problem throughout most of the modern world and is becoming an issue in developing areas of the world as well. Excess weight is particularly problematic for individuals susceptible to or experiencing spine-related pain of any kind…but particularly lower back pain and sciatica. We will discuss why excess weight and/or obesity is the number one issue affecting people with neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica in upcoming videos and articles over the next 30 days.

Muscle Weakness and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The second issue affecting neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica is muscle weakness. Muscle weakness, like excess weight and/or obesity, is often an age-progressive phenomenon. By this I mean that as we age, we are more susceptible to the effects and the consequences of muscle weakness. Muscle weakness has a ripple effect throughout the entire body as we age, often affecting the connective tissue and the skeleton adversely. As muscles weaken, the stress is transferred to the intervertebral discs, the ligaments, and to the vertebrae themselves. As the body attempts to handle the stress once taken on by the muscles, there are a myriad of consequences and conditions that emerge. Again, we will address the area of muscle weakness and how it impacts neck pain, back pain, and sciatica in the coming days and weeks.

Muscle Imbalance and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The third issue affecting and often exacerbating neck pain, back pain, and sciatica is muscle imbalance. Muscle imbalance is the least understood of the 5 factors affecting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. Unfortunately, muscle imbalance is not addressed in medical school and only briefly covered during medical training for any of the other disciplines, sub-disciplines or alternative medical treatment strategies. Muscle imbalance often plays a significant role in neck pain, back pain, and sciatica…and its relief! We will cover this area in depth in upcoming videos and articles. Understanding muscle imbalance is central to any long-term pain relief strategy.

Diet and Nutrition and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The fourth area of concern and one with as much misinformation, and just plain bad information, as any of the others, particularly when it comes to neck pain, back pain, and sciatica, are the linked and interconnected areas of diet and nutrition…really one in the same. However, diet and nutrition…or nutrition and diet…it’s really a chicken and egg thing, are crucial to neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief. If the body can’t rebuild itself, you are in for a long haul when it comes to chronic pain. Additionally, if you body is in a weakened state due to inadequate diet and nutrition, you are more susceptible to stress-related injury and insult (i.e., trauma related neck and back injury).

Dehydration and Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

The fifth area, dehydration or simply inadequate hydration, is one of the least understood of the five factors leading to neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica. Relief from chronic, intractable, and debilitating neck and back pain may be a drink of water away! Interestingly, inadequate hydration and/or dehydration is the one that is most easily remedied. The intervertebral discs, IVDs or discs are made up of approximately 90% water…some say 85% and some as high as the mid-90s. Regardless of the exact number, there can be little doubt that an inadequate amount of water means the IVDs cannot replenish the most important component in their makeup, and thus repair and rebuild themselves. Coffee, diet pop (or soda if you prefer), tea, energy drinks, and alcohol are all diuretic, meaning they promote the loss of fluid, water, and as a result lead to disc degeneration and the possibility of injury. The resulting neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica may be exacerbated by a lack of this most plentiful or all pain relief potions…H20!

Where do we go from here? Real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief!

Finally, over the next 30 days we will dig deep into the ultimate bad back strategies, the pain relief strategies you must engage in, and the habits to develop, if you are to lead a neck pain, back pain, and sciatica free life. In the last 108 days many have started down the path to real and lasting pain relief. I hope you will join me, and the others already engaged in the process of taking back their lives, pain free lives! Join us as we overcome neck pain, back pain, and sciatica once and for all, and just in time for the holidays and the New Year!

Start at:

The Bad Back Guy’s Program for Ultimate Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Relief: The First Step!

Watch the video below and then take action! I will be there with you every step of the way!

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
866-835-2913
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

The 5 factors, taken as a whole or in part, lead to and/or exacerbate neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica in millions of people in the USA alone every day. Neglect in properly addressing each of the 5 factors leads as many as 6 million to seek the assistance of a medical practitioner each and every day.

The factors contributing to the back pain complex are:

1) Excess weight and or obesity
2) Muscle weakness
3) Muscle Imbalance
4) Diet and Nutrition
5) Dehydration

Taken individually, the 5 factors comtributing to what I have referred to as the back pain complex can lead to an increased incidence of, and higher levels of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica. However, when taken as a whole, the results are often debilitating and disabling.

As we age, the 5 factors that contribute to neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica become even more of an issue.

With each successive decade we:

1) Put on excess weight, perhaps becoming obese
2) Our muscles become weaker and
3) Muscle imbalances occur
4) We don’t eat right, so nutrition and the body’s ability to repair itself becomes a problem
5) We drink far too many caffeine and sodium rich beverages and they act to dehydrate, rather than hydrate the body; and, consequently, the intervertebral discs.

The spine is a complex system and, just as our behaviors affect the various regions and structures of the spine, the spine reacts in very specific ways to the stress and trauma we place on it on a daily basis. If the spine is not a healthy system, meaning if the 5 factors aren’t in balance and properly addressed, the spine’s health suffers and the result is often neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica; or, we set ourselves up for stress and trauma-related injury and the resulting neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

Dealing with the 5 factors in a holistic manner, meaning that we work on all aspects in concert, we can reduce the chance of stress-related injury and the associated neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica…what I call the back pain complex.

The best overall program desinged to take an individual from the beginning through complete and total neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica relief can be found at:

http://TheBadBackGuy.net

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
JohnZ@UltimateBadBackStrategies.com

Sciatica affects millions of people worldwide ever year, yet little is understood about the etiology, the cause or causes, of sciatic nerve pain and what the best ways are to get immediate and lasting relief from sciatica. This article offers the reader five tested methods for dealing with sciatica, methods used for years, pain relief strategies that work. The methods of sciatica relief are in some instances counter-intuitive and in other cases buck current “wisdom,” yet they have been tried and found to work over many years and after many surgeries. It is my hope someone else will benefit from them as well.

The Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve begins in the lumbo-sacral region (L-4 through S-3) of the spine, as five nerve roots from L-4 through S-3 leave the spine and merge into one large nerve that travels across the buttocks (the gluteal muscles) and down the back of the thigh and then into the lower leg, branching off just above the knee, at the back of the lower thigh, into the peroneal and tibial nerves, and finally giving rise to nerves traveling down into the ankle, feet, and toes. Consequently, sciatic nerve pain or sciatica may be felt at any point along the nerve route, expressing as lower back pain, pain in and/or across the buttocks, leg pain, particularly pain at the back of the leg, pain behind the knee, and even pain, tingling, and/or numbness into the feet and toes. Interestingly, sciatica is not a specific condition but a symptom of a problem at some point along the nerve route, usually but not always at the nerve root itself.

Sciatica and Ice

The ultimate sciatica pain relief strategy is ice. Ice is by far the most effective method for immediate and lasting sciatic nerve pain relief. Unfortunately, many people, including many medical experts advise heat for sciatica, in fact for almost all back pain, and that is generally the worst thing you can do. Inflammation and swelling is exacerbated by heat and reduced with ice. Most nerve irritation is the result of inflammation and/or swelling at some point along the nerve route, ice is the recommended treatment. Ice, using an ice compression brace is best but a plain old ice pack will also do just fine. Keep the ice on for as long as you can stand it, providing you have a sheet or thin towel between the ice and your skin to avoid frostbite. This is, of course, anecdotal and based on my experience over 15 major surgeries, 14 on my back…ice works best!
I am not going to get into why people recommend heat, beyond mentioning that proponents argue that heat helps with blood flow to the affected area, specifically nutrition and oxygen, and healing is enhanced, as a result. As you know too well if you experience sciatic nerve pain, when you are in pain the most important thing is relieving the pain! The healing will come later, let’s deal with the sciatica first!

Sciatica and Stretching

The second sciatic nerve pain relief strategy is stretching. The piriformis muscle, and in particular what is called piriformis syndrome, may be the culprit when it comes to sciatica, or it may be at least partially to blame. The anatomy, where the sciatic nerve is located, along with a muscle imbalance, as the sciatic nerve is located in close proximity to the piriformis, may create the piriformis syndrome. A muscle imbalance may create pressure on the sciatic nerve, creating sciatica. A simple and easy to do stretch can help alleviate discomfort almost immediately.
The sciatica stretch is easy to do while seated in any chair. While seated in a chair, cross your left leg over your right leg so that your left ankle is resting on your right knee, bend forward at the waist pulling the left leg to the chest while continuing to bend forward. You will feel stretching outside of the left leg, as well as in the buttocks, stretching and leaning forward as much as any pain will allow. This stretch may be done to both sides, both legs, but the emphasis should be on the side where you are experiencing the sciatica. If the sciatic nerve pain is due to a muscle imbalance or piriformis syndrome you will feel immediate pain relief, if the pain is the result of a bulging or herniated disc, you may need to rely on other treatment strategies.

Sciatica and the Proper Footwear

The third method is to change your footwear. Often people suffering from back pain in general, and sciatic nerve pain specifically, are wearing the wrong shoes. The importance of proper shoes cannot be overstated! Fashion? Forget about fashion! The only thing that matters when it comes to footwear is pain relief when you are in pain; and, when experiencing sciatica in particular. I recommend New Balance walking shoes because they are rated very high when it comes to heel cushioning; and, because they allow for varying degrees of width and a greater array of sizing alternatives, thus improving fit which translates into a better walking experience. The better fit and cushioning means less impact on the spine and that means less back pain generally and less sciatica specifically.

New Balance shoes are also rated very high for dealing with pronation, another factor to consider when it comes to sciatica. For more information, Runner’s World Magazine has a great website that deals extensively with the proper shoes, as well as pronation and supination. Keep in mind their target audience is a bit different but they still have excellent explanations for both of these conditions and they make recommendations concerning walking shoes, as well as what shoes are ranked highly and for what. The only other shoe worth considering is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 11. This is a runner’s shoe but took the editor’s award for Runner’s World, a huge accomplishment. The shoe mainly won for the “fit and feel” of the shoe. It has memory foam throughout for a great overall fit. I have just ordered a pair, I so will let you know what I think. They are comparably priced to the best New Balance walking shoes.

Sciatica and Water Walking

The fourth sciatic nerve pain relief strategy is water walking. No, I don’t mean swimming, I mean getting into a pool and walking and moving with slow and deliberate movements. I have used this strategy and it is one of the best I have ever found. Not only is the water soothing, even if the water temperature is on the cold side (so much the better, actually!), but the motion itself is therapeutic. I realize not everyone has access to a pool but most communities in the states have a YMCAs or YWCAs. And price shouldn’t be an issue because they have membership rates tailored for any socio-economic bracket. So, there is no reason not to get in the pool at least a couple of times a week. If you use this strategy for a month or two, you will never do without it again, it is that good.

Sciatica and The Four Letter Word – R…E…S…T

Finally, the fifth sciatic nerve pain relief strategy is rest. This is a short-term pain relief strategy and should not become a permanent method of dealing with sciatica or any other form of back pain…or pain of any sort for that matter. In fact, the reason I left it until last is because it is usually the worst thing you can do as a regular method of dealing with pain. While being active and even exercising may seem counter-intuitive, it is usually the best back pain and sciatic nerve pain relief strategy, period! The more you sit around, the less you do, the more pain you will have, guaranteed! However, there are times when you may need to put your knees up, put the ice pack on your back, and rest. As long as it is short-term and incident specific, fine, rest. But please, do not become a couch-potato as a means of treating sciatica or any other form of back pain, it is the absolutely kiss of death when it comes to overcoming your back pain and/or sciatica.

The Five Ultimate Sciatica Strategies!

So there you have them, my five ultimate bad back strategies…or in this case, my five sciatica relief strategies. The best for immediate relief from sciatica is ice. The next-best treatment strategy for sciatic nerve pain relief is stretching, particularly the piriformis/sciatica stretch. The third technique is to switch your shoes, slip into something more comfortable, so to speak. The fourth pain relief strategy is to start walking, water walking that is. By the way, walking, as a rule, is also one of the best long-term strategies and will be dealt with extensively in an upcoming article series. Finally, number five is last for a reason, it should not be abused…rest. Rest, while at times necessary, is not a long-term treatment strategy. In fact, rest is a terrible long-term strategy leading to muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, weight gain, and other negative effects that actually contribute to, instead of alleviating, back pain and sciatica. So, get off the couch or out of the recliner, and certainly out of bed, and start walking…more to follow!

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Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

Sciatica is one of the most commonly discussed, least understood components in what I refer to as the back pain complex. The back pain complex being any manifestation, alone or in concert with one another, of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. There are a myriad of factors involved in creating sciatica, I have attempted to list 9 of the more common contributory factors. There is still a great deal we don’t know about when it comes to defining pain, particularly sciatica, a distinct expression of pain and an indication of an underlying condition…but not a singular condition. This article attempts to list the more common causes and some of the reasons for them. This article is the first in a series on sciatica and will be used in conjunction with a video series on the same topic.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is one of the most difficult conditions for medical practitioners, even those experienced in treating back pain and sciatica patients, to identify and treat. Sciatica often presents itself as a tingling and/or numbness, not unlike the feeling one may experience with a pulled hamstring muscle, the biceps femoris at the back of the leg. The sensation may be dull, almost an ache, with periods of tingling and/or numbness occurring during certain activities. The tingling and/or numbness experienced, if not treated, may develop into a full-blown chronically acute phase with pain shooting across the buttocks and radiating down the leg. Sciatica may affect one or both legs, usually one, beginning as a pain radiating from some point in the lower back, the lumbar spine, then across the gluteal muscles (the buttocks), and finally down the back of the leg. In advanced cases, sciatica reaches all the way into the feet and toes, causing discomfort and an eventual loss of feeling.

Interestingly, sciatica is not a specific condition, it is simply a catch-all medical term applied to a constellation of symptoms in order to describe a state the back pain sufferer is in. In this case, sciatica is used to describe a patient’s complaint of pain radiating across the buttocks, down the leg, and into the feet and toes…along with the associated tingling and/or numbness. Sciatica may be caused by a number of conditions, from stress and trauma at a specific location on the spine, the lower back or lumbar curvature, to a more generalized condition such as obesity or pregnancy. There are a number of other conditions associated with sciatica, all requiring varying degrees of medical intervention and treatment. Some of the conditions likely to present with sciatica are:

1. Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone or bone marrow. Osteomyelitis may be debilitating and in extreme cases may even cause death. It is difficult to diagnose and may go undetected for a long time unless appropriate blood tests are ordered and the medical practitioner is well trained in infectious diseases affecting the bones.

2. Tumors on or near the spine: Tumors, particularly tumors or abnormal growth (e.g., scar tissue) affecting the nerves or nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen, will sciatic nerve pain or sciatica.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease: Once again, degenerative disc disease is not a disease any more than sciatic nerve pain, called sciatica, is a specific condition. Degenerative disc disease is a breakdown of the IVDs, the intervertebral discs, and is usually a consequence of aging combined with the any or all of the 5 principal factors affecting the spine as we age.

• Excess weight and/or obesity
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle Imbalance
• Inadequate nutrition and diet
• Inadequate hydration or dehydration

4. Herniated (i.e., ruptured) or bulging disc: This condition may be particularly problematic if the herniated disc or bulging disc is protruding posteriorly (to the back) and into the spinal canal, or impinging on the nerve root at the intervertebral foramen, thus placing pressure on the spine and/or nerve root; and, sciatica is the result in many instances.

5. Piriformis syndrome: We will cover the piriformis syndrome and how it relates to sciatica in depth in a subsequent video and article. Recent research has demonstrated that this little-known syndrome, at least in the lay community, may be a factor in as many as eight out of ten sciatica cases. The piriformis muscle works particularly hard in runners and others who are physically active, often resulting in RMI or repetitive motion injury.

6. Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal and/or intervertebral foramen. In fact, any narrowing of a structure can be defined broadly as a stenosis. The stenosis, the narrowing affects and/or obstructs the pathway for nerves, thus exacerbating pain…in this case creating the sciatic nerve pain associated with sciatica.

7. Spondylolysis: In layman’s terms, it is a stress fracture at the back of the vertebra, the vertebral body (the front part) breaks away from the back part of the vertebra (everything else). In osteological terms, the break occurs at the pars interarticularis of the vertebra, usually at the fifth lumbar vertebra, the last vertebra before the lumbar spine articulates with the sacrum or tailbone. This is usually associated with spondylolisthesis, the next contributor to sciatic nerve pain.

8. Spondylolisthesis: Usually associated with spondylolysis in younger back pain and sciatica patients but may present without spondylolysis in older adults. Spondylolisthesis is the result of an anterior (forward) shift in the vertebra body, in fact the entire vertebra when spondylolysis is absent, or the vertebral column in relationship to the remainder of the vertebral column below. There are a number of reasons why this condition may occur but in younger patients it is usually found with spondylolysis. We will discuss this condition in depth in a subsequent article and video but suffice it to say that any change in the overall structure of the spine, particularly at the lumbar curvature, will create sciatic nerve pain.

9. Trauma: Trauma and stress go hand in hand when it comes to back pain and sciatica. Trauma may be localized, meaning the spine will take the brunt of the stress at a specific location, or it may be generalized and affect several levels simultaneously. The better equipped we are in terms of muscle strength, muscle balance (or imbalance), and the other factors affecting spine health, the better equipped we will be to handle appropriate levels of stress. The IVDs are remarkably resilient and very strong but if the discs undergo change as a result of any of the 5 factors listed above, or the traumatic event is profound enough, damage to the spine may occur; and, sciatica may be the outcome. In this case, a medical practitioner should always be the first step in any bad back treatment strategy.

In reality, any one of the factors above, or several of the above mentioned conditions together, may cause low back pain and sciatica. Sciatica is, once again, the presentation of a specific type of pain. The actual condition causing the sciatic nerve pain may be any of the above or a number of other conditions not discussed here; these are some of the main ones.

Your medical practitioner may refer to sciatica as radiculopathy, particularly lumbar radiculopathy, because sciatica originates in the lumbar curvature or lumbar region of the spine. This has become a catch-all, in much the same was sciatica has; and, both are used when a more appropriate designation should be applied. But for now, understand that if your medical practitioner refers to sciatica and/or lumbar radiculopathy, he or she is usually referring to pain radiating from the lumbar region of the spine, at times across the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and even into the feet and toes. We will discuss sciatica in much greater depth in upcoming articles and videos.

For an amazing free resource, get this book:

The 7 Day Pain Pain Cure

For a complete, step-by-step system for recovery on your way to a pain free life…go to:

http://www.TheBadBackGuy.net

For additional resources dealing with neck pain, back pain, and sciatica, including additional treatment plans, go to:

Additional Sciatica Pain Relief Article!

Additional Sciatica Article!

AWESOME Sciatica Stretch Video!

I hope this has helped! Contact me any time and don’t forget to visit my YouTube Channel!

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica are Effectively Relieved by Eliminating the 5 Factors Affecting The Back Pain Complex!

We have addressed the various curvatures of the spine here, on blogs, and on the various video sharing sites across the Internet. It should be apparent to you by now that the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine play a central role in what I refer to as the back pain complex: neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica. The curvatures are made up of the vertebrae, the intervertebral discs or IVDs, the connective tissue that helps to support the spine and the various other structures of the body, and the tendons and muscles that move the structures of the body…in this case our focus being the spine.

Several factors work against the various curvatures of the spine, contributing to neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica. The five factors that have the greatest impact on the spine are:

1. Excess weight or obesity

2. Muscle weakness

3. Muscle imbalance

4. Improper or inadequate diet and nutrition

5. Hydration or rather dehydration

Excessive Weight, Obesity, and The Back Pain Complex

Excess weight and/or obesity have a significant impact, particularly on the secondary curvatures, those of the cervical and lumbar regions… the neck and low back. The cervical and lumbar regions already come under tremendous stress on a day-to-day basis as they attempt to deal with the stress associated with holding our heads up and walking upright. As we add extra weight, these curvatures often undergo significant structural changes, exacerbating neck pain and lower back pain, respectively.
Muscle weakness contributes to neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica in a number of different ways. Not only do we experience pain as a result of muscle strain and muscle spasm, we also experience pain as a result of increased stress being transferred from the muscles that should handle and absorb the stress to the associated and adjoining structures not meant to handle that level or degree of stress and trauma. Muscle weakness, while seemingly a simple concept, is actually quite complicated and affects the entire musculoskeletal system in an adverse manner.

Muscle Imbalance and The Back Pain Complex

Muscle imbalance is a difficult concept for many to grasp because it is rarely discussed, and even more infrequently dealt with by the medical community. However, muscle imbalance is central to understanding and developing a strategy for the relief of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. The entire body is made up of opposing muscle groups, ideally working together to move the body. Unfortunately, as is the case in most relationships, one side is usually dominant over the other…this is precisely the case with muscle imbalances. As stated in a previous video, muscle imbalances are like mini arguments, muscle dialectics. One muscle argues with another muscle creating an imbalance. In order to deal with the back pain complex resulting from these arguments, it is up to us to find a solution, in this case a synergy or a synthesis between the two muscle arguments…a balance! Unless muscle balance is achieved, the underlying cause of the neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica, muscle imbalance, the pain will continue. If the muscle imbalance is not addressed, the imbalance will become more pronounced, and there will be other consequences for the spine and associated connective tissue and musculature of the musculoskeletal system.

Improper Nutrition, Inadequate Diet, and The Back Pain Complex

Improper and/or inadequate diet and nutrition is, as in the case of muscle imbalance, an often overlooked and/or ignored area when it comes to dealing with neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica. Interestingly, this area of concern is central because without adequate nutrition the body cannot rebuild itself, it cannot heal properly. Consequently, while vitally important in addressing the back pain complex, it is often ignored by the medical community. When we think of adequate diet and nutrition we often think in terms of muscle building and/or rebuilding. The fact is, diet and nutrition go to the very heart of the back pain complex. We will address this issue in much greater depth in an upcoming article, but suffice it to say, without the proper nutrition neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica cannot be completely or effectively dealt with.

Dehydration and The Back Pain Complex

Finally, hydration, or rather dehydration, is a crucial component in any strategy developed to help relieve neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica. The intervertebral discs or IVDs are primarily made up of water. Lack of adequate water intake, dehydration, negatively impacts IVD health, ultimately leading to neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica…and degenerative disc disease. We take in diet pop, coffee, tea, alcohol, and other diuretics (energy drinks being a big culprit) and rarely drink adequate amounts of water to replenish the water our bodies, and particularly the IVDs use every day to function, build, and rebuild. The result? Neck pain, back pain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and much more!

How to Achieve Lasting Relief: The 5 Factors and Baby Steps!

So, how do we overcome the back pain complex? We deal with the 5 contributory factors, we get active one step at a time (remembering baby steps), we keep a journal of our efforts in order to track our results (good and bad), and we use the help of those around us who are willing and able to help! Use the program I recommend at:

http://TheBadBackGuy.net

and please take the time to comment, tell your story, provide feedback so others can learn from your experiences and, hopefully, learn something you used that will help them to overcome their neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica!

Wishing you a healthy back!

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com

PS, Go to The Back Pain Institute for a special surprise on or after Wednesday morning, August 25, 2009! It won’t be available until then…but it will be worth it!