Category: Back Pain & Sciatica
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Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis
In an article in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the authors reported that epidural corticosteroid injections for radiculopathy were associated with immediate reductions in pain and function. However, benefits were small and not sustained, and there was no effect on long-term surgery risk. Limited evidence suggested no effectiveness for spinal stenosis. ~ Dr. Broussard Ann…
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Is Sitting BAD for My Back?
A major manufacturer of workstations reports that 86% of work computer users have to sit all day, and when they do rise from sitting, more than half (56%) use food as the excuse to get up and move. In addition to sitting at work, for meals, and commuting to/from work, 36% sit another one to…
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What’s This Tingling in My Leg?
When you think of low back pain, you may visualize a person half-bent over with their hand on the sore spot of their back. Since many of us have experienced low back pain during our lifetime, we can usually relate to a personal experience and recall how limited we were during the acute phase of…
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SCIATICA: Deep Gluteal Syndrome
Some are suggesting using this term instead of “piriformis syndrome” to describe pain in the buttock caused from entrapment of the sciatic nerve that is not from a disc issue. This article discusses, in detail, various structures that can pinch the sciatic nerve, and how to test for them. [Read more]
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Low Back Pain – When is it DANGEROUS to Wait?
Low back pain (LBP) typically results from relatively “benign” causes, meaning it’s usually safe to wait and try conservative / non-emergency care first. However, there are a handful of times when prompt medical emergency management is appropriate, and it’s important that everyone is aware of these uncommon but dangerous and sometimes deadly causes of LBP,…
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Spinal Manipulation AFTER Surgery HELPS!
Unfortunately, low back pain (LBP) is something MOST of us cannot avoid. There is solid evidence that chiropractic care is one of the most effective methods of treating LBP, but there are times when a referral for surgery is needed. What about manipulative therapy (MT) AFTER surgery? Is this a good idea? Does it help?…
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Epidural Corticosteroids for Sciatica: More Trouble Than They’re Worth
Dynamic Chiropractic – May 15, 2014, Vol. 32, Issue 10 By Deborah Pate, DC, DACBR Use of epidural steroid injections has increased dramatically in recent years, despite the fact that studies have failed to demonstrate evidence this procedure is clinically helpful (while other studies suggest it may actually be dangerous). Considering that lack of evidence –…
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Low Back Pain? Should You Take an NSAID?
Statistics suggest that low back pain (LBP) will plague most of us at some point in our lives, if it hasn’t already. Most healthcare professions that manage patients with low back pain focus on pain management. In fact, studies have reported that 67% of patient satisfaction is driven by pain elimination. One of the most…
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Manipulative Treatment For Back Pain In Pregnancy Is Safe And Effective
Manipulative treatment for back pain is used by osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, and some medical doctors. This study concluded that manipulative therapy is a safe and effective treatment to improve pain and function at the end of pregnancy. ~ Dr. Broussard Pregnancy Research on Osteopathic Manipulation Optimizing Treatment Effects: the PROMOTE study Am J Obstet…
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Who Gets Low Back Pain?
Low back pain (LBP) occurs all over the world. Between 2004 and 2008, an estimated 2.06 million EPISODES of LBP occurred in the United States (US) alone! Each year, LBP accounts for 3.15% of all emergency visits with 65% of LB injuries occurring at home. According to estimates, two-thirds of all Americans will experience at…