What can you do to help with Sciatic pain?

                Massage will certainly help decrease nerve pain by stimulating the muscles by having the glutes worked on and the posterior leg. With increased circulation it will temporarily help your first visit  but going regularly it has long term beneficial effects especially for those who plan to do lots of driving or has a stressful work situation that is mentally and physically draining. Following after massage a hot bath with epsom salts is great. Having two cups added to your water will have the magnesium absorbed into your skin to help soaking for 10 to 20 min is ideal.

                Compression with hot and cold is another way to help ease sciatic pain. The heat relaxes the muscles and the cold will help decrease the inflammation down, and numb the pain. Making sure not to have the cold on for more than 20 min several times a day.

                With gentle exercises and stretching techniques It will help lower the chances of requiring injury and inflammation following. Keeping the core strong and stretching of the posterior leg muscles such as hamstring will also help. Yoga is another option to help with strengthening the muscles and helping corresponding areas that will ease sciatic pain.

                Simply laying on back keeping one leg to the ground, having one knee come towards your chest grasping below the knee as you hold to chest and lifting that leg as you take your hands and hold leg to upright position towards the ceiling and hold for 30 seconds, releasing leg and doing the opposite leg will help. Chair yoga is another best option especially for the elderly or to be in seated position on chair and extend leg to stretch the hamstring muscles and alternating sides is a excellent way to ease sciatic and a good tool to prevent from happening.

                These are tools to use in the comfort of your home and then applying to your regime at home will keep you feeling balanced and restored, following with massage and the use of a little bit of peppermint oil with moist hot towel to infuse will be such an award after coming in and being cared for to melt off any emotional stress that you may be holding.


Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta. 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca

Do you have Restless Leg Syndrome?

 Restless Leg Syndrome- RLS affects over 12 million people causing a strong urge to move ones legs especially at night. RLS is a neurological complaint causing a decrease of nerve impulse to the affected limb- most often the legs. This uncomfortable syndrome causes many people a lot of discomfort. A large portion of pregnant population suffers from this uncomfortable issue. RLS prevents you from getting adequate rest and good nights sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause weakening of the weakening of the immune system, mood swings, psychological effects and depression.

Symptoms of RLS 

·        Strange itching, tingling, or "crawling" sensations occurring deep within the legs; these sensations may also occur in the arms.

·        A compelling urge to move the limbs to relieve these sensations

·        Restlessness -- floor pacing, tossing and turning in bed, rubbing the legs

Many patients, pregnant and non-pregnant find relief from specific experienced chiropractic adjustments, especially when adjusting the pregnant spine. These adjustments remove any pressure, impingement or irritation to the affected nerves in the legs/limbs. A complete history, examination and assessment will rule out any other underlying issues that may cause RLS.

Home help: Stretching, Epsom salt baths, heat application, limb massage

Supplements: Folic acid, Magnesium, B12, B complex, homeopathies

Dr. Joelle Johnson has practiced in Central Alberta for over 17years in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer T4R 2C3 www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261