DRS Protocol at Busch Chiropractic Pain Center treats sciatic pain

Sciatica or sciatic pain is symptom of a back problem, and it is not a diagnosis of the actual problem itself. Sciatic pain refers to pain along the length of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve branches off your spine at the pelvis and travels down each leg. A problem at the root of this nerve, where the nerve exits the spine, may be felt along the entire length of the leg and can cause leg weakness. Sciatic pain can be severe and debilitating.

Patients often misinterpret this as a problem with their legs, when the primary cause is the result of a bulging disc compressing a nerve at the base of their spine. Sometimes, with severe inflammation, pain will also be felt in the hips and buttocks.

Here is a general list of symptoms

• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg  – generally does not occur in both legs
• Pain may be worse when sitting
• Burning or tingling down the leg is more like that a dull ache
• Hard to move your leg or foot, you can also have weakness and numbness
• Constant pain on one side of the buttocks
• Difficult to stand up or to walk

Sciatic pain is successfully treated at the Busch Chiropractic Pain Center, Fort Wayne IN, with DRS Protocol™ when the underlying cause or diagnosis is a disc condition such as herniated and degenerative disc (s). 

DRS PROTOCOL can treat Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy is a term that describes radiating nerve pain that can start with a disc problem such as herniated or degenerative discs in your neck (cervical) area.  Your pain can run down into your shoulder, into your arm and on into your hands and fingers.  Along with the pain, you can also experience numbness, tingling and weakness.  Certain of your muscle groups can have weakness, and your range-of-motion can be impaired and you could even have a problem simply looking from side to side.

Your neck is your “cervical” area of the spine.  Each level of your cervical area is referred to as C-1 through C-8.  Each level affects other parts of your body.   A general description of what can be affected is as follows:

 C1 through C3 can cause headaches and very possibly dizziness.  You may also have numbness and tingling in the neck and upper back.  This can also affects shoulder and upper chest muscles.

C4 and C5 affects the muscles of your shoulder, upper chest and surface area of your shoulder, upper arm and can cause you have to have loss of sensation and cause numbness.  This can be a cause of referred pain into areas of your upper back

C6 affects the outside part of your elbow, forearm, your thumb, index finger and flexors of  your elbow;  this can cause referred pain into areas of your upper back

C7 and C8 affects the inside part of your elbow, your forearm including the small ring and long fingers, and the intrinsic muscles in your hand, and can cause referred pain into areas of your upper back

Above is a diagram illustrating many areas that can be affected by problems from your neck.  Conditions such herniated and degenerative disc disease can be successfully treated with the DRS Protocol™.  This treatment was developed by Dr. Richard Busch at Busch Chiropractic Pain Center in Fort Wayne IN. 

Do you have any of these symptoms?  Feel free to go to www.buschchiropractic.comor give us a call 1-888-471-4090.

This case study noted that this patient’s previous medical treatment had included multiple emergency room visits; private specialists; and a rotation of drug therapies including Paxil, Xanax, and Celexa all of which had failed to help her. The patient’s history also included at least three motor vehicle accidents between 1995 and 1997, including one where her head shattered the windshield.

The articles note that according to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is the most common mental health illness. It affects more than 19 million Americans ages 18-54. Patients suffering from General Anxiety Disorder make three to five times more visits to doctors’ offices and emergency rooms and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that direct healthcare costs and lost productivity of these conditions cost more than $42 billion per year.

In December, 2001, the patient started chiropractic care for correction of nerve interference called “subluxations”. This patient’s results were then documented over a four month course of care. It was observed that medication was discontinued successfully. Additionally, the articles noted that after a four-month course of chiropractic care, the young woman reported an 80% reduction in her anxiety symptoms, including a 90% decrease in her headaches. The patient was able to resume a normal lifestyle without resorting to prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

The research was co-authored by Dr. Madeline Behrendt, Associate Editor of JVSR, and Dr. Nathan Olsen, a chiropractor in private practice in Boise, Idaho. They noted in their conclusion that, “These improvements suggest positive changes in mental health function may be associated with subluxation correction from the application of chiropractic care.”

Dr. Behrendt additionally commented, “This young woman spent two years in crisis, going from emergency room to private specialist, spending thousands of dollars for tests and drug therapy, without any resolution of her problems. A simple, non-invasive spinal screening ultimately provided the findings that made the difference: her spine was subluxated, impinging on nerves, and altering the proper function of her nervous system.” Behrendt continued by asking, “How many other people are suffering unnecessarily because they are missing the proper screening?”

Both share a need or desire for chiropractic care to enhance their demanding performances. Having been a team doctor for six Olympic competitions, my latest “gig” with Metallica has shown me that intense activity, endurance and strength are sought by both kinds of performers, be it on stage in front of thousands of fans or competing for a gold medal at an Olympic event.

For the last nine years and more than one thousand tour dates, I have been providing Metallica’s band members with almost daily care.  Going on thirty years of making music and more than 100 million albums sold, Metallica’s rock and roll habits of decades ago have simply been replaced with more conservative routines, as they prepare for their two-hour-plus concerts.

Pre-concert care, deep tissue work and rub-downs between songs are just a few of what Metallica’s band members have required on the road.

Voodoo doctor

Vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield has called me a voodoo doctor and bass guitarist Robert Trujillo says my treatments resemble acupressure.  I’m counted on by drummer Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett, who happens to be my cousin.

At the end of the day, all of the band’s members are finely tuned into the idea of how they can best prepare for demanding concerts to please their fans of many ages.

Odd as it seems, treating rock stars and competitive athletes have a lot in common.  Trujillo needs constant attention to his guitar-strumming arm and its speed-demon fingers, even between songs backstage.  Deep tissue work before shows has also become a Metallica tradition.

Metallica’s band members must individually maintain cardio-vascular endurance, an exercise and stretching regime and a balanced diet and nutrition.  With the bands’ intense concert schedule and travel itinerary, Metallica members must be at a peak performance state both physically and mentally.  Subsequently, their qualitative longevity deserves and requires preventative and maintenance healthcare on a daily basis.

To me, Metallica brings harmony to their fans as the band roams the jungle of a world filled with chaos and insanity.  Helping Metallica bring their music to the world has been my own rock and roll dream come true. It has been a privilege to work and tour around the world living in the mad, mad world of Metallica.

Almost Famous

I’ve been a huge fan since my cousin Kirk invited me to a Metallica concert in San Francisco in the early 1980’s, not long after the band formed in 1981.

My family had always been chiropractic-oriented family and believed each of our innate abilities flourished throughout our lives whenever the life force was made to flow freely with chiropractic care. That was our gospel, and one that Metallica eventually tuned in to.

During the early 1980’s,  Metallica released hits with fast tempos and instrumentals, fast becoming well known as one of the top four thrash metal bands, alongside Anthrax, Megadeath and Slayer.  Because of their aggressive musicianship, Metallica gained a loyal fan base in an underground music community.

In 1986, Metallica’s album, Master of Puppets was described and acclaimed as one of the most influential metal thrash albums of all time.  In 1993 onward, Metallica achieved substantial commercial success with the Black Album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.  With the release of the Black Album, Metallica shifted and expanded its musical direction resulting in an album that appealed to a mainstream audience.

It was Kirk who was convinced of the power of chiropractic and insisted that his spine is adjusted regularly.  His sister, Jennifer Hammett also plunged into the world of chiropractic in the 1990’s.

As an Australian/American citizen, I would meet and work with the band on a part-time basis when I lived in Australia.  It was at the time, in 2000, that Metallica released St. Anger, an album that seemed to have alienated a number of fans. Nevertheless, the band created a documentary describing and exposing the bands most inner hopes, fears and turmoils.

After given them adjustments a number of shows, by 2002, they appointed me as Metallica’s full-time touring band doctor.

Diehard fan

The diehard Metallica fortress that had grown through nearly 30 years was becoming much more stable and solid. It didn’t
matter if fans had come and gone during the last 29 years, Metallica music had been a great source of love and support for many fans to lean on.

They have been through a lot that some fans criticized, from signing on to  a major label, to doing a ballad, to cutting their hair, to fighting Napster, as well as to create a documentary that brought on their most intimate fears to the public. Yet the Metallica fortress stood solid and unshakable.

Releasing nine studio albums, three live albums, two EPs, 24 music videos and 45 singles, Metallica has won nine Grammy Awards.  Metallica has also had five consecutive albums debut at the top of Billboard 200, the first band to do so.

Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio in April 2010. When they accepted the new title, it was one of the best moments of my life.

After having worked behind the scenes at concerts in cities around the country and the world, adjusting the band to keep on playing for fans, I can definitely say, it’s only rock and roll, but I like it.

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Many patients diagnosed with low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease are left wondering exactly what this diagnosis means for them. Common questions that are often on patients’ minds include:

• If I have low back pain from degenerative disc disease in my thirties, how much worse will it become with age?
• Will the degenerative disc disease become a crippling condition? Will I end up in a wheelchair?
• Should I restrict my activities?
• Can I still play sports?
• Will the degenerative disc disease spread to other parts of the spine?
• Will the low back pain from degenerative disc disease cause any permanent damage?

Degenerative Disc Disease is a Misnomer

A large part of many patients’ confusion is that the term “degenerative disc disease” sounds like a progressive, very threatening condition. However, this condition is not strictly degenerative and is not really a disease.

• Part of the confusion probably comes from the term “degenerative“, which implies to most people that the symptoms will get worse with age. The term applies to the disc degenerating, but does not apply to the symptoms. While it is true that the disc degeneration is likely to progress over time, the low back pain from degenerative disc disease usually does not get worse and in fact usually gets better over time.
• Another source of confusion is probably created by the term “disease“, which is actually a misnomer. Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease at all, but rather a degenerative condition that at times can produce pain from a damaged disc.

Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging and over time all people will exhibit changes in their discs consistent with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms. In fact, degenerative disc disease is quite variable in its nature and severity.

Medical Practitioners Disagree on Degenerative Disc Disease

Finally, many patients are confused about degenerative disc disease because many medical professionals don’t agree on what the phrase describes.

In practical terms, this means that few practitioners agree on what does and does not constitute a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease. Even medical textbooks don’t usually attempt to give an accurate description. Therefore, while many practitioners believe that degenerative disc disease is a common cause of low back pain in young adults, very few agree on the implications.

While there is still a lot of debate in the medical community about degenerative disc disease, a few aspects of the condition are known. This article will discuss aspects of degenerative disc disease that are more commonly accepted, such as the theory of the degenerative cascade, as well as some areas of theory that are still a source of debate in the medical community.

If you have a headache, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative.

New research shows that spinal manipulation – the primary form of care provided by doctors of chiropractic – may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.

A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

Headache Triggers
But to get to the bottom of the problem, you first need to find out what is causing your pain. Headaches have many causes, or “triggers.” These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). About 5 percent of all headaches are warning signals caused by physical problems.

Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease. The headache itself is the primary concern.

“The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck,” says Dr. George B. McClelland, a doctor of chiropractic from Christiansburg, VA, and member of the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Board of Governors. “Today, Americans engage in more sedentary activities than they used to, and more hours are spent in one fixed position or posture. This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back and scalp, causing your head to ache.”

What Can You Do?
The ACA suggests the following:

* If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing or reading, take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to one hour. The stretches should take your head and neck through a comfortable range of motion.

* Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches. However, if you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches, avoid heavy exercise. Engage in such activities as walking and low-impact aerobics.

* Avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing. This results in stress at the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) – the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull – leading to TMJ irritation and a form of tension headaches.

* Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches.

In addition, the ACA and its Council on Nutrition suggest you avoid the following food “triggers”:

* Avoid caffeine. Foods such as chocolate, coffee, sodas and cocoa contain high levels of the stimulant.

* Avoid foods with a high salt or sugar content. These foods may cause migraines, resulting in sensitivity to light, noise, or abrupt movements.

* Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. These drinks can dehydrate you and cause headache pain.

* Other headache sufferers may want to avoid not only caffeine, but also high-protein foods, dairy products, red meat and salty foods.

What Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?
Dr. McClelland says your doctor of chiropractic may do one or more of the following if you suffer from a primary headache:

* Perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.

* Provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.

* Offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

“Doctors of chiropractic undergo extensive training to help their patients in many ways – not just back pain,” says Dr. McClelland. “They know how tension in the spine relates to problems in other parts of the body, and they can take steps to relieve those problems.”

If your headache is symptomatic of a health problem that needs the care of another discipline, your doctor of chiropractic will refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Chiropractic Care Can Help…
Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about other ways to improve your lifestyle. Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to examine and treat the entire body with specific emphasis on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. They can also help people lead healthier lives by focusing on wellness and prevention.

Many avid golfers contort their bodies into oddly twisted postures, generating a great deal of torque. Couple this motion with a bent-over stance, repeat 120 times over three or four hours, add the fatigue that comes with several miles of walking, and you’ve got a good workout-and a recipe for potential lower-back trouble.

As America’s love affair with the game continues to grow, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has advice on how to take a proactive approach that will prepare your body for many years of pain-free play.

“Most golfers go until they get hurt, then look for help,” says Dr. David Stude, member of the ACA Sports Council and founding fellow of the National Golf Fitness Society. “Back pain is a warning sign that there is an underlying problem responsible for a symptom that will likely get worse. Doctors of chiropractic look for the cause of the symptom and help reduce the likelihood of future injury.”

If you take the chiropractic approach, you’re in good company. According to Dr. Stude, Tiger Woods says that lifting weights and visiting his chiropractor regularly have made him a better golfer. Dr. Stude and the ACA suggest these simple measures to help you avoid back pain or injury and improve your game:

* Purchase equipment that fits. Don’t try to adapt your swing to the wrong clubs: A six-footer playing with irons designed for someone five inches shorter is begging for back trouble.

* For the women in golf: If you have “inherited” your husband’s or significant other’s golf clubs, they might be difficult for you to use. Not only are the clubs often too long, but the shaft is often not flexible enough for a woman’s grip. Women typically play better with clubs that are composed of lighter, more flexible material, such as graphite.

* For the men in golf: It is a good idea to spend some extra time performing quality stretches-before and after your game-to increase your trunk flexibility. While men are traditionally stronger than women, they usually aren’t as flexible. Men need to improve their flexibility to maintain a more even and consistent swing plane and thus improve the likelihood of more consistent performance.

* For senior golfers: If you show some signs of arthritis in the hands, consider a larger, more specialized grip for added safety and performance.

* For all golfers: For some, scores may not be as important as enjoying the social benefits of the game. Having clubs that are comfortable will increase the chances of playing for a long time without significant physical limitations.

* Take lessons. Learning proper swing technique is critical. At the end of the swing, you want to be standing up straight; the back should not be twisted.

* Wear orthotics. These custom-made shoe inserts support the arch, absorb shock, and increase coordination. “Studies show custom-made, flexible orthotics can improve the entire body’s balance, stability and coordination, which translates into a smoother swing and reduced fatigue,” Dr. Stude says. While the upper part of a shoe may score style points, what the foot rests on affects your game.

* Avoid metal spikes. They tear up greens and can increase stress on the back. Soft shoes or soft spikes allow for greater motion.

* Warm up before each round. “Stretching before and after 18 holes is the best way to reduce post-game stiffness and soreness,” says Dr. Stude. Take a brisk walk to get blood flowing to the muscles; then do a set of stretches. To set up a stretching and/or exercise routine, see a doctor of chiropractic or golf pro who can evaluate your areas of tension and flexibility.

* Pull, don’t carry, your golf bag. Carrying a heavy bag for 18 holes can cause the spine to shrink, leading to disk problems and nerve irritation. If you prefer to ride in a cart, alternate riding and walking every other hole-bouncing around in a cart can also be hard on the spine.

* Keep your entire body involved. Every third hole, take a few practice swings with the opposite hand to keep your muscles balanced and even out stress on the back.

* Drink lots of water. Dehydration causes early fatigue, leading you to compensate by adjusting your swing, thus increasing the risk of injury. Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while golfing, as both cause loss of fluid.

* Take the “drop.” One bad swing-striking a root or a rock with your club-can damage a wrist. If unsure whether you can get a clean swing, take the drop.

Chiropractic Care Can Help!
Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system. Some doctors of chiropractic have specialized training in sports medicine and can provide advice for golfers to help them decrease the stresses and strains placed on their bodies. Doctors of chiropractic can address other health concerns, such as shoulder, knee, arm and wrist pain that could affect your game. “If you golf consistently, you will no doubt feel the stress of the game, but by following a few simple prevention tips, it is possible to play without pain for a lifetime,” says Dr. Stude.

ARLINGTON, VA – The state-of-the-art equipment available today for lawn and leaf management can help turn the average homeowner into a lawn specialist overnight. But the use of weed trimmers, leaf blowers and hedge clippers has also been sending many aspiring landscapers to the office of their local doctor of chiropractic.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) warns that using this equipment can result in back and neck pain, as well as more serious muscular strains and tears if not used properly.

“The repetitive motion that your body undergoes when using such equipment can bring on a whole host of mechanical problems within the body,” says Dr. Jerome McAndrews, national spokesperson for the ACA. “It is essential to operate your equipment properly. If you do not, the pounding your body endures may be multiplied.”

Tips On Safely Using Your Outdoor Equipment
Dr. McAndrews offers the following tips to help you safely enjoy a productive day in the yard:

* Regardless of what piece of equipment you are using, make sure it has a strap-and that you use it. Place the strap over your head on the shoulder on the opposite side of your body from the device. This will help normalize your center of gravity.

* Be sure to switch the side on which you are operating the equipment as often as possible, and to balance the muscles being used, alternate your stance and motion frequently.

* Take frequent breaks from the activity of the day. Muscle fatigue may be felt when using any of these devices for an extended period of time.

* Consider electric-powered items, especially if you experience back or neck pain, as they tend to be much lighter than their engine-powered counterparts.

* When picking up or putting down your equipment, be sure to bend from the knees, not at the waist. Keep the object close to your body as you lift, not at arm’s length.

“While it is critical that you operate your yard equipment safely, it is equally important that you prepare your body for the work you are about to do,” explains Dr. McAndrews. “Be sure to include a warm-up/cool-down period that involves stretching to help avoid injury.”

Simple Stretches For Everybody
Before stretching, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Breathe in and out slowly throughout each stretching exercise until the muscle is stretched to its furthest point. At that point, hold your breath in. When you relax, breathe out. Stretch gently and smoothly. Do not bounce or jerk your body in any way and stretch as far as you can comfortably. You should not feel pain.

Following are a few easy stretches Dr. McAndrews recommends for getting the most out of the time you spend in the yard:

* Stand up and prop your heel on a back door step or stool with your knee slightly bent. Bend forward until you feel a slight pull at the back of the thigh, called the hamstring. You may need to stabilize yourself by holding onto a garage door handle or sturdy tree branch. Hold the position for 20 seconds, then relax. Do it once more, then repeat with the other leg.

* Stand up and put your right hand against a wall or other stable surface. Bend your left knee and grab your ankle with your left hand. Pull your heel toward your buttocks to stretch the quadricep muscle at the front of your thigh. Hold that position for 20 seconds, relax and do it again. Repeat with the other leg.

* Weave your fingers together above your head with your palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds to stretch the side of your upper body, then reverse. Repeat two or three times.

* “Hug your best friend”: Wrap your arms around yourself after letting your breath out and rotate to one side, as far as you can go. Hold it for 10 seconds. Then reverse. Repeat two or three times.

Chiropractic Care Can Help
If you experience pain or discomfort resulting from outdoor equipment misuse, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system, and can help people lead healthier lives by focusing on wellness and prevention.