Dr. Jeffery Patrick Jones, D.C,

Procedures in this case would be a combination of chiropractic manipulation, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, traction and specific muscle stretching and strengthening exercises which are sometimes supervised. Of course not all of these procedures will be used at the same time. The course of treatment will utilize them at different times depending on your progress.

Definitely. Irritation of the sciatic nerve is more commonly caused by vertebral misalignment of the lower lumbar spine and/or pelvic region, specifically the sacroiliac joint. The fixations and lack of normal mobility in these areas also cause increased and constant muscle tension especially to the piriformis muscle (i.e., piriformis syndrome). This will also irritate the sciatic nerve. Medications in this situation only aid in reducing symptoms for a short time. To address the cause of the problem, see a chiropractor.

First, the X-rays. Taking into consideration the condition you outlined, scoliosis and collapsed vertebra, it is not unusual for a doctor to update the patient's X-rays every 3-5 years, barring any severe flare-ups, to check the integrity of the spine.

Second, being required by law. This is unusual, but each state has their own practice guidelines. I would call the Illinois Chiropractic Association for the answer. If they don't know, then call the state chiropractic licensing board.

I would see a chiropractor. It sounds like you may be developing sciatica or more probable a piriformis syndrome. Both can be effectively treated by a DC.

It is not recommended to do any exercise except walking after an adjustment. The reason is that muscles and ligaments are still reactive to the adjustment for several hours. If you want to exercise on the day of an adjustment, either do it before or, for an example, if you receive your adjustment in the morning, wait until late afternoon to work out.

It is very doubtful. I would see my MD. Sounds like a sudden onset of an intestinal bug.

Chiropractors treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions and how it relates to the function of the human body. The large intestine is controlled mainly by the first through the third lumbar nerve. If anyone of these nerves are irritated by the displacement of the corresponding vertebra, it can cause her condition.

Yes, it is very possible. Over 36 years of practice, I've treated a lot of patients that had difficulty sleeping. Some due to pain and others from unknown reasons, but they all commented on how much better they slept and increased energy levels. You should see some positive results in the first 3-5 weeks of care.

The first thing is to report it to your supervisor and the Human Resources Dept. This is not legal advice, but it may be covered under workman's comp. Next is stay away from the heating pad. It appears that the muscles in your back are inflamed and heat will make it worse. The first 48 to 72 hours use nothing but ice packs 3-4x a day for 15-20 minutes. Do not put the ice directly on the skin, use a towel. Therapeutic ice packs can cause burns if not used properly. Hot baths with Epsom salts is okay to relieve soreness. After the first 2-3 days, use a contrast therapy of ice 15 min., heat 15 min., ice 15 min. 3x a day. Also, during the entire time, avoid sitting for extended periods. Walk and do light stretches, but not to the point of sharp pain. If this does not seem to show signs of improvement after the first 2 days, see your chiropractor.

Chiropractic care has proven to be very effective with sciatica. It is commonly caused by two conditions that sometimes occur at the same time but not often, lumbopelvic misalignment and/or a disc problem. The sciatic nerve is formed by 5 spinal nerves, 2 from the lumbar spine and 3 from the sacrum (tailbone). Chiropractic treatment can alleviate the pain and keep it under control. Once the condition is under control it is possible it can flare up on occasions but usually one or two follow up treatments will take care of it.

I believe you will have better results with chiropractic. Massage is an adjunct to chiropractic treatment for lower back pain. Massage alone, in my opinion, will not provide the long-lasting results that you are looking for.

No.

No one is too young for chiropractic care. It is the best time to have regular chiropractic check-ups. My youngest patient was less than 3 weeks old.

Yes. Chiropractic manipulation can be helpful in relieving the symptoms. Spondylitis is a term that is sometimes used when all other findings are negative. A general diagnosis for inflammation of the spine. Chiropractic in conjunction with myofascial release and stretching exercises can result in satisfying results.

Yes. SI joint pain is the result of joint fixation (loss of normal motion). Chiropractic manipulation to increase mobilization is very effective.

Chiropractic is very effective in treating sciatica which is a very common side affect of pregnancy. During pregnancy the alignment of the lumbar spine and pelvic area are altered due to increased forward weight bearing. Because of this certain joints, specifically the sacroiliacs, become subluxated (fixated) and lose normal mobility. This in turn increases tension of the piriformis muscle under which the sciatic nerve courses down into the leg. Chiropractic manipulation to the sacroiliac joints to increase their mobility releases this tension therefore relieving the sciatica. You must be patient. Depending on the longevity of your condition it may take several treatments to obtain substantial relief.

Three things. One is a lift brace which is specifically made for use on the job. You can find them online, Lowes or Home Depot. If not used correctly it will have an adverse affect and make your back weaker in the long run. It has suspenders and 2 closures. The first is like a cumber bun on a tux. Only secure it like a belt, not tight. The second involves 2 elastic bands, one on each side. When you get ready to lift pull those 2 tight and secure them in the front. Once you finish lifting loosen them. If you do not follow this procedure to use it correctly your back muscles will become weaker and dependent on the brace. Second, use your legs and not your back. If you have ever watched professional weight lifters they square their legs up under them before they lift. Third, do not bend your back when setting the weight down, use your legs and squat. This will be difficult at first until your legs become stronger. Also, because you have not been using your legs there will be some cramping for a couple of weeks, especially at night. Get some pediolyte popsicles and eat one twice a day to replace electrolytes in your body. Dill pickles, bananas and oranges are also helpful for a snack during your break at work.

Chiropractors have a great reputation and success with auto accident injuries. Even though you didn't break anything the G forces a body sustains from these types of accidents not only strains muscles and ligaments, it also disrupts the normal biomechanical workings of the spine. It will only get worse the longer it remains unattended and the longer it will take to get better.

Chiropractors treat herniated discs with traction of the lower back in conjunction with spinal manipulation. We have had good results also using spinal decompression.

Yes they can. Numerous studies have shown chiropractic adjustments to be more effective and less costly than other types of treatment. Medications are just treating the symptoms and not the cause. Chiropractors are sympathetic to the patient's pain but they look for the cause. Correct the cause relieve the symptom.