Sciatica pain and structural asymmetries


Back pain, Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Low back pain, Pain relief, Sciatic pain, Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry, Uncategorized

When sciatica type symptoms get the better of you and nothing you do seems to make it better, here is something to think about from my checklist for corrective actions and treatments Part 1. Correct structural asymmetries with a heel lift, butt lift, foot orthotics, and make changes in misfitting furniture. This is more important […]

June 24, 2010

Sciatica pain puzzle: A checklist of causes, Part 1


Arthritis pain, Back pain, Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Hip pain, Leg pain, Low back pain, Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

When “sciatic” type of symptoms won’t go away, what else can be considered as causes? Travell and Simons emphatically state that “Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis; it’s cause should be identified.” (Vol II, p. 173) Here’s a list of things you can check. Structural asymmetries: Anything that makes one hip higher will cause […]

June 15, 2010

Knee pain: Understanding the hamstring muscles


Back surgery, Knee pain, Muscle information, Piriformis syndrome, Repetitive strain, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Sciatic pain, Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

Knowledge is power. The better you understand the muscles of your knee the more empowered you will be to keep them out of pain. The last post discussed the quadriceps in the front of the thigh. The “hamstrings” are in the back of the thigh. Guys refer to them affectionately as “hammies” at the gym. […]

June 28, 2009

Restless leg syndrome: Perpetuating factors


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Hip pain, Leg pain, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry, Tips for therapists

According to Travell & Simons in their Trigger Point Manual, “In patients with chronic myofascial pain, attention to perpetuating factors often spells the difference between sucessful and failed therapy.” Perpetuating factors in the case of Krystal S. were an important consideration in reducing the need for continued treatment for restless leg syndrome at my Neuromuscular […]

June 20, 2009

Restless leg syndrome pain: Treatment of Krystal S.


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

When muscle tension and hyperactivity from Trigger Points are the cause of RLS, Neuromuscular Therapy is very successful in relieving symptoms and sometimes eliminating this disturbing condition. When an initial series of appointments works, but symptoms return, underlying or perpetuating factors need to be discovered. Treatment in the case of Krystal S. in my Neuromuscular […]

June 18, 2009

Restless leg syndrome pain: A Neuromuscular Therapy point of view


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Muscle information, Neuromuscular therapy, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis

So how do I think about RLS? What jumps out at me is the “restless” part. The muscles are hyperactive. What can cause that? Well, I’m a Neuromuscular Therapist and when you’re a hammer everything looks like a nail, so I go right to Trigger Points! Trigger points are hyperactive. They are working 24/7. They […]

June 16, 2009

Chronic back pain from uneven leg length: A Neuromuscular Therapy point of view


Acute pain, Arm pain, Back pain, Chronic pain, Low back pain, Scoliosis, Shoulder pain

Pain from a curvature of the spine caused by LLLI (Lower Limb Length Inequality) is a common condition usually overlooked in medical evaluations. Having LLLI  doesn’t always cause a problem, but when Trigger Points have formed, even one-eighth inch difference in the length of the legs can perpetuate pain if left uncorrected. (MDs Travell and […]

June 11, 2009

Chronic headache pain: Treatment of Melinda W.


Chronic pain, Headaches, Jaw pain, Muscle information, Neck pain, Neuromuscular therapy, Scoliosis, Shoulder pain, Stretching (Active Isolated method)

In the case of Melinda W., I found a scoliosis and lower limb length inequality (LLLI) that were tilting her shoulders, causing tension in the jaw (TMJ) and neck musculature and giving her chronic headaches. I recommended trying a heel lift to level her out, and she scheduled a TMJ evaluation at a major Boston […]

May 14, 2009