​Heat or Ice…Which Is Better?  This is a common question I get from many of my patients regardless of where their pain or problem is.  So often that I wrote a blog about it several months back…you can read the full blog here.

Don’t worry I’ll do a quick review on the basics I covered in that blog, but today I’ll be going even deeper into this topic.  Why?  Because once you know if heat or ice is best for your situation, there are a few more questions that most people need answered to get the most benefit out of it, especially for those with something like Sciatica Pain. 

​Most people also ask things like how often should I use heat or ice?  When is the best time?  Where should I put it and for how long?

​If you have Sciatica Pain chances are the pain is keeping you awake at night.  Many people with Sciatic Pain find their normal or preferred sleep position aggravates their symptoms making it difficult to get ANY rest.  

“I just can’t get comfortable no matter what I try.”  Sound familiar?  

​The most common complaint I hear from my patients with Sciatica Pain is that they “cannot find a comfortable position”, especially when sitting.  Standing, walking and sleeping are often difficult for most people with sciatica too, but increased Sciatica Pain with sitting definitely tops the list.    

​Why does sitting make Sciatica worse? 

​As one year ends and a new year begins, we tend to reflect on the time that has passed and look forward to a “fresh start” as we move into a new year.  This is also a time when many of us set goals, including things like improving different aspects of our health.  For some it’s weight loss, decreasing stress or sleeping better.  For others it might be improving diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  

​This is also a time many people decide it’s time to FINALLY do something about that nagging lingering pain they’ve been dealing with for months or years.  If you’ve been in pain for any length of time you know how much it can affect your life and impact your health.  Pain can affect your sleep and your ability to move and stay active, which leads to weight gain and many other health problems.

​Sciatica is just one of the many reasons for Back Pain, but if you ask anyone who has or has had Sciatica, they will probably tell you it is one of the most intense painful experiences they’ve ever had.  

Yep!  Today we’re talking all about BUTTS – and BACK PAIN.
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Glutes, gluteals, buttocks, butt cheeks, fanny, tush or backside – whatever you prefer to call to call them.  The glutes are SUPER important muscles.  They serve as key stabilizers for the lower back, pelvis, hips and knees – all the way down to the ankle and foot.

​Unfortunately, I see way too many people with what I like to call “gluteal amnesia”.  Yes, amnesia!  Because they have forgotten how to properly activate and use their gluteal muscles.  

​It’s hard to believe Black Friday is just around the corner!  That means it’s almost time for some serious shopping.  

Unfortunately, I always get a few patients that end up with new or worsening Back Pain from their Black Friday shopping spree.

So today I want to share some tips to help you avoid Back Pain with your holiday shopping.

There are many potential causes of Back Pain, but today I want to highlight something that can often be overlooked…and can also be fixed.

​That is your pelvis!

​If your pelvis is not aligned properly it can lead to Back Pain…and Hip Pain…and Knee Pain…and pelvic floor dysfunction (a.k.a. peeing your pants a little when you cough, sneeze or lift something heavy) and MORE!

Our human nature is to avoid pain.  In fact, this instinct to avoid pain is one of our most important built-in self-preservation mechanisms.  And while avoiding any movements or exercise that causes pain seems like a good idea, in some cases avoiding pain can often make things like Back Pain even worse.  

​Confusing right?  It’s no wonder I get this question from so many people.  So, how do you know if exercise is safe or if it’s going to make things worse?

​Great question!  One that I hear often from people with back pain.  In fact, I’ve already had this same question twice this week and it’s only Tuesday as I write this.  

​Here’s what one person who called asked:
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“I’ve tried all the things that are supposed to help tight muscles like heat, massage and stretching, but nothing seems to work, at least not for very long.  So, why are my back muscles always so tight?”