New York Chiropractor-Herniated disc NYC

What Patients Need to Know About Sciatica

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:55:52 PST

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that travels or radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and it travels from the lumbar spine all the way down to the foot. This can easily confuse people in to thinking that their issue lies in the hamstring or lower down the limb.

A common cause of sciatica can be pressure on the sciatic nerve from a protruded, herniated, or bulging disc. Other causes aside form issues with the intervertebral disc can range from spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. The diagnosis is usually a radiculopathy, which means that there is pressure and/or irritation on the root of the nerve. Pain can manifest lower down the leg, and in to the foot depending on which part of the sciatic nerve is affected.

For some people the pain can be fairly severe and debilitating, while other people may have infrequent pain and irritation which may only cause minor discomfort. Still many people have one of more herniated or bulging discs that remain undiagnosed because they may not be interfering with nerve activity. Pain that is infrequent or light can quickly progress to chronic pain and numbness, so it is important to get checked out sooner rather than later.

Some symptoms that might require immediate attention:

Incontinence of the bowels or the bladder
A loss of sensation or progressing weakness of the legs
If you are constantly weak there may be damage to the nerve, and might require surgical intervention, so it is important to seek out care immediately
Pain in both legs should also be dealt with immediately by notifying your doctor

Sciatica is not a Diagnosis
Its important to remember that sciatica is a symptom and not a diagnosis, it simply indicates that there is pain down the leg due to impingement or compression of the sciatic nerve. Furthermore what determines the cause of the compression is a clinical diagnosis, the impingement isn't always in the same location or the type of compression.

Most cases of sciatica require no surgical intervention and can be dealt with in 6 to 12 weeks with proper care and monitoring by a doctor.

If the sciatica does not improve with rest and time there are various options for treatment available.

Medications:
Over the counter (OTC) medication or prescription medication from your doctor can help reduce inflammation and pain, inflammation being a common cause of pain.

Chiropractic Care:
Chiropractors specialize in treating problems and disorders of the lower back such as sciatica, and along with manual therapy like adjustments, they offer techniques like Spinal Decompression, the Cox technique, Active Release Techniques (ART), Cold Laser therapy, and Kinesio Taping.

Physical Therapy:
A physical therapist can design a regimen of specific strengthening and stretching exercises to help alleviate sciatica pain, and keep if from coming back in the long term. Strengthening the muscles of the lower back and abdominals, the LPHC, or Lumbo Pelvic Hip Complex which is involved in virtually all movement of the body.

As an integrated medical practice in New York City Living Well Medical offers care from medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and a pain management specialist, all under the same roof. Free consultations are also available through email or over the phone.

Back Pain for The Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:23:16 PST

We're getting in to the thick of the holiday season now. The shopping, the traveling, its all only going to get more hectic. Every holiday season thousands of people fly in the NYC to experience New York during the most magical time of the year. We're going to provide you with a list of what to do, what not to do, and what to look out for this holiday season so you don't end up letting pain ruin the most wonderful time of the year for you.

All the running around, and shopping, checking out the night life in SOHO or the Meatpacking district, taking in the sights in mid town, and checking out the tree at Rockefeller Center, can lead to a lot of walking around and time spent cramped up on the subway. We see a lot of patients from out of town and overseas and often come on on weekend to help them feel better and get out of pain. Always make sure that you are getting plenty of sleep and if you do experience pain see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Travel
Many of us will be doing some traveling for the holidays, weather its over Thanksgiving or Christmas people want to be with their families and spend time sitting around doing nothing. Seeing loved ones often involves being getting on a plane and spending some time being absolutely miserable, especially during the travel season.

Airplane seats are designed to be soft and mushy and have those adjustable head rests that fold in from either side. Unfortunately they do not have a lumbar support curve and the head rests stick out so far it makes the seat concave and forces you to round your back. So make it a point to try and recline the seat as often as possible, and when you get up to go to the bathroom take a minute to stretch and loosen up for back a bit. After getting off the plane its would be a great idea to go see a massage therapist to help reduce the chance of developing chronic pain.
One of the products we recommend for people that travel or have to sit for long periods of time is the Tush Cush, and it really helps alleviate stress on the back. We always keep it in stock at our chiropractic, physical therapy and pain management center.

Luggage
Its a bit surprising but a lot of people hurt themselves at the baggage claim. After a long flight bending and reaching down to grab heavy luggage can end up hurting you. The overhead storage bins can also cause injury to the lower back or shoulders, especially for people with a weak rotator cuff or other joint issues.

Let a flight attendant help you with your bag when getting them down form the overhead bin if you know you might hurt yourself, and at the baggage claim tip one of the attendants to pick up and carry your luggage out to a cab for you.

Some Helpful Tips
Unfortunately all of this holiday activity can quickly lead to some major issue like, chronic back or leg pain due to a herniated disc, or neck and arm pain. A herniated disc can cause Sciatica, a condition which can be painful enough to immobilize some people. Pain and tingling and numbness shooting down the leg can be a sign of a herniated or bulging disc impinging a nerve in the lumbar spine.
If you feel that your back is just sore or "tight" the aforementioned tip about seeing a massage therapist would be a great decision.

A bulging or herniated disc can be successfully treated without surgery using spinal decompression. Spinal decompression allows the intervertebral disc to heal itself naturally by alleviating pressure and letting the body's healing process take over to quickly help the patient recover.

As always pay attention to your posture, take time to rest, relax and recover. Strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight one, a good Physical Therapist will show you how. If you have back pain see a chiropractor or look in to spinal decompression if you have a herniated disc and are in severe pain.

Leg Pain: A Common Side Effect of Living in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:32:20 PST

Manhattan is a busy metropolis full of pushy people trying to get somewhere fast, and weather you are on your way to work, the gym, or even headed to the park to relax or read, you want to get there fast. No ones likes to take it easy, relax and do things slowly, taking time to look after yourself and make sure you're not running yourself in to the ground.

Every weekend you try to relax and make sure you let your body recover from the relentless beating that it takes throughout the week, but yet another week has passed, and your knees, or ankles, elbows or bask just continues to get worse.

Most people don't perform any maintenance work on themselves. Stretching, massage, cold therapy, foam rolling, etc are basic soft tissue recovery and adaptability activities but most people neglect them for years, and wonder why they are in constant pain. Even most athletes don't take time out to work on myofascial release and stretching and recovery techniques. Combine our hectic lifestyles with a lack of sleep and inconsistent exercise, and you have a recipe for injury and pain.

Leg Pain
The most common term used to describe a wide array of joint, tendon and ligament problems, and pains, lets take a look at what causes pain in the lower limbs and how you can take care of it fast. Leg pain can be caused by sprains, strains, tears, and overuse resulting in tendinitis, limited mobility, decreased athletic ability, weight gain due to inactivity and the associated health issues.

Sprains
Sprains and strains are not the same thing, most people use the terms interchangeably, but they are two separate things. A sprain is an injury to a ligament A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is thick and fibrous and it keeps the bones in your body connected together. Ligaments are A-Vascular which means that they have poor blood supply and do not heal quickly from injury.

Strains
The equivalent of a sprain to a tendon or muscle. A strain is tearing caused by over-stretching a muscle or tendon. A strain isn't just an athletic injury, they can occur during every day tasks, and are not limited to athletes. However athletes are at a greater risk to developing strains due to increased activity and the possibility of trauma to the muscle.

Tendinitis
Tendinitis is inflammation which can be accompanied by irritation and swelling caused by overuse of a particular joint through repetitive motion or stress. It can occur in any tendon in the body but is most commonly seen in the elbow, knees, shoulder/ rotator cuff, and the ankle.

Chiropractors have been treating athletes who suffer from sprains, strains and other acute or chronic injuries. Many athletes will swear by their chiropractor and the positive gains they have made while working with a good one. While NYC isn't usually on the top of the list for athletic in general, it does house one of the largest and best track and field facilities on the East Coast, and also has numerous amateur sports leagues, a large and very active running community, and a seemingly unlimited numbers of health clubs. If you're looking for a Chiropractor in NYC who has experience working with athletes and every day people alike, Dr. Steven Shoshany has a team of experts who use an integrated method to treat everyone and produce unparalleled results quickly and without hassle or a runaround. He also provides free consultations for people that are interested in cutting edge treatment for their pain and injuries.

Interventional Pain Management NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:53:42 PDT

Over 21% of adults currently suffer from moderate to severe chronic (long term) pain. This pain is bad enough that it leads them to seeking help from a doctor, and some end up in emergency rooms, barely mobile from their pain having become so excruciating. Pain is the second most common reason that people visit doctors, and back pain is the most common reason cited for missing work days. Only illnesses like the cold cause more visits to the doctor's office. Still 40% of Americans who have visited a doctor have not found any relief for their pain.

In New York City we are at a higher risk for developing chronic, painful conditions due to our hectic lifestyles and non stop work schedules.

Living Well Medical has been treating patients suffering from pain from a variety of causes, weather they are athletes who have developed a chronic condition, or post surgical patients who are looking to get back to their daily routine by undergoing rehabilitative physical therapy. No one treats back pain, and the causes of chronic back pain better than Living Well Medical. The practice founded in 1999, has been treating people with herniated discs, bulging discs, and sciatica with an unparalleled success rate. The goal is to get you back on your feet as fast as possible and get you out of pain and help fit your rehabilitation and if necessary, pain management, to your lifestyle by providing expert care from leading specialists, all under one roof.

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as:
An unpleasant sensory and/or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in term of such damage.

Pain is the last symptom of injury. You can have an injury without much pain at all, because pain is a neurological response to something being wrong in the body. A physical therapist can find other potential injuries or underlying causes that may lead to re-injury and cause more pain down the line. A team oriented, patient centered approach makes sure that the root cause of the problem (pain) is addressed, and not just simply covered up by medication.

Most people respond well to chiropractic care and physical therapy, but for those people that cant undergo such treatment Interventional Pain Management can help relieve pain by injecting powerful pain medications directly in to the spine, muscles, or nerves. Having all these specialists under one roof also cuts down the time a patient needs to spend on searching for doctors. This means more time getting care, and less time on the phone or computer.

Some patients will require that interventional pain management be started before undergoing physical therapy, but in most cases patients undergo pain management if they do not respond to physical therapy, chiropractic care and prescription medication. This powerful interventional procedure can be used in combination with chiropractic adjustments and other treatment modalities like the Graston Technique, or supportive taping in the form of Kinesio Taping for optimal results.

Living Well Medical also provides free in person and over the phone consultations and also accepts most insurance plans.

Living Well Medical
Dr Shoshany

Cervical Decompression for Neck and Arm Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:10:11 PDT

Waking up with a stiff neck is something all of us have experienced at some point. The limited range of motion, pain, the stress from knowing that its going to be something thats going to affect you throughout the day. Neck pain isn't only physically limiting, it can also have a huge effect on your self image, personal relationships, and job performance. Living in NYC is stressful, and most of us don't really sleep as much these days as we "crash" at the end of a long day, often in uncomfortable positions, with little regard for good sleep posture, or habits.

Sometimes neck pain is muscular and can easily be treated by NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) and a quick visit to a doctor or chiropractor. Chronic neck pain, especially if its accompanied by tingling or numbness that radiates down the appendage can be a bit more difficult. In terms of the treatment time, and protocols required to treat neck pain that may originate, not in a muscle, but in the spine, it may take a few visits to see results.

As usual, avoidance is the key to staying pain free. If you don't want a chronic injury, work to make sure that you don't develop one.

STRETCH: Mobility, and a joint's ability to move through it fully, unrestricted by tight or underdeveloped muscles is a big part of staying pain free. Simply put, the more a joint can be manipulated without the soft tissue around it becoming stressed, therefore injured, the less likely it is to develop an injury.

STRENGTHEN: You should build up the muscles surround the site of an injury, or work to develop weaker muscles that may be overloaded, and underdeveloped. Some resistance training will go a long way towards helping make sure that your bones and muscles can deal with a lot of the punishment that a day in Manhattan hands out.

Pain in the Neck From an Irritated or Impinged Nerve.
A herniated or bulging disc in the spine can lead to a condition we all know, sciatica is what occurs when a nerve is irritated or impinged in the lower back and pain is felt shooting down the entire leg as a result. The same thing can happen in the cervical spine, a nerve can become impinged by a bulging intervertebral disc and lead to pain down the arm. This can sometimes feel like numbness, and in some cases it can become unbearable and leave the patient unable to go about their daily tasks.

Cervical Decompression:
The spine houses the all important central nervous system and bulges and herniations in the spinal discs can wreak havoc on the nerves and really destroy a person's quality of life. Just like lumbar decompression for pain in the lower back that radiates down the lower limbs, the cervical spine can also be decompressed, which allows the injured disc to heal much quicker, and allows for faster pain relief.
Neck Pain Can Easily be Treated by Cervical Spinal Decompression.
We have been providing spinal decompression for patients suffering with neck pain for many years now and the results are nothing short of impressive. Cervical decompression also happens to be even more effective and easier than lumbar decompression. Lumbar decompression is already highly lauded for its fast pain relief and has a very high patient satisfaction rate. So imagine just how easy and effective a cervical decompression session can be. Some patients even show immediate relief, although we stress finishing the prescribed course of treatment for longer term results.

We pride ourselves in offering a patented integrated approach to treatment. Our non surgical approach, non invasive approach is known for its unparalleled success. We use a multidisciplinary approach to tailor a treatment protocol for each patient, and constantly evaluate the results to provide the fastest treatments with the best results.

Chiropractic Awareness Month and Chiropractic's 116th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:35:00 PDT

Yesterday September 18 marked the 116th anniversary of chiropractic. Since its founding in 1895 the hands on treatment method has helped millions of people world wide. Chiropractic is widely practiced the world over to treat misalignments in the body's physical structure. Its modern incarnation has become a much more highly advanced method of treatment thats the most popular choice for treating pain behind traditional medicine. While traditional treatment for common conditions like back pain, and sciatica may involve prescription drugs, and surgery, the non invasive procedures used by chiropractors usually do not require drug treatment, and often end up eliminating the need for surgical intervention.

To mark the anniversary Dr. Steven Shoshany is offering a complimentary consultation with a chiropractor at his Broadway office. Dr Shoshany is one of the leaders in modern chiropractic and has an array of non surgical treatment techniques available at his practice. He is also a certified Kinesio Taping expert, ART practitioner, and also provides Cold Laser Therapy, the Graston Technique, along with many other forms of soft tissue mobilization techniques. When these techniques are combined with physical therapy, and traditional medical care the results are unparalleled, and in most cases surgical intervention can be avoided.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:26:27 PDT

Over the many years of my experience as a chiropractor, I’ve continued learning to expand the way I can help the people who come to me for help. We’ve consistently added more and more to the practice to make sure that we can stop pain for as many different people as possible, cater to as many needs as we can, and increase the likelihood that we can help a patient feel better. What we’ve found as a whole is that a multidisciplinary approach is better; people respond differently to different kinds of medicine, and as medical professionals, its our job to do whatever we can to improve quality of life for those in our care. I’m going to present a few of the techniques we employ at my office for pain relief that perhaps you haven’t heard of or maybe just didn’t know the name for it. Whatever the case, if you’re in pain, these are the kind of therapies that non-surgical specialists like myself and my staff at Living Well Medical in NYC use, so it can’t hurt to learn a little about your options if you’re in pain.

The Graston Technique - This non-surgical technique uses stainless steel tools to both diagnose and treat abnormalities and fibrous adhesions in the muscles and tendons. There are six different tools, each designed for a specific area of the body, that when applied expertly, can eliminate what you might call “knots” in your muscle fibers. This therapy is often combined with other techniques to treat musculoskeletal disorders and pain. Patients with lower back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain and leg pain may find relief with this treatment method.

Active Release Technique - ART (as it is alternatively known) is another soft tissue technique that can be very helpful for patients suffering from repeat strain injuries, athletic injuries and muscular problems. Considered a movement-based massage technique, it has been used in professional athletic settings and clinical settings for years, specifically effective in treatment of overuse injuries. Patients may benefit from improved circulation, range of motion and, sometimes, flexiblity.

Spinal Decompression Therapy with DRX 9000 - Developed as a non-surgical alternative for the treatment of herniated spinal discs, spinal decompression is relatively new technique with an excellent track record. We have been using this technique at Living Well Medical to treat our herniated disc patients for years to great effect.

This only a small sampling of the treatments and therapies we have available at our center. Acupuncture, massage therapy, pain management and, of course, chiropractic are just a few of the other ways we help people feel like themselves again.

If you’re in pain, give us a call today at 212-645-8151. We can help you stop your pain.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Avoiding Back Pain This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:17:27 PDT

It’s a disturbing estimate that somewhere between 60% and 90% of people will suffer some sort of back injury during their lifetime. It’s perhaps equally disturbing that many of these are somewhat preventable by simply making a few lifestyle changes and changes around the house. After all, it’s the summer time and you want to relax and enjoy the weather and the sun as much as possible; being trapped in bed because of pain is the last place you want to be (even if the A/C is your best friend at this point in the year!). So here I’ll being going over a couple of ways you can avoid back pain and keep your summer discomforts to sunburns.

1. Sleep Right!

It might sound silly, but getting the right sleeping position and making sure your bed offers enough support are important for proper spinal alignment and avoiding back pain. Essentially, what you need to know about a mattress is whether it is too soft to support you. Find yourself waking with a stiff back and some aches? Consider investing in a new one.

Another important thing to do is stretch when you wake. Moving blood back into the extremities and spine helps prevent injury. Stretching is always a good idea to prevent injury.

2. Good Desk Habits

You spend a good amount of your time at work, and if you sit at a desk all day, your lower back muscles can atrophy from the lack of use. That calls for a simple solution: ergonomics. If you sit properly, (knees at 90 degrees, feet on floor, spine supported, arms supported and monitor in normal field of vision) you can avoid stressing out your back.

It’s just as important to get up and move around occasionally - take a short break every hour or so to stretch and move your back a little. Lack of exercise and motion can be real problems, especially for an already vulnerable lower back.

3. Exercise & Stretch

It goes without saying that your back muscles need to be exercised for proper health. Undersized or underused muscles can only lead to problems. Moderate exercise 3-4 times a week can make a great difference to a happy back and spine. Be sure to add in some light weight training, too. Be sure and stretch, of course.

Between these three sections, we cover a good amount of the time you will spend each day. Take care of your body, and it will reward you with pain-free living. If you are in pain, give Living Well Medical in NYC a call today @ 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Opening a Window on Back Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:38:50 PDT

Opening a Window on Back Pain

As an all encompassing pain treatment center in the heart of New York City we see a lot of patients who are hurting from injuries they sustained from performing every day tasks.

This week alone we have seen three patients that have hurt their backs while opening windows. Most people would laugh if one of their friends walked up and told them that they got hurt and are in a lot of pain after trying to open a window. When you think about it, its not that surprising that someone can hurt their back opening a window. A window can become stuck, be sitting off track, or just be plain old, which would of course make opening a window like trying to lift a car. In our area, right around SOHO, and Tribeca, there are a lot of old lofts, with huge, heavy, old windows, some of them with cast iron parts, and old mechanisms that can become jammed and obstructed. Forget lifting a car, opening an old heavy window in a loft can require a team of professional Strongmen.

Since most of us in NYC do not have the benefit of central air, we have to shove a big heavy air conditioner in a window to stay cool during the summer months. Some people don't even make it to that step before they are in too much pain to continue. Forget staying cool, now you have to grit your teeth just to stay upright and on your feet.

Back injuries are the most common cause of missed work days in the U.S. Most people will suffer from at least one form of back pain through the course of their lives. The older you are, the more deconditioned you are, the more sedentary your lifestyle, the more at risk you become from back pain.

We see people with muscular injuries, hamstring weakness, and other physiological deviations that can pull the pelvis out of proper alignment which makes it easier for injuries to occur with every day tasks. We also see a lot of people suffering from herniated or bulging discs, who are also suffering from sciatica, which can be very painful.

Anatomy
Lets talk about the back and what exactly is at risk, in terms of physiology.
The human body, its system of muscles and bones are comprised in to one working unit, there aren't very many movements that are truly isolating a muscle or part of the body. The human movement system is interlinked in to a kinetic chain, and every link of that chain is connected to your spine, the "core" of all movement if you will. If your back is weak you have no "core", no base from which to administer your strength, you are bound to get hurt. Yes, even if you are doing something as simple and routine as opening a window.

Muscles involved:
Spinal Erectors
This one is simple; these muscles run the length of the spine and help flex the spine, and are heavily involved in posture and lifting and bending. There isn't a movement that these muscles aren't involved in.
Multifidus
These small muscles between each joint of the spine help stabilize the back.
Tranversus Abdominis
Responsible to the "transversal" or twisting motions involving the abdominals and back.
Obliques
If you have ever taken a deep breath and lifted something heavy off the ground and felt the muscles on either sides of your abs tighten, those are the obliques and they help stabilize and assist your spine derange squatting movements
Hamstrings
Most people have tight or under developed hamstrings that often lead to back injuries. The hamstrings are heavily involved in squatting and lifting movements, and are a major factor in running.

Tips:
Don't just walk up and attempt to power through a stuck or jammed window. Instead try and jiggle the window a bit, and start pulling slowly, don't pull with everything you have form the start, especially if you have had back injuries in the past. Keep your body in a slight squat and keep your back straight. Bend down slightly grip the base of the window firmly, now begin the pull with your legs, and keep your glutes and abdominals tight. Pull the window up slowly and keep your back straight, use your biceps, shoulders and legs. At no point should you be rounding or moving your back. After the widow is past half way up. Squat down a bit more, bring your chest to the window, place your hands at the base, keeping your palms facing out, away from you. Make sure your elbows are under your hands and not back, push up with your legs and press the window up like a shoulder press if there is any more room left to open it. Sounds like a tough workout? It could be.
Also, if you are of a smaller stature, or have had previous back injuries, or simply unsure about yourself and what you are doing, please enlist the help of someone who is strong enough to help you get the job done, or even do it for you. Pride heals faster than a ruptured disc.

Treatment
We have a vast array of proven, safe, and non invasive treatment methods. We have a team of experts that work together, under the same roof to develop individualized treatment plans to help heal you and get you out of pain as fast as possible, and then work to make sure that you don't re-injure yourself.

We offer:
Chiropractic
Physical Therapy
Massage
Spinal Decompression
The Graston Technique
The Cox Technique
Cold Laser Therapy
Electronic STIM
Cold/ Heat Therapy
Acupuncture
Kinesio Taping
The SpineForce
GaitScan and Custom Orthotics
Active Release Technique

We combine these treatments to develop a treatment plan specifically for you, without the use of drugs or surgery. However we do have an MD on site to help you with drug therapy if you really need it. We have been treating patients suffering from pain for years, and have been producing unparalleled results.

Drug Free Lower Back Pain Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:47:26 PDT

The FDA, not too long ago, approved the psychiatric drug Cymbalta for "treatment" of lower back pain. Now the word treatment insinuates that it helps heal the underlying injury or irritation that is causing the back pain, so lets debunk that right now, thats just how some news agencies are reporting that it helps relieve pain, and not treat it. Simply put, it is a pain reliever, and not an intentional one at that.

Treatment v. Relief
We dont just relieve pain. We treat what's causing pain, and that naturally leads to pain relief, thats long term and does not have any side effects. Any time you are putting foreign, synthetic chemicals in to your body to cover up the symptoms of an injury or condition that can be treated by a doctor using natural, non invasive and side effect free method, you put yourself at risk for all sorts of complications.
Medications, like mentioned on this blog many times before, cover up pain, which is treating a symptom and not addressing the cause, which isn't going to heal anything, so you may be on a medication with no end in sight. As long as the injury remains, you may be taking drugs to cover up the pain.
This is unsustainable and impractical, and in some cases, very expensive. Drugs cost a lot of money, and have been driving up insurance costs for years. Its easy to simply get patients in and out of the office by prescribing them drugs. A proper treatment protocol requires time, effort, and the ability of the doctor to maintain a good relationship and be aware of all the patients symptoms and complaints.

Forget the drugs, see a chiropractor
A recent Cochrane study showed that Chiropractic care was just as effective for treating lower back pain as traditional treatment, such as pain medication.
Cymbalta is especially troubling, since it isn't even a pain medication. Traditionally NSAID's (non steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs) are prescribed for short term pain relief, but Cymbalta was supposed to be an anti depressant, in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). The drug manufacturer found that one of the unintended uses for the drugs turned out to be the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

Risks of Suicide
Treating the cause of lower back pain, like a herniated or bulging disc has no fatal side effects, nothing past a little bit of soreness for a couple of days. Non surgical treatments require no hospital visits as well. The risk of suicide is as far from plausible as you can imagine when it comes to chiropractic treatment for back pain.
There have been reported cases of unexplained suicices, and attempts at suicide from all over the world that have been linked to Cymbalta. People with no history of mental issues, or any history of suicidal thoughts or attempts, committed or tied to commit suicide while on Cymbalta, survivors were also unable to explain why they tried to commit suicide.

Starting with the death of 19-year-old Cymbalta test subject Traci Johnson in 2004–who hanged herself in the Lilly Clinic in Indianapolis and had no history of mental problems–it has been beset by reports of baffling, rapid, unprovoked, and out of character suicides.

_source

So are you likely to go home after a chiropractic adjustment or a round of physical therapy and kill yourself? No, that isn't even a question one can formulate without laughing, but a powerful drug with powerful, sometimes deadly side effects is now being made available to treat people who have no psychological disorders, but rather to treat their back pain. It almost defies understanding that someone would consider choosing a psychiatric drug over a safe, proven effective, drug free, non invasive treatment protocol.

Just say no to this drug when it comes to treating back pain, get yourself checked out by a reputable chiropractor.

Recognizing Herniated Disc Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Tue, 03 May 2011 08:42:49 PDT

When people get back pain, it’s natural to speculate on what might be the cause. You start combing through the events of the last few days, wondering what you did that might have caused the problem. Was it that work in the yard? Did I tweak it at the gym? Or is it something else? Pain makes you look for reasons and solutions because of how quickly and totally it can take control of your life. I see how completely people’s lives are affected every day at Living Well Medical in Downtown NYC. And that’s why I like helping people - they can live normally again because of what we do. Call it a perk.

Among the common causes of back pain are disc problems like herniated discs. An MRI is the only surefire way to see that you do or don’t suffer from discogenic pain, but in general, there are signs that can point to nerve irregularities caused by a herniated (or bulging) disc. I’ll review a couple of the more common ones, but remember, reading about these symptoms is no substitute for visiting a doctor face to face.

1. Shooting/Burning Pain - Specifically, in the lower back, buttocks and legs. The burning and shooting is often evidence that a nerve has been impinged and compressed, resulting in irregular sensations due to inflammation.

2. Loss of Sensation/Numbness - As you know, nerves are responsible for gather data for the brain like sense-related information. When nerves are compressed, this data sometimes cannot effectively travel back to the brain to be perceived or is garbled. Pins and needles also goes along with this.

3. Muscle Wasting - This is usually a sign of significant nerve compression. If your muscles are atrophying and accompanying any of these other symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

That’s just the short list, but you get the idea - herniated disc means serious business.

At our office, we have been treating conditions like these the non-surgical way for years. Therapies like spinal decompression, Active Release Technique, the Graston Technique, massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic all contribute to restoring your wellness. We make the treatment plan match the patient.

If you need help with back pain and think it might be related to a herniated disc, give Living Well a call today at 212-645-8151. We’re waiting to help you.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Suffering From Left Leg Pain for Four Years

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:41:26 PDT

Not being alarmist, that's a complaint that's not completely uncommon. People often suffer form years of pain and discomfort and only come in and seek care when they cant deal with it anymore. The other long term pain patient is a bit more proactive but what often happens is that they have shopped around for treatment for months, sometimes years with specialists and found no relief. People sometimes take a long time to do their research and read up online on their condition before they start looking for a doctor or specialist who can treat their condition.

So lets get down to it: What is a common cause long term leg pain?
Aside from a chronic overuse injury like tendinitis, or adhesions and knots that may come and go over time, radiculopahty is a common cause of leg pain that radiates down the lower back and can also cause a loss of sensation in the leg.

Sciatica: Is pain and numbness down the leg, which can cause a loss of sensation in the leg, or foot, and may also accompany lower back pain. So treating the leg itself may not accomplish the goal of long term pain relief, and can further frustrate the patient. Pain in the body can often be caused by problems further up the kinetic chain (the movement system).

When a nerve is impinged or irritated by blockage or interference the pain often radiates, unlike a pulled muscle or an injury to a bone when pain is often localized, nerve pain can radiate down. For example: An injury that effects the nerves in the left shoulder can cause a great amount of pain, and also cause it to radiate down the arm and can feel a lot like a heart attack.

Sciatica is not a condition itself, its is a symptom of radiculopathy - when a nerve root is dysfunctional due to a problem at the nerve root. Sciatica is specifically a lumbar radiculopathy and depending on the symptoms, the problem causing the pain, numbness, and loss of sensation can be located higher up in the spine or closer to the sacrum.

The spine is the center of all movement in the body and not treating an issue early on often leads to degradation or, not only the condition, but the ability of the entire system to work as a whole. Its important to talk to a professional and seek out treatment for chronic conditions, and at Living Well Medical we have one of the oldest interdisciplinary practices in New York City.

Spring Tips for Avoiding Back, Neck and Leg Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:18:55 PDT

So it looks like the season is finally starting to change (I say this knowing full well that it’s disgusting and cold outside here in NYC), so it’s nearly that time of year where you can start doing your yard work and improvements to your home. We all get outside a little more, work a little harder and take on jobs that require a little more body power. It’s sort of an open invitation to an injury, especially if you aren’t very active in the winter or getting up there in age.

Although it’s true that our bodies are machines, preventative maintenance of that machine is hugely important to avoiding injuries. A couple of simple steps and tips can go a long way towards making sure you don’t get knocked out by an injury.

1. Stretch, stretch, stretch!
It’s so important and yet how often we forget! As we get older, our bodies need more time to warm up; a couple of solid minutes of stretching gets blood moving and can drastically reduce the likelihood of an injury. Make the time - it’s totally worth it.

2. Lift with your legs, not your back.
It sound simple but often times we use our waist as the main weight-bearing point when we lift heavy objects. That places the strain directly on the lower back. If you have to lift heavy thing, try to focus more on getting down as low as you can and pushing off of your heels. That puts the weight more on the quads and gets it off of your back!

3. If you’re tired, take a break.
Taking regular breaks helps your body stay fresh and reduces the strain that repetitive activities place the body under. Listen to the signals your body is sending you. If you’re muscles are tired, take a rest. If you have an ache, stop working for a while. But don’t just plow ahead needlessly. That’s a short route to a back, neck or leg injury (along with any other kind of pain!).

4. If the pain persists, see a doctor.
“Sucking it up” doesn’t really apply when the pain is severe. If an injury hasn’t healed after a long time, go see a pain doctor like the ones we have here at Living Well Medical in SoHo. Time alone isn’t always enough to get things right - the right doctors can help.

It’s true that there’s a lot more to maintaining your body than just good biomechanics and good sense. Diet and lots of other factors like stress can play a part too. Just take it easy, and if you need to, give us a call at (212) 645-8151

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

I Have a Pinched Nerve, What do I do?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:07:22 PDT

Well is it possible to have a "pinched" nerve?
Can you actually "pinch" a nerve?

Sciatica is a symptom of rediculopathy, a condition when pain or numbness is felt down the leg due to nerve impingement in the lower back. Often times a "pinched nerve" in the back is referred to as Sciatica, and it can be easily and effectively treated with Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and spinal decompression.

Well generally speaking a never can become "impinged" or pinched and cause all sorts of problems, not the least of which is pain radiating down the leg. Often this can mean a disc herniation in the lumbar spine, and depending on where the herniation is there can be pain and a loss of motor function due to interference with the nervous system due to the pressure on the nerve.

A herniation is when the neuclear material in the spinal discs, which cushion the vertebral bones, extrudes, or bulges out and starts putting pressure on the passing nerves. This can sometimes cause a "pins and needles" sensation down the leg, and the associated pain can sometimes be very bad, and its can become chronic and increase over time.

The Spinal nerves and the cranium make up the central nervous system, and they in turn branch out to the peripheral nerves which provide sensation and proprioceptive feedback to the central nervous system, keep things moving, provide feeling and maintain the body's homeostasis.

When a nerve's ability to communicate is hindered, weather by a muscle, an injury, or a disc protrusion, its does not equate to a long term uphill battle. There are many non-invasive treatment options, that can easily be combined, to treat muscular and skeletal issues that may be causing the nerve interference.

Is Spinal Decompression Right for my Herniated Disc?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:44:09 PDT

Spinal problems like herniated discs are scary for several reasons. The pain can be an absolute nightmare, for one. Of course, in the worst case scenarios, we are told that it can mean certain surgical intervention which is about as scary as it gets. Thankfully, modern integrative medical approaches are meaning that we don’t have to rely on invasive methods for disc herniations anymore, at least not as the first and only line of defense for things like sciatica. At Living Well Medical in NYC, we’ve done our part to show that non-surgical techniques can be just as effective in getting long-term relief for our patients suffering with back, neck, arm and leg pain.

Spinal decompression therapy has been a huge part of that effort, especially when we’ve combined it with our other therapies (physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, etc.).

So that’s all well and good, but how can you know that it will work for you, right? What do you have to do to be sure you are a candidate? Should you try other treatments first? In the past, spinal decompression has been a last resort; as more and more people find relief, they are choosing it as a first line of defense. After all, if you can get your life back from pain and do it without going under the knife and without medication, why wouldn’t you?

The thing is, spinal decompression isn’t going to be for everyone. There are certain conditions that will preclude some people from this particular treatment. The only way to know if you are a good match is to have an MRI and bring it to a spinal decompression doctor for a consultation. Many of us will even provide this consultation free of charge, though that will of course vary from place to place (Living Well Medical does). Based on that analysis and first consult talk, our experts will suggest treatment options that will best fit your situation.

So really, if you want to know if spinal decompression could work for your pain, the only real answer is to take action and seek the appropriate help. If you want a place to start, give our Manhattan office a call at 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Arm Pain: What Does it Mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:50:46 PST

When it comes to problems that people face related to nerve impingement, it can affect more or less any part of the body. Arms, legs, back, neck, and anywhere in between - there isn’t a spot in your body that can’t hurt or even lose sensation under the right circumstances. Okay, that sounds pretty gloom and doom... Don’t get me wrong, for every pain, there’s a treatment that seeks to find the cause and resolve it. That’s what we do here at Living Well Medical in NYC; we are multidisciplinary precisely because it gives us more range for treatment. That aside, arm pain can be a major problem. We use our arms and hands for more or less everything; when there’s any significant impairment, you tend to notice (and worry) pretty quickly.

So what can arm pain mean? Of course, as we’ve already noted, one of the main reasons that we see arm pain is nerve are being compressed and become inflamed, limiting their ability to function normally (and causing pain, numbness, and other symptoms). Specifically, arm pain is usually related to the cervical vertebrae, those of the neck. Some of the nerves that exit there innervate the upper body and arms, so impingement of those nerves can lead to dysfunction of motor skills, loss of sensation and pain.

So what impinges nerves? The short answer is: lots of things. For one, your spinal discs are a big contributor. Especially as we get older and our discs lose their fluid more easily, a herniation or bulge is not uncommon. That doesn’t always mean pain, but it can certainly be one of the problems. Musculoskeletal issues can also cause impingement. In all cases, diagnostic studies like MRIs, NCVs and EMGs need to be conducted to confirm a neurological problem; different problems will require different tests. Ask your doctor to find out what you need.

And what happens if the nerves are being compressed? Well, then you need treatment. At Living Well Medical in New York City, we provide only non-surgical treatment options. It’s our opinion that surgery has its place, it just shouldn’t be the first place. Treatments like spinal decompression therapy, Cox Flexion technique, Active Release Technique, traditional chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy, and acupuncture. The list goes on, but you get the idea. There are a vast number of treatment options that can be combined to get the treatment outcomes you need.

If arm pain is giving your trouble, give us a call at 212-645-8151. We want to help you.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Dr. Shoshany on the Dr. Oz Show

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:45:05 PST

Recently Dr. Oz was made aware of a Cochrane study that found Chiropractic treatment to be as effective as "traditional" methods for treating lower back pain. At Living Well Medical we have become familiar with their findings and have studied the report, which just confirms the results that we get every day with our patients, using out non invasive treatment methods.

Spinal Decompression as a Treatment for Herniated Discs

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:02:40 PST

Living Well Medical in New York City’s SoHo/NoHo area has quickly become a fixture during its years of operation (formerly Downing Chiropractic & Pain Management Center). Whatever your pains, we use the latest in technology and treatment methodology to relieve your pain and get you back on track. With the hyper-fast pace of life in NYC, we can’t afford to be down and out for long.

As the first provider in the city to add spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000, we made sure to incorporate the latest in herniated disc treatments into our already effective treatment protocols. We even went so far as to patent my techniques! Our results have been just that great; (not to toot my own horn too much, but we have patients across the city who have been able to regain a lot of what they lost thanks to our programs.

Spinal decompression is a technology more or less focused on disc irregularities like herniation and bulging that result in nerve impingement and compression. Most importantly, it does so without any sort of surgical or invasive methods. For many of my patients, that’s a big deal. To be able to avoid back surgery is a huge weight off of a person’s shoulders, so needless to say we were excited.

Spinal discs, being a mostly avascular (lacking a blood supply) structure, can be particularly intractable. Decompression with the DRX9000 basically helps the disc function like it used to again. By ‘pumping,’ the discs with the computer-controlled, precise stretches, discs are able to ‘breathe’ more. It’s sort of like CPR for your spine.

And the benefit extends to a number of different spinal conditions. Examples include:

* Sciatica
* Herniated Discs (Lumbar or Cervical)
* Bulging Discs (Lumbar or Cervical)
* Spinal Stenosis
* Degenerative Disc Disease

Having said all that, there are inevitably some cases in which spinal decompression isn’t the answer and is in fact contraindicated. You need to be medically cleared before starting a treatment program.

So if you have a back problem that you wonder about, spinal decompression could be a potential treatment option, but you need to talk to a doctor first. Come on over to Living Well Medical in New York. We want to help you stop the pain, and this innovative technology may be the answer for you. Call us today at 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

New Cochrane Study shows that Chiropractic Care is just as effective as "Traditional" Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:52:24 PST

The traditional approach to easing the symptoms of chronic back pain usually consists of prescribing medication, sometimes physical therapy and addressing and correcting physiological issues. This can be invasive, time consuming and can have a negative effect on lifestyle, not to mention the side effects associated with pain medication.

A new Cochrane research study shows that when it comes to chronic lower back pain, Chiropractic manipulation is as effective as traditional medical care. Imagine not having to take drugs while waiting for pain to subside. When combined with physical therapy, massage, and behavior modification, the need for invasive, time consuming treatment is quickly giving way to a long standing method, practiced the world over. A study based statistic shows that Chiropractic manipulation is the overwhelming favorite alternative to drugs and surgery, and other invasive methods.

A in a study published in May to June issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, the study had evaluated all promising alternative treatments for back pain. Chiropractor care was favored at 74% ... (allvoices)

Back pain is the second leading cause of ambulatory care, and absence from work. Some people suffering from chronic pain may even purposely avoid seeking medical care, because it may involve lifestyle altering treatment, and affect work, as well as athletic performance, along with your hobbies and recreational pursuits. Ignoring pain and hoping that it subsides on is not the way to go about it. People should instead, invest some time and effort in to finding ways to treat pain that fit their lifestyle and make lifestyle changes to help reduce the chances of developing chronic pain and injuries.

While Chiropractic manipulation without heavy reliance on drug treatment, along with other proven, effective treatment methods like Physical Therapy is shown to be as effective as traditional treatment, the big difference however that may set the two options apart is the non invasive, non surgical approach to treatment, which can lead to minimal interference with a patent's quality of life as well as mental well being.

L5-S1 Disc Herniation & Dessication - What is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:32:58 PST

Lower back pain comes in an amazingly disturbing variety of forms, and medical language sure doesn’t make it any easier for your average person to understand at times. Spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, cervical disc prolapse and on and on, the medical jargon just keeps on going. Here I’d like to discuss a specific problem that comes up surprisingly often at our office, Living Well Medical in SoHo, NYC. More specifically, dessication and herniation of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. That way you can learn a little bit about what it is and of course, Living Well is right there to lend a hand if you are hurting. After all, we are on the cutting edge of non-surgical treatment.

Where is the L5-S1 disc?

The L5-S1 area is the line of demarcation between the lumbar spine (L) and sacral spine, the combined region sometimes being called the lumbosacral spine. The lumbar spine is often associated with the abdominal area while the sacral region correlates to the pelvic/hip area. L5-S1 is right between these spinal regions.

What are the symptoms of an L5-S1 disc problem?

Although it varies from person to person, there is a generalized group of symptoms, a combination of which is possible. They might include, to name the major ones: burning sensation, tingling, numbness, back pain, leg pain and sciatica.

What is different about the L5-S1?

The disc in this intervertebral space is one that bears much of the weight of our bodies; it’s one of the major reasons this disc is so prone to damage like herniation. In that sense it isn’t much different than a normal disc other than the stresses it undergoes during a normal human life.

What is disc dessication?

Disc dessication is when a spinal disc loses its fluid and begins to lose height. As the disc dries out from the loss of water and collagen, it becomes brittle. It will also often show as black and thin on an MRI, as is indicated in the photo. Dessication can affect its ability to absorb shock and increase the likelihood of herniation or bulging.

Will I have to get surgery for it?

This is a common misconception that surgery is the best option for a back problem like herniation. The way I see it is like this: if there’s a chance you can avoid surgery, shouldn’t you? Non-surgical treatments can be just as effective in stopping pain with the right doctors and the right treatment. Surgery doesn’t have to be the only option.

How is it treated?

Treatment for an L5-S1 disc herniation at Living Well consists of spinal decompression therapy using the DRX9000, chiropractic treatment, Cox Flexion technique, physical therapy massage therapy and ARt (Active Release Technique). By combining multiple complementary techniques, we find that treatment outcomes are often improved. I was so confident in my protocol that I even went and got a patent for it.

So that does it for some of the major questions. If something you are curious/worried about hasn’t been covered here, give us a call. We want to help you feel well again. (212) 645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Herniated Cervical Disc, NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:01:48 PST

We often see patients complaining of neck and back pain, and Living Well Medical happens to be a premier pain management and treatment center in NYC. Centered around providing non surgical, non invasive pain relief and rehabilitation to New York City residents suffering from pain, and ever facing surgery.

Take a look at the results one of our patients got from the application of our multidisciplinary approach to healing and pain management.

Treatments included:
Spinal Decompression
The Graston Technique
Chiropractic care

Is it a Pinched Nerve or Disc Pain?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:15:11 PST

If you’ve ever had really bad back pain, you know how awful it can be. Nothing feels right. But even worse, just for the sake of being gloomy, most of us don’t even know where our back pain is coming from! That’s a scary thought. Is it a nerve problem, like something being pinched? Is the pain caused by the disc itself? There are so many questions because our bodies are complicated machines. Living Well Medical in SoHo NYC is here to take care of questions like these for you, but for the sake of helping people learn more about their bodies, let’s explore the difference between the disc pain and a pinched nerve.

1. A Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve is just like it sounds: a nerve root being squished by a problem like a herniated disc. Pinched nerves don’t actually relate to pain in the disc space itself. In fact, the pain is often felt in parts of the body not directly in the problem area. We call this referred pain and it is often found in cases of radiculopathy (radicular pain, related to nerve roots). Pain in the legs, ankles and feet associated with sciatica is an example of referred pain from a pinched nerve.

2. Disc Pain
Unlike a pinched nerve, disc pain is felt precisely in the disc space. This might be the result of wear and tear to the disc itself causing a loss of disc height. Often age plays a critical role as well as the discs tend to have a tougher time retaining water with time. Degenerative Disc Disease is an example of direct disc pain.

If we’ve gone so far as to say that the average person can’t tell the source of their pain, we might as well take it a step further towards being a downer: many of us have herniated or bulging discs and don’t even know it. That’s right! Not all disc irregularities are painful right away, but they may develop into a problem.

So between all this scary back pain talk, there is a point - if you have pain or suspect a problem, come see a doctor who knows a thing or two about back, neck and joints. Chiropractors study the musculoskeletal system and can help you find some relief. The thing that really sets Living Well Medical apart is what we offer beyond just chiropractic. Physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, cold laser therapy, medical doctors, pain management - we have so many alternatives for pain relief that we can cater to almost anyone’s needs.

If you live in NYC and are hurting, give us a call at Living Well Medical - 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

The Snow Storm Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:12:54 PST

So the man on the radio said potentially 20 inches of snow from the upcoming storm, and I don’t know about you, but my back is already starting to wimper. Every year when it snows, we get blindsided by how tough and strenuous shoveling and clearing snow can be. Every year my office fills up with people who tweak a muscle or aggravate an old injury and need an adjustment. No one is immune to an aching back and we have to do our best to prevent the pain. I’ll go over a few quick pointers for fewer injuries when you are hoisting mountains of snow off of your steps and around your car. And of course, if you need us, Living Well Medical in NYC is only a phone call away at 212-645-1495.

First things first: Stretch! It might sound ridiculous since you aren’t “exercising” in the proper sense, but you are going to be engaging in some serious lifting. And frankly, if the forecasts are correct, it’s going to a lot of lifting, so it’s important to warm your muscles and joints up.

Remember to lift with your legs, not with your back. One of the biggest mistakes people make is angling their torso when they go to pick up snow. Using the innate strength of the legs is much more biomechanically efficient and less likely to cause you an injury. Lift somewhat they way you would do a squat - plant your heels and push downwards to raise yourself up.

Don’t wing it, move it. There is no need to chuck the snow over your shoulder - that only invites injury. Instead move the snow in as short a motion as possible and continue on.

Take breaks when needed. In our rush to finish the job, we sometimes do more harm than good. If you start to tire or ache a little, take a break, get a hot drink, and let your body rest some. It’s a simple enough thing that gets overlooked.

Stay warm! Make sure you are dressed properly. As with the stretching suggestion, warm muscles are happy muscles (when they are working hard), so give them what they need! Wear proper attire and don’t skimp on good gloves and boots. A nasty slip can be just as devastating and painful.

Get a shovel that works with your height. This is also going to depend. Do you have back troubles? Buy a shovel that enables you to move the snow without much bending. Are you very tall? Buy a longer-handled one. Use common sense, but don’t assume that all shovels are equally good for the job.

Mostly, listen to your body. If you get hurt, stop right away and get help. Living Well Medical in NYC is always there if you need relief. Call us!

- NYC Chiropractor, Dr. Shoshany

Is it a pinched nerve?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:52:50 PST

Is it a pinched nerve?
One of the most common questions I get from my patients at out Back pain treatment office in NYC “Is it a Pinched Nerve?”

I will answer this question, but before I do I would like to discuss some of the common signs and symptoms associated with a pinched nerve and go over the anatomy of the area and the best non-surgical treatments to treat pinched nerves.
Pinched nerves problem most commonly occurs either in the Lumbar spine (low back) or cervical spine (neck) and can cause pain down the arm or down into the leg. This term is called a Radiculopathy or some other common terms are: Sciatica, Radicular pain, Radiculopathic pain and Root pain. All of these terms are synonymous and basically it means that that the patient’s pain is coming from the spinal root level as opposed to being referred from a joint or others spinal structures.

So when a patients present with shooting leg pain into their buttocks or a throbbing burning pain in the back of the thigh that has gradually gotten worse and has been associated with back pain their concern-is it a pinched nerve?

Most of the time when there is a shooting type of pain it is due to a nerve related issue, for example a classic presentation is a young women that complains of pain into her right arm that extends into her thumb and second finger and most of the time it started with neck pain and a lack of mobility in her neck.
Once she is cleared of any medical problems it usually is due to an irritated or pinched nerve.
Sciatica is a term which refers to a burning, stinging, and or numbing pain that is felt in the buttocks, thigh, leg and or foot and patient may or may not have low back pain.
With conservative treatment like Cox cervical distraction and Chiropractic care patients see results shortly. But if after a week or two of conservative care and a patient is making slow improvement the only way to truly know if the nerve is “pinched” that would be by ordering diagnostic tests like NCV nerve conduction velocities or EMG Electro Myography or a MRI that shows a disc putting pressure on a nerve root.

Very often the term pinched nerve is used without any documentation or proper diagnosis, all too often I have seen patients that have been labeled as having a herniated or bulging disc and a pinched nerve and the only thing that they had was a X-ray.
If the nerve is pinched by a herniated or bulging disc the most effective non surgical solution is spinal decompression. In our NYC Back Pain Clinic we integrate Non-surgical spinal decompression with Physical therapies for the most comprehensive solution to treating a pinched nerve or herniated disc in NYC.
When someone suffers with a pinched nerve due to a bulging or herniated disc, the pain can progress and interfere with daily activities like making putting on your socks in the morning painful and even impossible.

So to sum up the answer to the question is it a pinched nerve? The answer is probably, but we will not know 100% until we have some solid form of diagnosis be it a MRI or Nerve test to either confirm or rule out such a diagnosis.
If you suffer with low back pain or think you have a pinched nerve and live or work in New York City give us a call at (212) 645-8151 for an immediate appointment for a complimentary consultation. Or visit our website to learn more about our Comprehensive Multidisciplinary to treating bulging and herniated discs that can cause pinched nerves www.livingwellnewyork.com
Pain management on site, Digital xrays,Chiropractic care, Active release technique, DRX 9000 spinal decompression,Spine Force 3D Rehab, Acupuncture, Medical massage, Graston technique, Cold laser therapy are just some of the modalities that we offer all at our Convenient Manhattan location.
Dr. Steven Shoshany
Chiropractor NYC

Stuffing Your Stockings....with Back Pain?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steven Shoshany) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:32:13 PST

It’s that magical time of year again. Families are pulling out the boxes of decorations to dress their trees in tinsel and ornaments and lights. Shopping is getting insane as last minute shoppers rush to get gifts for the ones they love. And stockings are being hung with care. It’s all part of the pageantry of the season, and it’s a stressful time with lots to remember and even more to fuss over. The stockings - that part in particular rings a bell with me lately. In the past few weeks, several people have come into my NYC office with severe lower back pain. The back pain was bad enough that patients were saying they ‘couldn’t even pull their socks up.’

That’s a heck of a holiday surprise: you get all in the spirit stuffing stockings and you can’t even pull up your own? Sounds like a bad joke waiting to happen. No one should have to suffer during one of the most joyous times of the year. And let’s face it, shopping this time of year in New York City is hard enough without having to struggle against back pain, too. Just seems unfair.

But there’s no need to panic just yet. Living Well Medical in NYC’s SoHo/NoHo area wants to help you make your season’s greetings full of joy and comfort - we have years of experience stopping back pain just for times like these.

One of the best parts about my practice is that we don’t limit ourselves to just one kind of treatment. People have different preferences and needs, so we provide a wide range of services all from the same place. Chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, Active Release Technique, massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy -We go beyond scratching the surface of what can be done to stop your pain. The most important point is to see someone. Don’t just let it go - that’s like giving yourself a lump of coal for Christmas. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can find relief.

So don’t wait! Give my office a call. You don’t have to be stuffing those stocking while suffering. We want those stocking to be full of love and nothing else. Call us now at 212-645-8151.

- NYC Chiropractor, Dr. Shoshany