Touching a Raw Nerve RESOLVING THE EXCRUCIATING PAIN OF SCIATICA
Nerves take information from our brains to the rest of our bodies. They are essential to our ability to feel sensations and move. Nerves also control automatic bodily functions like breathing and digestion, so unless we have medical intervention, we literally can’t live without them. But unfortunately, we only tend to think about our nerves when they’re causing us pain. The sciatic nerve is the largest in our bodies, so it’s also the most likely to give us trouble. The sciatic nerve begins at a junction of five nerve roots in our lower spines. It travels down the buttocks, through our legs, and into our feet. It’s crucial for us to walk, run, stand, and pedal. But when it becomes inflamed, pinched, or otherwise irritated, the results can be excruciating.
Typically, sciatica only affects one side of the body at a time and is likely to render the sufferer incapable of regular daily functions. Other symptoms can include numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations at any point along the sciatic nerve’s path, and the pain often worsens when sitting down. The condition most often occurs due to a herniated disc, though spinal misalignment and degeneration can also be to blame. Though the pain usually starts suddenly, it’s rarely the result of one incident and typically develops over time. Lifestyle factors like being overweight or working in a job that requires lots of lifting or sitting are the most common risk factors. But more often than not, the culprit is the natural aging process. Sciatica usually resolves itself, but it can take weeks or even months. A physical therapist can help you get back on your feet faster. Physical
therapy will help improve the symptoms of sciatica through a combination of extension and strengthening exercises, massages, and other treatments. Your PT will also aim to treat the underlying causes of a patient’s sciatica and make it less likely to recur in the future. Though sciatica is always unpleasant, physical therapy can help you take control of your recovery. Why not spend less time suffering? If sciatica is bothering you, we’d love to schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
Sciatica is a condition that causes sharp shooting pains in people’s backs, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Have a Laugh
Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
Inspired by Kenarry.com
These parfaits are an easy fall dessert everyone can make!
Ingredients
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3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
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1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 cups cold milk
1/8 tsp ground cloves
15-oz can pumpkin purée
1 cup vanilla sandwich cookies
1/2 tsp cinnamon
8 oz whipped topping
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir in pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. 2. In a blender or food processor, crush vanilla sandwich cookies into crumbs. 3. In small jars or glasses, place cookie crumbs on bottom, then pumpkin mixture, then whipped topping. Repeat these layers twice and end with cookie crumbs. 4. Chill until ready to serve!
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