SUDOKU
It’s estimated that approximately 40% of the American population will experience sciatica at some point throughout their lives. Sciatica refers to tingling, pain, or numbness that travels along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. Starting in the lower back, the pain travels down the body, crossing over the gluteal muscles, and reaches down through a patient’s leg and toes. Without treatment, sciatica can negatively affect a patient’s daily routine all year long, but the holiday season can often exacerbate the condition. Between driving back and forth from the grocery store and making the long trips to visit family members for Thanksgiving, sitting in the car for extended periods of time can cause more frequent flare-ups. If you know you are going to be spending a lot of time in the car this holiday season, here are some tips to help keep your sciatica in check. STRETCHING Before you hit the road, take at least 10 minutes to get in a good stretch session. This can help loosen up your joints and muscles before long bouts of sitting. Additionally, any time you make a stop along the way, get a couple minutes of stretching in, and then stretch again once you arrive. Doing so can help prevent that pesky sciatic pain from ruining your Thanksgiving dinner. HOT/COLD Another great option is utilizing a hot or cold pad while in the car. Since these temperature variants can work as great pain relievers, put either type of pad on the painful nerve for approximately 10-20 minutes. If you’re planning a longer trip, you can alternate between the two pads. CUSHIONS A variety of different cushions are available to place on the seat behind you or sit on to prevent flare-ups and keep your posture secure during those hours on the road. Since practicing good posture can relieve this type of nerve pain, bringing a cushion along can make the drive far more comfortable. We at Vital Care like the “Seat Solutions” cushion. If you need a cushion and would like to check the “Seat Solutions” cushion out, feel free to stop by the clinic anytime between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can sit on it and see if it feels comfortable to you. If you like it, we have them available to purchase here at the clinic for your convenience. While these tips can help you navigate sciatica troubles over your Thanksgiving holiday, they don’t provide the whole story regarding long-term sciatica treatment. To better understand your rehabilitation options, you need to come to our Sciatica Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. While there, you’ll learn about the biggest mistake lower back pain sufferers make, the three most common causes for lower back pain, and three strategies to reduce it. Call our office or go to our website VitalCareRehab.com to register! CHECK OUT OUR WORKSHOP FOR LONG-TERM TREATMENT IDEAS DON’T LET LOWER BACK PAIN RUIN YOUR THANKSGIVING!
LEFTOVER THANKSGIVING DOG TREATS
Inspired by TwoHealthyKitchens.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, plain and mashed • 3/4 cup water • 1 egg
• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped • 2 cups whole wheat flour
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, water, and egg. Add turkey and flour and stir again until dough is thick and sticky. 3. Use a rubber spreader to spread dough evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut dough into small rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter. 4. Bake for 30 minutes, until the dog treats are lightly golden brown. 5. Remove from oven and let treats cool completely. Break treats apart along score lines. 6. Serve fresh or store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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