What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Sciatica: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Relief

Sciatica Diagnosis, Causes & Treatment in Indiaca

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica is quite common and affects almost 40% of adults. Sciatica pain traverses through the sciatic nerve, that starts in your lower back and extends to run through your hips, buttocks, legs, and feet on both the sides. This is the most distinctive sign of sciatica pain. The nerve pain primarily occurs due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. A proper sciatica diagnosis and the best sciatica treatment is all that you need to lead a pain-free life.

Before knowing about sciatica treatment, one needs to understand that no two sciatic pain episodes are similar as they range from annoying dull pain to excruciating pain. The sciatic pain is generally felt more severely in your leg than your lower back.

The symptoms of sciatica are as follows: -

Calf pain – pain that stretches down the lower leg and back of the knee.
Lower back pain running down the leg
A pull sensation from your lower back to buttocks and thigh, that further extends from calf to the foot.
A pain in your butt or leg that worsens while prolonged sitting
Numbness in your leg or foot
Tingling sensation in your extremity (lower body)
Persistent pain on one side of your butt
Muscle weakness in the distressful leg or foot
Shooting pain down the leg which makes it tough to stand up or extend the knee
Pain in one part of the leg while numbness in another part
A sensation of pins and needles only in toes or feet

Early Symptoms Of Sciatica

Sciatica starts in the back. However, occasionally, pain may start at the hip or knee; which may not look like sciatica. You may feel isolated symptoms like feet numbness, knee pain, buttock pain, tingling, etc. After prolonged sitting, when the person gets up, they tend to hunch forward.

Mostly, the condition starts as back pain and when the nerve gets compressed more, and if the back pain is left untreated then it can progress to sciatica.

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Sciatica Causes

The most common sciatica cause is a herniated disc (or slipped disc) or a pinched nerve. Due to injury or trauma, the vertebra may slip forward or discs may weaken over time and as a consequence, the nerves get compressed. However, it is often the gradual outcome of bending, sitting for several years.

Let’s know in detail about Sciatica causes. It can be caused due to different conditions listed below: -

Herniated or slipped disc – Discs are the cushions between each vertebra of the spine and pressure from them can cause the disc to bulge out, which applies pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Deconditioned or weak spinal muscles.
Spinal stenosis – abnormal narrowing of spinal canal i.e. the part of the spine where the nerve passes through, that pinches the sciatic nerve roots as they exit the spine.
Spondylolisthesis – when one of the vertebrae in your spine slips out of position, narrowing the opening through which the nerve exits.
Degenerative spine - wear and tear of spine structures which may irritate the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome – an uncommon neuromuscular condition that happens when the piriformis muscle becomes tight, puts pressure, and irritates the sciatic nerve.
Back injury
During or post-pregnancy
Lifestyle factors such as wearing high heels frequently, obesity, professions that demand prolonged sitting or repetitive bending and lifting.

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Sciatica Treatment

There are several methods for sciatica treatment. You could follow a few home remedies as a part of sciatica pain treatment to reduce sciatica pain, which are mentioned below: -

Ice or heat therapy – Applying ice or giving cold treatment to the affected area reduces the inflammation. Heat application to the affected area promotes blood flow and relaxes your muscles.
Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises – Start gentle exercises once your acute pain subsides. Exercises help to strengthen the muscles that support your back and also improves your flexibility. Stretching exercises will help relieve nerve root compression and make you feel better.
Continue your regular activities as much as possible and keep moving to avoid recurring attacks. You may rest for some time but prolonged inactivity can worsen your symptoms.
Avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Avoid any exertion and stress.
Take over the counter medicines for pain relief.

Sciatica pain can be managed easily through precise spine rehabilitation, which is the best treatment for sciatica.

How Does QI Spine Specialist Treat Sciatica?

After a thorough diagnosis, those movements that cause pain will be assessed. Ergonomic assessment at work and home is done to devise a customized treatment plan.

The sciatica treatment includes the first step as pain management by microcurrents (cell repair technology). Based on your movement assessment, you will be advised a few medical movements and ergonomic corrections to ensure that your pain reduces, not only while doing exercise but even after that. The spine specialist works on cell repair and this helps in bringing the pain down as well as heals your tissues.

The second step of sciatica treatment is managing the root cause using DSA (digital spine analysis) test i.e decreasing the spinal load and increasing the muscle strength and loading capacity of the spine.

The third step of sciatica treatment is strengthening your targeted weak muscles.

Sciatica Prevention

It might not be possible to prevent sciatica always as the condition may recur. However, the following key points may help in preventing sciatica and protecting your back.

Exercise habitually to keep your back strong.
Always maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, etc.
Use proper technique while lifting heavy objects.
Maintain healthy body weight and follow a well-balanced nutritious diet.

When To See A Spine Specialist for Sciatica Treatment?

Sciatica treatment at the right time can prevent you from going through that throbbing pain. You should consider seeking medical help when home remedies or self-care measures fail and your symptoms worsen or persist progressively.

Check for the following signs and seek sciatica pain treatment immediately –

Sudden, excruciating pain in the lower back or leg along with numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in your leg, especially the foot.
Pain after an injury
Difficulty in controlling your bowel/bladder
Poor control on balance
Slipping of slippers from the foot for unexplained reasons
Unable to take weight on the affected leg

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Sciatica is often a symptom of severe back pain. The most effective treatment plan can be designed when the diagnosis is accurate. QI Spine’s Digital Spine Analysistechnology accurately pin-points the exact location and nature of damage to the spine.

For pain relief

Pain reduction exercises: Stretching exercises help relax the sciatic nerve and provide temporary pain reduction
Cell Repair: The cell repair technology uses frequency specific microcurrent to stimulate the affected area to trigger healing and pain management. Our doctors use the Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) analysis report to identify the root cause and isolate the weak spinal muscles to improve the load bearing capacity of the spinal muscles

For long term relief and treating underlying cause

Spine Rehabilitation & Isolation treatment : Our doctors identify the root cause and isolate the weak spinal muscles through device based therapy.
Surgery: Although surgery is the most commonly advised for sciatica, it is completely avoidable with conservative treatment. Surgery should only be an option if spine rehabilitation and other conservative methods have failed

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Sciatica Diagnosis

Diagnosing the root cause of sciatica is the first step to the sciatica pain treatment. The spine specialist will go through your detailed medical history and check your spine which helps in drawing the diagnosis.

For an accurate Sciatica diagnosis, the following examination will be conducted by your doctor:

Physical examination
Neurological examination
Assessment for muscle strength, decreased or abnormal sensation and reflexes
Nerve tests
DSA (Digital Spine Analysis)
X-ray
CT Scan
MRI

How QI Spine Diagnoses Sciatica?

QI Spine Specialists has over 9000 hours of specialization in treating back and neck conditions. A detailed medical analysis is carried out including pain history, how pain impacts your nerves, your range of motion, and testing of nerves and muscles.

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Sciatica - Frequently asked questions

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is the pain that radiates along the path of sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body. Usually, pain develops on one side of the body, which typically originates in the lower back and extends to the legs.

How does sciatica happen?

Basically, sciatica pain happens due to an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve. It is commonly caused due to a slipped disc or herniated disc that puts pressure on the nerve root. When a nerve in your lower back gets compressed, irritated, or pinched, it results in sciatica.

What is the duration of a sciatica episode?

A typical episode of sciatica may last for several weeks. Sciatica can be acute or chronic. An acute episode may last between 1-2 weeks and gets resolved in a few weeks.

How does DSA help in treating sciatica?

DSA evaluates your spine to find out the exact percentage of load on your spinal muscles and then helps in creating a precise individual treatment plan, which targets strengthening your muscles.

How do I know if it is sciatica only?

Typical symptoms are low back pain, leg pain, buttock pain, weakness, numbness, pain with movement, and decreased range of motion. Check out the sciatica causes also to understand better.

Can I sit or lie down while having sciatica?

Avoid sitting or lying down for a long period of time. Move frequently even if it hurts, as it helps you to get better faster.

Can I perform my routine activities with sciatica?

Continue doing your normal day-to-day activities as much as possible.

Can I use pillows to get relief from sciatica pain?

Place a firm cushion or pillow under your knees while lying on your back and place it in between your knees when sleeping on our side.

What are the chances of sciatica recurrence?

If the person works under severe physical stress environment then, the chances of recurrence are high. However, many factors are responsible for whether a person will have sciatica occurrence more than once. Sciatica may re-occur if the spinal disc that first contributed to sciatica is severely damaged. If the disc is damaged more then, more likely it will re-herniate and result in sciatica again.

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Sciatica