Treatments Archives - Dr. James Manzanares

SI Joint Dysfunction: A Common Cause of Low Back Pain

Dr. James Manzanares — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 14:28:12 +0000

About the Sacroiliac (S) Joint

The sacroiliac joints are strong joints (or articulations) between the bottom-most triangular bone of your spine, called the sacrum, and the ilium sections of the pelvis (the sections of the pelvis you put your hands on when you “put your hands on your hips”).

The Function of the Sacroiliac Joint

The function of the sacroiliac joint is both shock absorption (depending on the joint’s possible amount of movement) and torque conversion, to transfer movement in your lower body up to your spine.

POTENTIAL SACROILIAC JOINT ISSUES

Why Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction May Occur

Your sacroiliac joints act a lot like the suspension system in a car – they absorb your body’s daily dose of steps, jolts and bumps, and provide you with stability. However, inflammation, normal wear and tear, or even a single incident or accident can damage your SI joint, affecting their slight normal movement and creating chronic and often debilitating low back pain.

Common Causes of Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Problems

Injuries (a fall, car accident, or even a simple misstep)
Pregnancy (the ligaments that allow the SI joint to stretch to allow for delivery may remain loose, post-pregnancy)
Anatomic variation (such as uneven leg length or scoliosis)
Prior lumbar surgery (fusion of the lumbar spine changes its natural movement and ability to absorb shock)
Inflammatory joint disease (sacroiliitis)

The Difference Between Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Inflammation

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction refers to pain in the sacroiliac joint region due to abnormal movement in the sacroiliac joint – either too much movement, or too little. This abnormal joint movement typically results in inflammation of the sacroiliac joint.
Sacroiliac joint inflammation, called sacroiliitis, describes inflammation in the sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac joint inflammation may or may not be caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Why Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction or Inflammation May Cause Pain

When the strong ligaments of the sacroiliac joint become damaged, they may move excessively or insufficiently, causing inflammation and disrupting the joint and its surrounding nerves. When this happens, you may feel pain in your low back, buttocks and/or legs, especially while walking, running, lifting or even sitting or lying down.

Common Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction or Inflammation

Pain in your low back, buttocks and/or legs
Pain or discomfort performing common daily activities that require your pelvis to pivot, like getting in and out of bed, walking up or down stairs or even turning in a chair
Difficulty sitting or lying down – especially if you experience an ache on one side of your body so painful it requires shifting your weight to the other side to gain relief

More Information

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Ask for Help From an Advocate

Dr. James Manzanares — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:05:54 +0000

Consider involving a trusted family member or friend in your care. You may want an advocate to:

Come with you to doctor appointments.
Stay with you in the hospital.
Ask questions of healthcare professionals.
Review consent forms for treatment.
Remember healthcare instructions for you.
Know what to look for and who to call should your condition get worse.
Speak up for you if you cannot.
Know your wishes regarding resuscitation and life support.

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Educate Yourself About Your Condition

Dr. James Manzanares — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:05:05 +0000

Ask your doctor to give you easy-to-read brochures or other patient-friendly literature so you can learn about your diagnosis, medical tests, and treatment. Make sure you understand everything. If you don’t understand something, keep asking questions until you do.

Seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you, options and possible treatment plans. Good sources of information include your doctor, libraries, medical society websites, and support groups.
Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist and other healthcare professionals, and choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital experienced in the type of care you require.
Take notes when you talk with your doctor and ask him or her for written information.
Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand everything before you sign.
Become familiar with how to operate equipment used in your care.
Never be afraid to seek more than one opinion. It is not an insult to your doctor. If you are unsure about the nature of your illness or the best treatment, consult one or two more specialists. Getting more information lets you be more confident in your decisions.

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Participate in Decisions About Your Health Care

Dr. James Manzanares — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:04:18 +0000

Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes. The more information patients have about health care, the better they can make decisions about what is best for them.

Work with your doctor and other healthcare professionals, and participate in all decisions about your treatment.

Keep records about your medical history and share up-to-date details with your healthcare team. Your medical history includes:
- Any medical conditions and illnesses
- Immunizations
- Allergies, reactions and sensitivities
- Past hospitalizations
- Other doctors treating you
- Medications and dietary supplements (i.e., vitamins, herbal products).
You and your doctor should agree about exactly what will be done during each step of your care.
Know who will take care of you, how long treatment will last, and how you should feel.
Ask to speak with other people who have undergone a procedure you are considering. They can help you prepare for what to expect and the best ways to recover.

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Orthopaedic Evidence-Based Medicine

Dr. James Manzanares — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:02:59 +0000

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) helps doctors incorporate the best available scientific evidence into their individual patient care decisions.

Today’s doctors face a serious challenge trying to keep up with the vast amounts of new information on the latest available drugs, technology, and research. In fact, it is estimated that only 10% of the more than 4,500 medical articles published to databases every day are directly relevant to patient care. Evidence-based medicine provides doctors with a methodology to manage this vast amount of data.

Doctors who can easily access current best evidence are able to combine it with their own clinical expertise to determine how the research may help meet patients’ individual treatment needs.

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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Dr. James Manzanares — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:01:25 +0000

In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) a special device transmits low-level electrical charges into the area of the body that is in pain.

A TENS system consists of a small, battery-powered machine connected by wires to a pair of electrodes. The two electrodes are connected to your skin near the source of pain or at a pressure point. A mild electrical current travels through your skin and along your nerve fibers which may cause a warm, tingling sensation. A typical TENS session lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

A TENS unit sends a mild electrical current along your nerve fibers.

Many studies have found that TENS is useful in easing pain after surgery, as well as pain related to injuries, such as fractures and sprains. TENS may also be helpful for some chronic pain conditions, particularly low back pain. TENS is generally considered safe. However, its routine use is not recommended.

There is also an acupuncture version of TENS in which the electrical impulses are sent through acupuncture needles instead of electrode pads. This form of TENS is called “electro-acupuncture” or percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS).

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Alternative Methods to Help Manage Pain After Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. James Manzanares — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:00:31 +0000

After orthopaedic surgery, your doctors and nurses will make every effort to control your pain. While you should expect to feel some discomfort, advancements in pain control now make it easier for your doctor to manage and relieve pain.

Surgeons and their patients are increasingly using alternative methods, such as relaxation techniques and acupuncture, to supplement conventional medicine. A combined approach to pain management is often the best option because it allows the surgeon to tailor pain control methods to each individual patient.

This article focuses on alternative approaches your doctor may recommend for pain management. To learn more about the medications used to control pain after orthopaedic surgery

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