Issue 7.10
Sixty-seven year old Jan Hudson of St. George recently started walking with a group of friends to incorporate exercise into her daily routine. She began walking 20 minutes in the mornings, but after her second trip, she noticed some slight tightness in her low back and right hip. As the day went on, the tightness turned into pain. Jan was surprised when sitting aggravated the pain and standing did not. She took some aspirin, but later that afternoon the discomfort started coming back. Now she could feel pain traveling down the back of her thigh. Jan decided to put a heating pad on it. It felt good while the pad was on, but the pain returned afterward and seemed even worse. The next morning she cancelled her walking group appointment. After five days of not being able to walk with her friends, she was really frustrated. One of Jan’s friends recommended she see her doctor at Advanced Spine and Rehabilitation. Jan gave them a call, and they were able to get her in the same day. Upon arriving, she was given a thorough 45-minute consultation. Jan was relieved when the doctor told her there was a solution. He diagnosed her condition as Piriformis Syndrome. She was treated with a light massage and some simple stretches, as well as some other therapies to help with the spasms and pain. After a few follow-up visits, she was completely pain free. Jan quickly returned to her walking group and now walks 45 minutes a day.
Piriformis syndrome is a common condition that affects seniors. It occurs when a small muscle in the hip area, called the piriformis, is irritated. The deep muscle goes into spasm which can then irritate the sciatic nerve resulting in pain down the leg. This condition often occurs insidiously with no known cause. Conservative therapy is shown to be the best option. Your doctor can recommend stretches, perform light therapies, and help mobilize the area to eliminate pain and inflammation. Most people are back to their normal active lifestyles in just a few short visits.
Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic in town specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info – www. StGeorgePainRelief.com.