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Witch's arrow or lumbago
According to modern understanding, a witch's arrow is a sudden muscle spasm (cramp) or a small strain that, at worst, can cause really crippling pain. A witch's arrow may seem like a witch's arrow, for example. as a small nitpick when putting on shoes, for example. With this muscle cramp, movement becomes difficult and the person may even be slightly crooked with severe pain. It is also typical that one particular direction of movement is more painful than another.
In a similar case, muscle spasm is the brain's way of slowing down a person's going, albeit in a slightly overreacting way. Generally speaking, witch's arrows are associated with a "poorly made" movement, such as lifting a bike on your back. However, it is more about overloading the body or a movement for which the body was not fully prepared.
The symptoms of a witch's arrow are usually as follows:
- Sudden local pain that makes it difficult to move
- One or more directions of movement are painful (e.g. forward bending is bad)
- The intensity of the pain can range from mild discomfort to completely paralyzing pain
- A witch's arrow does not actually cause weakness or radiating pain in the legs, although the pain itself can sometimes cause truly individual symptoms.
The treatment of the witch's arrow generally focuses on the treatment of pain, as well as the normalization of the functioning of the back. Bed rest is not desirable and, in general, movement is strongly recommended within the limits allowed by the pain. Back pain can also be relieved with the help of manual therapy. Here, for example, a chiropractor can help relax the muscles and restore spinal movement. Categorically, the witch's arrow goes under the "under" of nonspecific low back pain
Sciatica ailment
Sciatica ailment is mostly caused by physical pressure on the spinal nerve in the lower back. Physical pressure may be caused by a herniated disc or stenosis caused by aging. Also, a rupture of the intervertebral disc may cause a chemical reaction in the corresponding nerves. Sometimes the so-called piriformis syndrome is confused with the corresponding nerve irritation.
Sciatica pain basically causes radiant pain, in accordance with the nerve to which the pressure is exerted. Back pain is not a dominant symptom of sciatica.
Symptoms of sciatica may include the following: Buttocks, hamstrings & calf or foot, and toes
- As throbbing burning or sharp pain
- As tingling or numbness
- Weakness of the foot (e.g. flap foot or inability to walk on his toes)
Symptoms may get worse, for example. when going to the toilet, sneezing, coughing or bending forward.
When to See a Doctor:
Disorder of defecation or retention of urination
Numbness of the genital areas
Numbness / weakness of both legs.
Treatment of sciatica problem
The treatment of sciatica problems focuses on movement, pain management and improving the individual's functional capacity. This is achieved as effectively as possible through exercises and manual therapy. Moderate symptoms of sciatica are not a contraindication to manual treatment.
Intervertebral disc bulges
One of the most common reasons to seek treatment with a chiropractor, naprapath, osteopath or physiotherapist for low back pain are bulges and lesions of the intervertebral disc. Commonly, bulges occur from tiny to larger ruptures. However, it is good to know that there are almost as many changes / lesions of the intervertebral disc in asymptomatic people as in symptomatic people. For this reason, we cannot state, for example, that the a smaller disc bulge is necessarily the only cause of low back pain.
If the bulge / herniated disc is large and thus presses on the nervous tissue, then most often we are talking about a sciatica problem. In these cases, the symptoms of the feet are worse than the back pain itself.
Intervertebral disc-related ailments are quite common already from adolescence, although with age their prevalence increases even more. Low back pain is rarely serious, although this may worry both the individual and his or her parents. It is a good idea to have back pain examined by a professional if it raises concerns.
Disc bulges may show symptoms in the following ways:
- Difficulties in the first movements of the morning: putting on socks and shoes is a challenge
- One or more directions of movement are painful (e.g. bending on the floor does bad things)
- Pain when sitting or getting up from it
- Cramping lower back and gluteal muscles
- Lying down may ease symptoms
The treatment of disc bulges is often similar to that of many other low back pains. It is a good idea to determine which movements or directions of movement are painful and look for solutions, how to facilitate them. Manual treatment can also help relieve pain and improve range of motion, thereby improving the quality of movement.
Spondylolysis
In spondylolysis, a small fracture occurs in the posterior arch of the dorsal vertebra. This is a fairly common ailment and, as a rule, these also occur to some extent in asymptomatic people. Fracture of the posterior arch is more susceptible to certain sports (such as gymnastics, figure skating or football).
Spondylolysis itself is not dangerous and may be quite imperceptible if vertebral displacement does not occur.
Spondylolysis turns into spondylolisthesis when a fracture of the posterior arch allows the vertebra to move forward relative to the vertebra below. Moving forward is often moderate and does not lead to any greater measures. Commonly, similar fractures occur with overstrain, as well as with too one-sided exertion. The congenital structure of the vertebra can also play a role.
In general, the treatment is a bud rest, after which the back begins to be strained progressively. The role of exercise is considerable and well-designed rehabilitation plans play a key role. Manual therapy can be helpful in relieving pain.
KiHy specializes in these
Jussi Järvinen, Jenni Aaltonen and Vera Kesälä
