The Intuitive Touch
By Dr. Jim Bourque Starr
August 29, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Sciatica: A real pain in the a*/#!

In 30 years of practicing chiropractic, I can honestly say that I have never seen so many cases of sciatica in one place as in San Miguel.

What is sciatica? Technically speaking, it is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. That particular nerve originates in the lower lumbar vertebra and travels down both legs. Imagine comparing the thickness of your thumb to the thickness of a pencil point. That is the size difference of the sciatic nerve in comparison to other peripheral nerves in the body. Imagine how hard it is to inflame a nerve of that size! The problem is, when it does get inflamed, it isn’t so easy to get rid of! 

There are two principal types of sciatica. The first originates in the lower back in the vertebral discs. When a disc is herniated, prolapsed or swollen, the material inside the disc (the nucleus pulposis) can leak out and cause pressure on the root of the sciatic nerve which causes a tremendous amount of pain and or numbness down one or both legs. This type of sciatica is much less common than the second type.

The second, much more prevalent, is related to the faulty mechanics of the spine, pelvis and associated musculature. Misaligned lumbar vertebrae (called subluxations) cause a pinching of the root of the sciatic nerve. The buttock muscles can often be a cause of sciatica as well. Imbalance in posture or overexertion when walking will cause the hip and pelvic muscles to spasm or fatigue. Either way, the sciatic nerve can become pinched and cause the famous condition sciatica.

The real culprit seems to be the wonderful streets of San Miguel. I have concluded that these cobblestone pavements are creating havoc on our bodies. They seem to do the same to the alignments of our tires, if you haven’t noticed. As we bounce back and forth traversing our streets, the irregular landings cause us to twist and jerk into the most awkward positions. I guess you could say it is a chiropractor’s dream, but the truth is, sciatica is a real pain in the a*/#!

Solutions

You could move out of San Miguel permanently, but who wants to do that?

A better solution would be to visit your chiropractor so that he or she can help you determine the cause of your sciatica. Realignment of the spine and pelvis (adjustment) is critical to proper movement and we need that in San Miguel as much as anywhere.

Properly fitted orthotics can help stabilize the spine and pelvis and are an important factor in the treatment of sciatica, especially chronic, recurring sciatica. I use a computerized digital scan on every patient who complains of sciatica and once fitted with the customized orthotics, many of their symptoms disappear.

Physical therapy helps alleviate many of the symptoms of sciatica. In my clinic, I use a microcurrent or electrical stimulation in combination with ultrasound therapy.

Nutritional therapy, especially vitamin B-12 sublingually, seems to help the sciatic nerve considerably.

Acupuncture, acupressure and deep massage can offer much relief for this condition as well. What is most important, though, is to have your spine and pelvis evaluated properly by a health care specialist before deciding on any treatment. The problem with acute sciatica is that if not properly treated from the beginning, it can develop into a chronic condition that takes forever to alleviate.

The intuitive/metaphysical connection

Our legs are our vehicles that propel us forward on the journey of life. As sciatica is located in the back of the leg, the metaphysical connection usually reflects events in the past that are irritating and impeding your progress. Pain represents guilt of the past and inflammation reflects emotional irritation. Left leg sciatica usually reflects emotional challenges relating to love relationships and sentiments while right leg sciatica usually reflects financial and analytical decision-making events that still haunt you and prevent you from moving forward. If the vertebral discs are involved, there is an element of feeling unsupported (usually by family) and that creates difficulties in progressing in life.

Ask yourself: Where am I feeling held back or stagnant and where do I want to go in my life? Is it in a relationship? Is it in finances? Career?

Ask yourself: In what way do I feel like a victim of circumstances and what is blocking my ability to advance? Am I listening to my inner voice or calling? Am I obeying and acting on that voice or am I still living in fear of the future and/or guilt of the past?

We always go in the direction of our inner-most dominant thoughts. The blessing is that we have control of what we think about. Look for the blessings in whatever crisis you are facing and remember to be grateful. Whatever we think about and thank about, we will bring about.

San Miguel is a magical place. It is energetic and vibrant. Keep walking on those cobblestone streets, but walk with care and attentiveness. Twelve hugs, lots of light and love.

Dr. Jim Bourque Starr has been an author, professional speaker and practicing chiropractor for nearly 30 years. He lives and practices in San Miguel with his wife Araceli at the Centro Holistico y Quiropractico in La Lejona and can be reached at 152-1761.

On My Mind 

Test your spiritual intelligence next week Are you on your way to a higher sense of personal spirituality? How open are you to spiritual experiences or simply to life? Have you found your mystical moorings? Or are you still caught in the lingering temptations of the here and now? How developed is your spiritual quotient? Joseph Dispenza poses 10 questions to find out where you stand.

1. You are spiritually adept and act with sensitivity, compassion and understanding. 

2. You are a seeker and strive for balance in body, mind and spirit.

3. Your decisions seem to be driven by ego rather than spiritual sense.

Listening to Your Body
By Richard Adelman

Cobblestone obstacle course

Lecture and Movement Experience
Never Fall Again! Getting Yourself Grounded
Richard Adelman
Mon, Sep 1, 5–7pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

Falling, or the fear of it, becomes an issue for many people as they age. San Miguel’s unpredictable streets present a particular challenge, at least for inexperienced foreigners. As you approach 60, the cobblestones can feel like an obstacle course. At this age many people begin to experience increased pain and stiffness, slower reflexes, weaker vision, diminished body awareness and poorer concentration. All of these interfere with gracefulness, adaptability and safety in walking.

Yet there is no reason to think that an accident is inevitable. In this event, you will learn guidelines to help you develop a realistic and “earthy” attitude, resulting in improved coping skills. This includes learning how to anticipate and prepare for difficulties by centering and grounding yourself before and during walking. You will experience a repertoire of very gentle movements to improve your head-to-toe body awareness, coordination and balance as you walk. Participation in the movements is optional; you are welcome to simply sit and watch. 

These movement sequences are my personal synthesis from three disciplines: Feldenkrais, Pilates and Somatic Psychology. Commenting on the Feldenkrais Method, anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “It is the most sophisticated method I have seen for the prevention and reversal of deterioration of function. We’re condemning millions of people to a deteriorated old age that’s not necessary.” 

My approach combines common sense with advanced biological and psychological science in a unique way. I have helped many people move beyond fear, frustration and denial to stability, security and self-confidence. Dagmar Helman, an 80-year-old healing minister in San Miguel said, “During the one and one-half years I have worked with him, Richard has helped me not to fall, to accept and deal with injuries dating back to World War II and to live joyfully in my aging body.”
I
f you have enjoyed my monthly Atención column, “Listening to Your Body,” this is an opportunity to meet personally. I also will talk briefly about how the work applies to a wide variety of movement, musculoskeletal and neurological difficulties. I will give a brief demonstration of hands-on tablework with an audience member.

I will be in San Miguel until September 8, working with patients privately at LifePath Center. For more information about this event or private work, call 044 (415) 114-3069 or write richardadelman@gmail.com.