What is Sciatica? How to Treat it

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

By: McKenzie Jones

Sciatica is a painful nerve condition that gets its name from the very nerve it affects, the sciatic nerve. When you consider that the sciatic nerve travels along the lower back via the hips, butt, and down each leg, it makes sense that people suffering from it tend to complain of lower back pain. Curiously, this condition usually only manifests along one side of the body.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Several symptoms can quickly clue a person in on whether or not they are dealing with a case of sciatica.

  • Paint that starts from the lower spine region, known as the lumbar, and spreads to the butt and along the back of a leg. There might be discomforting sensations anywhere along the sciatic nerve’s path but it most often follows this “course.”
  • Erratic levels of pain in the area. Sometimes it can feel like a minor ache, while other times it feels like you are being jabbed with a burning implement or even got zapped with electricity. The pain will usually be worse during coughing and sneezing and prolonged periods of being seated can worsen these issues. Again, this variable level of pain only manifests along one side of the body.
  • Some sciatic patients complain of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the relevant leg or foot; it is completely possible to feel pain in one section of the leg and feel numb in a separate part.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica usually happens when one of the following events occurs and compresses the sciatic nerve.

  • You experience a herniated disc. Your spine is composed of bones and discs. While the former is obvious, spinal discs are composed of a soft gelatinous “nucleus” surrounded by a rubbery “annulus;” herniated discs happen when the nucleus manages to seep out of a torn, damaged annulus.
  • Bone spurs manifest along the spine.
  • The spine becomes narrowed through a condition like spinal stenosis.

How to Prevent Sciatica

The best way to prevent sciatica is to look at the most common circumstances that contribute to it.

  • The spine can change as we age and scenarios like herniated discs and bone spurs are only more likely to occur the older a person gets.
  • Because excess body weight can place additional strain on the spine, it is best to try and stay lean through exercise and good dieting.
  • Jobs that involve a lot of back-twisting, handling heavyweights, or driving for long periods of time all play a role in sciatica but may not be a definitive source.
  • Lengthy Sits. Keeping active is a great way to avoid sciatica; people who stay seated for lengthy periods or whose lifestyle is mostly sedentary are far more likely to develop sciatica.
  • Diabetes manipulates the body’s blood sugar usage and can contribute to the sort of nerve damage that leads to nerve damage. In short, sciatica is another reason to practice good eating habits and avoid developing diabetes.

How to Treat Sciatica

Despite how raging the pain may be from a case of sciatica, sciatica treatment is usually resolved without surgery and can take just a few weeks. In the rare cases where conservative treatments fail to abate the symptoms or the subject has also developed extreme weakness in the legs, bowel, or bladder, doctors will resort to surgical options. If surgery is called for, the surgeon will perform a discectomy or laminectomy, procedures where they go into the part of the body that is compressing the sciatic nerve and either partly removes a bone or repair and/or replaces the herniated disc.

In Conclusion

Sciatica is a form of nerve damage, associated with the lower back, butt, and legs, that can ruin a person’s day. While the pain that flares up with this ailment can vary wildly, the fact remains that the patient is experiencing a pinch or other impairment along their sciatic nerve. Several factors contribute to sciatica and most of them can be prevented. Should you need to go to the doctor, only a small percent of sciatica cases require surgical intervention.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Life Coaching Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

Grief Counseling Program Article on Grieving Styles

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief is unique and reactions to grief and loss differ from person to person.  Knowing family and friends is important in understanding how they grieve and react to loss.  If we understand grieving patterns of family then we can better accompany them through grief and know when the time is to say or not say something.   Due to the subjective reactions to loss, many multiple reactions can occur and no one can ever be completely sure of how someone will react.  Still, there are certain ways the human species reacts to loss to give some blue print or guidance.

We are all familiar with the stages of grief, the reactions and phases one go through.  We also know to limit grief to mere stages that go in order is wrong, but instead, grief while having various emotional reactions can have a unpredictable set of reactions in any order.  Individuals experience grief in waves, oscillations, and in steps forward and steps back.  The common emotions of numbness, sadness, anger, guilt and denial are the primary ones we see in the grieving but how these emotions are expressed differ from person to person.

Some grievers are extroverts and find healing and energy from without, while others grieve from within. A proper balance is sometimes needed.

 

Some individuals are extroverts, while others are introverts.  An introvert will seek solace and quiet to dwell on the grief, to find the inner healing needed.  Unfortunately, sometimes extreme introverts can seek to escape other human companionship and fall into isolation.  Extroverts on the other hand cope and deal with grief through finding healing and energy from without themselves and seek counsel and discussion with others.  This can be healthy but if without any inner balance can be fruitless in finally healing oneself.   Balance is key.  Avoidance of extremities in either introvert or extrovert behavior is important for ultimate healing.

Grieving styles still can differ in the way the individual thinks, acts, or feels.  Some individuals are more cognitive, others more emotional and others more pragmatic.  Sometimes how one reacts to grief is totally stereotypical and gender assigned.  For example, saying only women will reactive emotionally is a blanket statement that is not true.  Many men may be emotional as well, while other women may be very pragmatic in their grief reaction.  It is important in grief counseling not to type cast a griever but to sojourn with the bereaved and see how their unique reaction grief surfaces and how they cope.

Cognitive grievers think through grief.  This can be good and bad.  Again balance is key.  Cognitive individuals can cope better via reframing negative situations into positive ones, as well as look for cognitive answers through media and books to find solutions.  They may also be more clear in their thinking during a loss.  These benefits can be counter balanced though with individuals who express pain through pessimism or obsessive compulsive behaviors.   Some may also become argumentative in their expression of grief or even suppress emotion.

Emotional grievers utilize emotion as the primary coping mechanism.  In  healthy fashion, they release sadness or anger and feel better.  Releasing emotion is key in coping but also releasing negative stress from harming the body.  However, on the flip side of the coin, emotional grievers can also become too depressed or sad and cease to be able to function.  They may also unable to cognitively understand the process of grief itself.

Cognitive grievers can utilize thinking to cope with grief but overthinking can also be an issue

Pragmatic grievers or those who feel the need and call to act also have benefits and disadvantages.  Those who are more pragmatic look to actions that can resolve situations.  They can also utilize hobbies and work to help them go through the grief itself.  They can also more easily utilize exercise to release negative emotions.  However, hobbies and busy work help one but also emotionally harm by ignoring the loss and trying to hide from it.  Many of them avoid talking about their grief and can become angry at those who wish to discuss the loss.

What one can see from these types of grief styles is that one there is good and bad that can come from each style but a better solution is a more balanced reaction to loss that allows one to think, feel and act as necessary.  Again, we cannot impose certain standards on others, but if coping over a loss is becoming pathological, then one may seek to question one’s particular grief style.

Ultimately it is key for families going through grief to understand each other’s grieving styles and to be there for each other the best way they know how.  In doing so, individuals can better heal at their own way and own pace without emotional damage.

Grieving styles should incorporate thinking, emotions and action. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program

 

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program then please review it and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a grief counselor.

Sources and Other Reading

The Unwanted Gift of Grief: A Ministry Approach by Tim P. VanDuivendyk

Meditation Instructor Program Article on Yoga Positions for Headache Relief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Yoga has an ability to help calm the mind and body. In calming the body it can help the body relax and be free of various aches and pain. Certain yoga poses are designed for even more headache and migraine relief.  Learning to utilize them can be very helpful.

Yoga can help alleviate stress and help muscles relax to reduce headaches. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management and Meditation Instructor Programs and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  The programs are online and independent study and are open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Stress Management Consultant or Meditation Instructor.

Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification Article on Mental Health and Hypnotherapy

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Many individuals turn to hypnotherapy as a alternative option for a variety of mental health issues.  Phobias, past trauma, breaking bad habits and any bothersome issues can be addressed in hypnotherapy.  Qualified professionals can help individuals with hypnotherapy in these areas.

Clinical Hypnotherapy can help with various mental issues. Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification

 

The article, “How Hypnotherapy Can Improve Your Mental Health” by Nehita Abraham looks at the multiple ways hypnotherapy can help individuals mentally.  She states,

“One of the most popular uses of hypnotherapy is to manage phobias and fears. Perhaps you had a traumatic experience with objects or situations like getting bitten by spiders during your childhood years. Since then, seeing even a picture of a spider already causes you to panic, feel anxious, sweat, and experience heavy breathing. Another instance is your constant fear of large crowds due to an awful experience you had in the past.  ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy.

 

 

ADHD Consulting Certification Article on ADHD and Homeschooling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Homeschooling has its drawbacks and benefits.  There are many benefits with a parent patient enough to teach an ADHD child.  Homeschooling has an appeal to many because it ensures one on one attention and sometimes children with ADHD can benefit from this.

Homeschooling can offer some unique advantages to an ADHD child. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Certification

 

The article, “Homeschooling Your Child with ADHD” by Kimberly Drake looks at the benefits of homeschooling for an ADHD child.  She states,

“Homeschooling is not a new phenomenon, yet more parents and guardians are considering this option to educate their children.  For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), shifting to home-based learning may offer certain advantages over the traditional school environment. This might be especially true if public or private school isn’t meeting their needs.”

To read the entire article, please click here

ADHD can be challenging and for some homeschooling may be a benefit to help their child receive the direct care and attention and environment they need to succeed.

Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as an ADHD Consultant.

EFT Certification Program Article on the Basics of EFT

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT has many similarities with acupuncture.  They share a similar concept in the movement of energy throughout the body through various points.  Unlike acupuncture, EFT utilizes merely the tapping of these points with a finger to help move negative energy associated with mental trauma or emotion.

EFT is similar to acupuncture but also utilizes affirmation. Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program

 

The article, “EFT tapping: how to use the acupressure practice to deal with anxiety” by Alice Porter takes a closer look at EFT.  She states,

“One alternative method that has been developed to try and address this is EFT (emotional freedom techniques) tapping. Tapping combines acupressure techniques with a focused affirmation practice that work together to interrupt negative thought patterns in the brain. It involves activating pressure points by physically tapping on certain parts of the body, such as the collarbones and the top of the head.  ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The EFT program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as an EFT practitioner.

 

 

Christian Counseling Certification Article on Meditation Is More Than Health

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Eastern Meditation stripped of its religious connotations has numerous health benefits but to substitute this type of meditation for Christian meditation in regards to spiritual life is an error.  For purposes of physical health, breathing and various positions void of religious intent have health benefits, but for spiritual benefits, one must turn to the classical Christian meditation that looks not for relaxation but spiritual connection with God through the Scripture and Christ.

Christian meditation is Christo-centric and finds its basis in God’s presence through the quiet of Scripture and Christ.  Christ leads one to the Father and helps one reflect on one’s spiritual life with God.  Deeper contemplation can lead to deeper unions with God but all leads one back to the current world and its current situation instead of attempting to escape it.

 

Christian meditation is about a closer union with God. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

 

Meditation is prayer and it is important that Christians remember this and not allow secular definitions of it to water its true nature down.  The purpose is not to merely refresh the mind, de-stress, or find calm, but to connect with God.

The article, “Meditation Isn’t Mere Therapy — It’s a Living Relationship With Almighty God” by Anna Abbott reminds us of the true spiritual and prayerful nature of meditation.  She states,

“In the case of Christian meditation, it is an active quest to live the life of Christ, which was anything but passive. Our Lord sought baptism from his cousin to begin his life of teaching. He called the Twelve Apostles. He actively healed, preached and performed miracles. He repeatedly told Sts. Peter, James and John that the endpoint of his mission was crucifixion, death and resurrection. He endured heroically, not passively. His mission is the foundational “quest.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Going beyond this secular definition of meditation and realizing this active quest to find God is key in Christian meditation.  Christian meditation is not to escape the world but to understand it with all its suffering and distraught but to Christianize it.  Meditation brings the Christian closer to God to deal with the issues of the world.  In this way, Christian meditation is far more different than secular notions of meditation that find there roots in Eastern themes.

While these techniques have physical health value they cannot replace spiritual meditation.   Also bear in mind as Christians, these techniques themselves need to be utilized carefully since their ultimate design is based to create mental states that are associated with Eastern theology which is far from Christian.  The ultimate end of Christian meditation is union with God, not to become a god.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it matches one’s academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Christian Counselor.

Pet Loss Grief Support Certification Article on Grieving a Good Dog

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Losing a dog is a painful life experience.  For some it happens multiple times, for others, the pain may be so great, it only happens once and they are unable to open up again.  The bond between human and canine is undeniable.  It is so strong that the love can be as strong as any love between family.  For those who truly understand it, the loss of a dog is the loss of family.  A dog is not owned, a dog is not a pet, but a family member that is loved and cherished.   Hence the loss of a dog can be a very agonizing loss.

Losing a dog is like losing family for many. Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification

 

The article, “How to Grieve for a Very Good Dog” by Annette McGivney looks closer at the grief experienced over the loss of a dog.  She states,

“When my yellow Lab died last spring, I was flattened by an overwhelming sadness that’s with me still. And that’s normal, experts say, because losing a pet is often one of the hardest yet least acknowledged traumas we’ll ever face.”

To read the entire article, please click here

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification, then please review and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pet loss Grief Support.

Christian Counseling Certification Article on Mentoring

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Making disciples of all nations and fulfilling Christ’s mandate involves sometimes more than preaching but also sometimes working with others and helping develop their spirituality.  Individuals in positions of authority or experience sometimes find themselves helping others perfect their trade.  This is not only true of the professional world, but also within the spiritual world.  Numerous pastors, elders and spiritually developed Christians help others find Christ and also to grow in Christ.

Mentorship hence is a vital role within the Church.  It involves the Spiritual Works of Mercy that include instructing the ignorant, admonishing the sinful, counseling the doubtful and praying for their development.  Spiritual parents play large roles in this development.  Whether a pastor, minister, spiritual advisor, mentor or God parent, one is thrust into a spiritual position to help their spiritual children grow in Christ.  This spiritual promise is an important one that comes from God.  It is a very solemn duty to to not only guide but teach by good example.

 

Christ selected 12 Apostles to proclaim the Gospel. Spiritual Mentorship follows the paradigm of Christ in selecting and cultivating spiritual growth

 

This is why it is so scandalous when Church authority is abused.   When trust in authority is broken, many can be lost to the faith.  Many lash out against the faith.  Sexual abuse, corruption and bad example are all great sins before God and those in authority who mentor and teach the young, will answer in the most harsh ways.   It is important to shower one’s spiritual children with guidance and charity of the Holy Spirit through example and teaching.

Many look to the Paul Timothy relationship.  In it, St Paul guides St Timothy through the process of instruction and guidance.  St Paul educates but also encourages St Timothy in his spiritual formation.  Like St Paul, spiritual mentors are called to help cultivate religious vocations through example, teaching and encouragement. A spiritual mentor is a teacher, a coach,  and a counselor to his spiritual child and can help cultivate vocation through these positions of authority.

In doing so, like Christ, they give to their disciples a service of servanthood, as Christ did to the twelve but also an accountability.  An accountability to be spiritually present in their lives.  Also in any relationship their must be boundaries.  Overt dependency upon each other can cause damage to the growth of the spiritual child, as well as the spiritual parent.  The spiritual parent may also fear to let their spiritual child go.  So it is important to have important boundaries that are rooted firmly in Christ and faith.  It is hence important to discuss spiritual expectations and moral behavior in life, and when needed, the acknowledgement to seek outside help when needed.

It is also important to follow the Jesus Model.  Larry Kreider speaks about this model as a key way to help mentor and spiritually form young Christians.

Jesus just did not send out his disciples to the world without training or knowledge.  He chose them intentionally and took time to know them and cultivate their talents.  He taught not only by His words, but also by example.  The disciples learned the power of Christ on earth through His miracles and sermons.  In turn, Christ prepared them to proclaim the Gospel, but it was only until the Holy Spirit came upon them were they truly prepared.

He chose simply individuals.  He did not choose the rich or powerful but simple fisherman, Peter, James and John.  He chose a tax collector in Matthew, as well as numerous other outcasts.  He chose Andrew, Philip, James the Less, Simon, Bartholomew, and knowing those who would doubt Him, in Thomas, and those who would deny Him, in Judas.  Yet Christ, still accepted them all in their imperfections and status.  He gave them His full attention and charity and took them in as His own spiritual children.

Spiritual Mentors will also follow this model of Christ.  They will look to help develop the spirituality of the least of their brethren and allow their spiritual talents to become tools for the Church.  Like Christ, mentors need to initiate and take the first steps to help develop their spiritual children’s gifts.  They can reveal to them the good news of the Gospel and inspire in them a sense of awe regarding God. Through example and good deeds, they can inspire them.

They must also continue to build and cultivate the seed of faith within their spiritual children.  They must encourage spiritual life, reading of scripture, attendance of Church, and working within it.  They must cultivate that potential and push the faith into action.

Finally, eventually as Christ released the twelve, a mentor must be ready to release their spiritual children.  This does not mean, he or she abandons them or no longer offers his or her ear, but it does mean they trust in the abilities and faith of their children to spread the Gospel and themselves become spiritual parents.  The apostles went to the corners of the world and carried out their Master’s command even unto death.

 

We can help our spiritual children and help them grow in faith. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

 

If God is calling one to spiritual parenthood or to be a spiritual advisor, it is important to allow the Holy Spirit to guide it.  Prayer and fasting and discernment are extremely important.  One should not let insecurities or fear prevent one from fulfilling one’s duty to the Church.  The call to spiritual mentoring dismisses fear and insecurities, as well as ignorance, or apathy, or even impatience when one does not meet one’s standards.   It is a vocational call and it is a special relationship.

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s  Christian Counseling  Certification or would like to become a certified Christian Counselor to aid in your own spiritual mentorship of others, then please review the program and see if it meets your professional academic and spiritual goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling.

 

Meditation Instructor Program Article on Mindfulness and the Workplace

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Mindfulness and awareness are key in life.  We are not living in the present and at ease, then mistakes can occur and stress can find ways to creep into one’s life.  Mindfulness meditation teaches one to focus on the present through mental visualization and breathing.  It helps tune the mind to the senses and to partake in the moment itself.  This type of mindset is perfect for work.  Employers should encourage mindfulness training for employees to increase productivity.

Mindfulness meditation can improve workplace productivity. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program

 

The article, “What is mindfulness and why is it important in a workplace” by Kristin Finkbeiner takes a closer look at how mindfulness helps in the workplace.  She states,

“Organisations are becoming more invested in the wellbeing of employees due to an increased awareness of the costs associated with an unhealthy workforce. Absenteeism, presenteeism, turnover, and a lack of productivity are all very costly issues that are closely tied to employee stress and mental health. The number of sick days lost to serious mental health issues has doubled in the past decade and mental health is the leading cause of sickness-related absences.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor.