Integrative healthcare solution for Sciatica

Sciatica is basically the experience of sharp and shooting pain through the gluteus and down the leg. Sciatica occurs when there is an impingement of the sciatic nerve which is compressed by the discs of the lumbar spine.

While there are numerous causes of sciatica, the most common are:

• lumbar bulging disc
• spine degeneration
• facet joint injuries
• piriformis syndrome
• spinal stenosis
• spondylolisthesis
• sacroiliac dysfunction

It is important to manage the pain and manage the inflammation.

Conventional therapeutic protocols include physiotherapy guided exercises such as McKenzie extensions and core strengthening exercises. However, the inclusion of integrative healthcare solution such as Remedial Massage Therapy can dramatically improve clinical outcomes.

An experienced Remedial Massage practitioner has a range of techniques at their disposal such as:

• PNF Stretching
• Soft –tissue release
• Myofascial release
• Muscle Energy technique

If the problem still persists and /or becomes severe then consultation with a GP for anti-inflammatory medication for pain management or a CT-guided periradicular nerve root injection is highly recommended.

Continuum of care should still include the aforementioned complementary therapies and also consider the incorporation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapies such as Yoga (similar to MET principle), Bowen treatment and Acupuncture to resolve the issue.

Low–fat diet not advisable for long-term weight loss

Low fat diets have been advocated as natural weight loss solution for many years, but up till now the research has been inconclusive.

However, a recent systematic review published in Lancet (Tobias et al in 2015)  compared the long-term effect of low-fat and higher-fat dietary interventions on weight loss was. 

This meta-analysis concluded that low -fat diets are no better than low-carbohydrate or Mediterranean diets of similar intensity when it comes to weight loss sustained for at least a year. Furthermore, a  review of 68,000 patients found low-carb diets led to a significantly greater weight loss, a difference of just over a kilo, compared with low-fat diets.

The data clearly shows that there is no strong evidence that demonstrated that low-fat diets are not favourable for long-term weight loss. Complementary and Alternative Medicine systems like Ayurveda have stated this advice for thousands of years and provided lifestyle advice according to the individual’s biotype.

Hope for Tinnitus sufferers

What are the best quality vitamin and supplements for Tinnitus?

Evidenced-based medicine points to several candidates;

Pycnogeol - may improve blood flow to the inner ear and reduce symptoms

Melatonin - reduce symptoms in some studies

Ginkgo biloba and CoQ10 – sometimes prescribed, but there is little research evidence

Lipo- flavonoid – little research evidence

Vitamin B-12 and Zinc – low levels found in patients with tinnitus


Unfortunately the mechanism of Tinnitus is not fully understood, but lifestyle advices are also important in the treatment of this symptom of ringing in the ears.

• Avoid exposure to loud noise
• Medications e.g. arthritis, depression, anti-histamines etc, so ask your doctor for alternatives
• Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol and quinine in tonic water
• Stress and fatigue

Whilst there might be no one single recommendation, an Integrative healthcare solution of a recommended supplement in addition to  evidenced-based  Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy such as Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, Biofeedback, Indian Neurotherapy, Homeopathy to name but a few.