Sciatica: Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own.

So can you find relief for your sciatica at a chiropractor's office?

(Here's an excerpt from a great blog from Dr. Eben Davis in San Francisco. We think it's a blog entry worth sharing.)

YES...sometimes. Actually, most of the time in my experience...especially if the chiropractor has a nonsurgical spinal decompression machine and uses Class IV deep tissue laser.

Unfortunately...most of the time when a patient presents with sciatica, the underlying problem has been around for a long time and the sciatica symptoms are the "red siren" something needs attention.

Other times, the sciatic nerve becomes irritated early in the disease process and is easier to treat.

Either way, chiropractic adjustments can help, as well as massage, exercise, deep tissue laser therapy, and spinal decompression.

A patients diet can actually influence the healing process. The Typical American Diet is "pro inflammatory"...meaning it causes inflammation...which is the last thing you want with sciatica. A Plant-based diet is "anti-inflammatory" which means it reduces inflammation which is exactly what you want.

So you say you already knew that your diet played a big role in heart health. But it's a point that always needs repeating. 

Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries caused by build-up of plaque.

Sodium also is considered the culprit for the one in three Americans who develops high blood pressure. Sodium attracts water into your cells; the increased fluid raises your blood pressure and subsequently raises your risk of stroke and heart attack, heart failure and death, Arnett says.

Race also plays a role in risk. Researchers recently examined the effects of sodium intake by race using data from the ongoing Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke and found a stronger association with death in black participants than whites.

Blacks with the highest sodium intake (average of 2,600 mg/day) had a 62 percent increased risk of dying, while whites had no increased risk.

Have you heard enough? We hope not. Read more about heart health.

Go ahead and do it!

That's what the American Heart Association recommends. 

It turns out sex is not only fun - we hope - but it's also a great way to get exercise and build heart health.

The key is to look at sex as exercise. A recent study by the American Heart Association says sexual activity is the same as mild to moderate physical activity.

In fact, if you can climb two flights of stairs with ease, you have the stamina for regular sex. So don't order that burger and fries or some other sinful meal for dinner. You're much better off skipping the fat and going straight to bed. (Wink, wink)

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The Graston Technique is a method for diagnosing and treating disorders of the skeletal muscles and related connective tissue. Practitioners are able to detect and treat scar tissue effective. 

The Graston Technique can help patients with acute or chronic soft tissue pain. Davie Health's Dr. Quoc Nguyen, who uses a specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue injuries and chronic inflammation, administers the non-invasive treatment. 

Chiropractic adjustments and techniques are used in providing wellness care, preventative care, senior care and sports injury.

When the body is injured, it will naturally try to repair itself. This can lead to a buildup of scar tissue on soft tissues, like the ligaments, tendons and muscles.

During treatment, Dr. Nguyen uses stainless steel instruments to detect and treat underlying tissue damage. The instruments are designed to pass over natural tissue, and "catch" on damaged fibers. This helps identify areas of the body that need healing.

Juicing has gained momentum and popularity. While people wonder whether you should or not, the real focus should be on how to juice. 

Juicing fruits and vegetables is a great way to get the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber in your diet.

“If you’re not big into fruits and vegetables, it’s a good way to get them in. It can help you meet daily recommendations in one drink” and be part of a healthy diet, says Jennifer Barr, a dietician from Wilmington, Del.

Barr occasionally makes fresh juice as a snack for her kids. Her favorite juice combines kale, carrots, ginger, parsley, and apples. She then adds the leftover pulp from her juicing machine into muffins.

But juicing shouldn't be the ONLY source for your fruits and veggies.

Juicing Tips

• Juicing often removes the pulp, which contains fiber. Add some of the leftover pulp back into the juice or use it in cooking. 
• Remove some seeds, rinds and skins.
• Watch your calories. Pure fruit juice will spike your insulin. Consider combinations of fruits and veggies.
• To make a juice more balanced with protein, some good sources are almond milk, Greek yogurt, flaxseed, or peanut butter.