Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the SACRO WEDGY® work?
A. While lying and relaxing on the SACRO WEDGY®, the sacrum (wedged shaped bone between the hips - tailbone) is cradled and elevated, isolating the sacrum causing it to be in a non-supportive or neutral position and allows the hips to be suspended. Gravity takes over and total relaxation allows the hips to return naturally to proper alignment. The more you relax, the better it works.
Q. Can it help with sciatica?
A. Yes. It has been our experience over the years that, almost always, sciatica can be controlled. Once proper alignment is achieved, the nerve endings release. Depending on how long you have had re-occurring sciatica determines how long it will take for the SACRO WEDGY® to work. Some people get relief in 2 or 3 sessions while others need 2 or 3 weeks. Learning to relax - that is not always as easy as it sounds - helps speed up the process.
Q. How is the SACRO WEDGY® different from other products?
A. It can help correct a back problem in the comfort of home or when traveling. You purchase it one time, it is all natural therapy and no drugs are involved. It may become part of daily routines or you may use it occasionally. Once proper alignment is achieved, you have a tool to use to prevent the re-occurrence.
Q. Is there a time limit while using the SACRO WEDGY®?
A. No. Because you are working with the natural curves and positioning of the spine, there really isn't a time limit. You do want to try to give it 20 minutes especially when beginning however, it is common for us to hear about naps being taken while relaxing.
Q. Can it be used in bed?
A. Yes. As long as you create the same firm surface under the hip area as you would have on the floor. Place a book or a couple of magazines under the hip area, put the lift on top, then the SACRO WEDGY® - same as on the floor - then relax with neck cushion.
Q. Can it help with heel pain?
A. Yes it can if the heel pain is related to the sciatic nerve. Very often it is pain referred from the lower back because the sciatic has been pinched. Once you realize that the sciatic nerve, (longest in the body) ends in the heel, it makes sense that the SACRO WEDGY® could offer relief when released.
Q. Can it help with leg pain?
A. Yes. Very often tired, hurting, heavy feeling legs are the result of daily work and activities. Standing for long periods of time or athletic activities can cause what is referred to as piriformis syndrome and one of the symptoms is tired heavy legs, hard to even pick up and tight feeling hips. Relaxing on the SACRO WEDGY® allows the three major muscles involved in the sacroiliac area (piriformis, iliopsoas & sartorius), the chance to release and relax thus helping to relieve pain in the legs.
Q. Can I use it in the car while driving?
A. Yes. Some of our best testimonials are from traveling sales people, truck drivers and RV travelers. It has been referred to as "my Therapist on the road". It does take some getting used to. While sitting upright, the curve of the end of the spine is in the same curve or cradle, as when lying down. It keeps you from sinking down into the seat, makes you sit up straight and once again - hip balance is in tact, sacrum is stabilized and you don't feel like you have to stretch or stand quite so often.
Q. Can it help with disc problems such as herniated, bulging and degenerative?
A. The SACRO WEDGY® cannot actually correct the problem however, it can help relieve some of the symptoms that occur because of favoring one side to compensate for the pain. What can happen is a muscle starts pulling and causes more pain than the original problem. Once again, we are back to balance and biomechanics. Many people live normal pain free lives with these
common problems.
Q. Does the SACRO WEDGY® work better with certain age groups?
A. No. The only age limit is with children. The sacrum is fully developed around 15 or 16. All ages and walks of life have benefited. If you start using the Wedgy at an early age, it could help prevent future problems. Since using the Wedgy and neck support can help improve posture, elderly can benefit greatly and many have reduced the number of drugs for pain - walking is easier and a more active lifestyle can be accomplished.
Q. Should I continue to use the SACRO WEDGY® after the pain has subsided?
A. Yes. The more you use it, the less you will need it. Prevention is the best way to save valuable downtime & money. At the first sign of the slightest pain or discomfort, use the Wedgy as soon as possible. Help prevent that small twinge from becoming a large problem. One tight muscle can start a snowball effect & throw off muscle balance. Rather than treat the many symptoms that often occur - go to the source & treat the problem.
Q. Can it help with back and leg pain associated with pregnancy?
A. Yes. Using the SACRO WEDGY® is one of the few things pregnant women can use to help control sciatica & low back pain. There would be a few changes such as sometimes keeping knees bent as opposed to legs straight out or using a smaller lift, not lying on your back more than 10 minutes - every pregnancy is different so individual problems should be addressed. When expecting the first child it is sometimes more comfortable to be relaxing on the male version. The female sacrum is wider after giving birth. Sitting on the Sacro Wedgy® can really be helpful. One MD stated that the Wedgy is a gentle, drug free way to help take some of the pressure off when the baby starts pressing on the sciatic nerve. Start back relaxing on the Sacro Wedgy® 3 or so days after giving birth for a quicker recovery.
Q. Can the SACRO WEDGY® help if I have had back surgery?
A. Yes. Very often surgery still leaves muscles tight & constricting nerves. Because surgery occurred, favoring one side is common & once again, muscle balance is affected. Even lying in a hospital bed can create problems. The sooner you incorporate the Wedgy into regular routines, the better your chance of having fewer problems. We know the SACRO WEDGY® will not cure everyone & everything. Nothing does - but it is a simple way to involve yourself with prevention. Being properly aligned & relaxed is very important
for anyone to maintain a healthy back.
Q. What is "piriformis syndrome" & how can the SACRO WEDGY® help?
A. The piriformis muscle is a triangular shaped muscle that attaches to the hip joint & travels into the front of the sacrum. Runners very often experience problems with this muscle because the pounding creates tightness. That's why it is sometimes referred to as a "pain in the butt". To further complicate things, the sciatic nerve travels through or under this muscle & can literally squeeze the nerve causing pain down the legs, knees, (I-T band), heels, anywhere the sciatic nerve travels. The way the sacrum is positioned, while relaxing on the Wedgy, the piriformis muscle has a chance to release & relax. The length of time for a correction varies from person to person. How easily relaxation takes place (it very well could hurt at first), how long the muscle has been in a bind, etc. It's your choice as to how much time you give.
Q. What is "piriformis syndrome" & how can the SACRO WEDGY® help?
A. The piriformis muscle is a triangular shaped muscle that attaches to the hip joint & travels into the front of the sacrum. Runners very often experience problems with this muscle because the pounding creates tightness. That's why it is sometimes referred to as a "pain in the butt". To further complicate things, the sciatic nerve travels through or under this muscle & can literally squeeze the nerve causing pain down the legs, knees, (I-T band), heels, anywhere the sciatic nerve travels. The way the sacrum is positioned, while relaxing on the Wedgy, the piriformis muscle has a chance to release & relax. The length of time for a correction varies from person to person. How easily relaxation takes place (it very well could hurt at first), how long the muscle has been in a bind, etc. It's your choice as to how much time you give.
Q. Can the SACRO WEDGY® be painful?
A. Yes. For some people it can really be quite painful at first. If you are in pain or having long term problems, the SACRO WEDGY® is not going to be fun. Start slow for a few minutes at a time & try to keep it in the freezer - cold helps a lot. Don't try to make it a quick fix - there is no such thing - look for the long term solution. The only other situation that we've run into over the years is if there is a cyst on the coccyx. The pressure or firmness of the Wedgy may irritate the cyst. One way to help would be to put the lift pad on top of the Wedgy to create a cushion.
Q. Is a neck support necessary & why is there a pad to go under the SACRO WEDGY®?
A. The neck support is necessary because it completes the package of having both ends of the spine stabilized so that you basically relax around the support. One Therapist described it as a natural traction. The pad, or lift, placed under the Wedgy elevates the sacrum more so that the hips are free-er to drop. For instance, if you are tall &/or large framed, we suggest you add an additional lift under the pad to elevate even more. Eventually, you want to be able to pass your hand between the floor & your buttock. If you are in pain or very small framed, start with no lift then gradually add a little elevation.
Q. How soon can I return to normal activities?
A. Give your self at least three days healing time. One of the biggest problems over the years is people going back full force because they aren't in pain. Take it easy at first & allow yourself some time. Should you feel muscles tighten up, take some time to relax on the Wedgy.
Q. Do you have to be on the floor to use the Wedgy?
A. It is best however, it can be used in the bed if a book is placed under the hip to create a firm surface.
PREVENTION IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE!!