Low Back Pain with Leg Symptoms
(Sciatica & Disc Injuries)
Many people turn to chiropractic care for safe, effective treatment of low back pain with leg pain, numbness, and tingling.
While this is sometimes called "sciatica" or a "pinched nerve," there are actually many causes of these symptoms. Common
causes include "trigger points" in various muscles, and irritated nerves from stiff and restricted joints and muscles.
While a "pinched nerve" usually responds very well to chiropractic care, it is actually a relatively rare condition. In true
cases of pinched nerve, you will feel tingling, numbness, and possibly even weakness due to pressure and inflammation on a
nerve from bulging discs or bone spurs along the spine. Pressure on these "pinched nerves" can cause your symptoms to travel
away from the spine, along the course of the nerve. The nerves of the low back join to form the sciatic nerve, which travels
down the leg into the foot. This is why a "pinched nerve" of the low back with symptoms radiating down the leg is often called
"sciatica."
A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing and X-ray or MRI studies, if necessary, will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Manipulation (adjustment) of the spinal and extremity joints is very effective in restoring normal function to the joints, as well as to the surrounding muscles and nerves. This usually leads to a decrease in pain and faster recovery. Part of your treatment may also include some combination of the following: acupuncture, cold laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, homeopathy, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and ice or heat therapy.
PROGRESSIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS BLOG: THE IMPORTANCE OF MICRO-BREAKS & ERGONOMICS : Over time, the human body has adapted very well to the task of hunting for and gathering food. It performs and feels its best when it is in motion during the day, and resting at night. Sitting all day, on the other hand, puts an enormous strain on the sspine and its supporting tendons, ligaments, muscles, and fascia. If you are sitting at a desk and/or computer for more than 1 hour on a regular basis, then you are what we call an “industrial athlete”. For you, proper micro-breaks and ergonomics (discussed in a separate blog) are essential to prevent neck pain, back pain, and headaches, as well as to allow your body to get the best results from your chiropractic care. Ideally, micro-breaks should be performed before you start to feel stiff or sore at your worksite. For most people, this means taking a 20-30 second micro-break every 20-30 minutes of prolonged sitting. Of course, longer breaks of 1-5 minutes should also be taken every 2-3 hours, or as needed. Any of the exercises that Drs. Ezgur or DiDomenico prescribe for you can be used as a micro-break. One of the most effective micro-break exercises is Brugger’s Relief Position, as taught in our offices. Read More |