Do you have lower back pain or pain literally in the rear that runs down into one thigh or below the knee into the leg and even the foot? A doctor may diagnose these symptoms as sciatica, which describes compression of the sciatic nerve.
Sensations include:
Depending on the nerve that is affected pain could radiate only into the buttock or all the way down to the foot. A common cause is a lumbar disc herniation or bone spur that presses down on the spinal nerve. Sciatic pain radiates along the nerve, usually from the low back, down the buttocks, into the thigh and leg, below the knee and sometimes into the foot and big toe.
Sciatica usually affects one side of the body.
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A doctor may use the terms radicular pain or radiculopathy when talking about sciatica. Radiculopathy is pain/adverse sensation that travels along a nerve. When a spinal nerve root is compressed, pinched or injured, it becomes inflamed. Low back conditions that can contribute to this type of problem are spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis or herniated disc.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms:
A doctor might perform a straight-leg test to see if there is an inflamed nerve. This is a simple exam where you lie on your back and the doctor lifts each leg. If this causes or produces pain and sensations, it can indicate there is a bulging/slipped or ruptured disc.
The compression of the nerve can also cause muscle weakness in the foot. Another exam may be to walk like you normally do, then on your heels and finally on your toes. This checks your balance and lower-body strength.
A doctor may order x-rays, CT scan or MRI.
The CT scan or MRI provides doctors with various images of your spine which can help in diagnosing whatever is causing your symptoms. These tests are then compared to what the doctor took note of during your medical history interview and the physical and neurological examinations. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in figuring out the best treatment plan.
Only a doctor can tell if your symptoms are sciatica. There are other structures in the spine that can cause similar types of pain.
Sciatica can be treated non-surgically with:
Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. If pain continues, other treatment modalities can be discussed. Muscle spasms can accompany sciatica symptoms and can be treated with heat or ice therapy. A doctor may advise light exercise like short walks and once recovery is established they may give you exercises to strengthen your back and core.
Please contact our chiropractic team today to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica. We are ready to help you feel better and get back on your feet again.
A study cited by the health magazine Prevention found that sixty percent of sciatica sufferers who failed to get relief from other treatments found their symptoms improved after chiropractic care. In fact, they got the same level of relief as those who went through surgery – without any of the serious side effects that so often come with surgical procedures.
Chiropractic is effective for treating sciatica because it gets to the source of the problem – relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.
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The information herein on "Sciatica and Nerve Related Back and Leg Pain El Paso, TX." is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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