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: SELF TREATMENT ADVICE ON THE PROPER USE OF HEAT & ICE : Many people are not sure when to use heat and when to use ice in the self-treatment of pain and injuries. As a rule, any treatment should be individualized to the unique needs of the patient. That said, the advice that follows will serve as useful genergeneral guidelines on the proper use of heat & ice. This advice is given with the recommendation that you also seek out care from your chiropractor or other qualified health care provider. If you are having pain as the result of an identifiable injury (from a fall, or a blow, or a sprain, strain, sports injury, car accident, etc.) then it is usually best to use an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours. Apply the ice pack for 10-20 minutes (not longer), and repeat at least three times per day, or up to once every hour if pain is severe. The ice will reduce pain, muscle spasm, inflammation and decrease tissue damage. If your pain is not the direct result of an actual injury, or if the pain has persisted for more than 48 hours, it is usually best to alternate heat & ice. The best way to do this is to apply moist heat for 5 minutes, followed by an ice pack for 1 minute. Just one single repetition of this therapy (6 minutes total), performed 1-3 times per day (depending upon the severity of your symptoms) is usually all you need to do. The heat needs to be moist – not dry. Read More |