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Sciatic Pain Treatment

Wichita Chiropractor

As a Wichita Chiropractor for more than twenty years, I have treated many people suffering from sciatic pain, therefore, I’m genuinely aware from experience just how incapacitating sciatic pain can be. Those who suffer from sciatica are unfortunately all too familiar with the deep radiating pain that persists during the day and inhibits almost all of their daily activities.

Here’s how you can ascertain if your low back pain is caused by sciatica. You are probably experiencing sciatica if your pain travels from your low back, through your buttock(s), down the large sciatic nerve in the back of one or both legs, and possibly shoots into one or both knees. Moreover, sitting, as well as movement, can be painful. Frequently lying down will lessen, or perhaps even temporarily eliminate the pain. However, it’s important for you to be aware that sciatica cannot be corrected without proper treatment.

Radiculopathy

One of the clinical diagnoses of sciatica is called a “radiculopathy”, a medical term that means simply that a disc has protruded from its natural position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. This kind of pressure can produce excruciating pain.

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encasing the spine, can take place during and after extended sitting, specifically with bad posture. A particular event or injury isn’t commonly the cause of sciatica, more often sciatica is likely to progress over time as a result of everyday wear and tear on the vertebrae of the lower spine. After a while the lower spine can lose its normal functioning capabilities during common stresses.

If this occurs, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures or cracks, which then allow the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. Pain is produced as the disc pushes on sensitive tissues. This occurrence is commonly referred to as a ruptured, or slipped, disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, a person can develop sciatica. The good news is that most disc conditions, including sciatica, can be completely relieved with chiropractic manipulation and therapy that often includes postural exercises.

Periformis Syndrome

Periformis syndrome is another condition that results in sciatic pain. Periformis syndrome occurs when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. Along with chiropractic manipulation, this kind of sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor will advise you on.

If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention.

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    Spinal Fusion Treatment

    Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that many back pain sufferers don’t understand. Many people have heard horror stories about people who have had back surgery and never recovered.

    Many patients think a spinal fusion will cause their spine to become completely rigid, and they envision a future of pain and stiffness  and being unable to bend their backs or touch their toes, afterwards. Over the past decade, spinal fusion has also had a less than bright reputation as a treatment for pain. Given the overall perception that fusion of the spine is a delicate surgery with questionable outcomes, patients are quite concerned about proceeding with a fusion. This article will help to dispel many of the misconceptions that surround this treatment and why it is important to understand the procedure, when it should be performed and who might benefit from a spinal fusion.

    What is Spinal Fusion?

    Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure designed to provide stability to an area of the spine that has too much movement or movement that causes pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or leg. The object of a spinal fusion is to connect the bones (vertebrae) that were previously too mobile and form a connection of bone in the spine that is more rigid.

    A History Lesson

    Orthopaedic surgeons have long applied casts to broken bones to provide support to fractures and allow the bones to heal. This external support keeps the bones from moving. Why is this important? When there is too much movement between broken bones or bone fragments, the repair cells are prevented from being able to connect the bone fragments together, so their process of healing will stop.

    As orthopedic surgeons have progressed in the use of technology, plates and screws, called internal fixation devices, are now applied to fractured bones. These rigid internal fixation devices are stronger, and they add more support to the fractured bone. Plates and screws have been able to replace bulky external casting in a large group of fracture types.

    The same treatment principles are used by the orthopedic spine surgeon. There was a time when fusions were supported with external bracing. This external support, provided by casting or rigid bracing, has been replaced with internal rods and screws. Using these internal supports provides stronger bone connections that decrease motion even more. As a result, the number of successful fusions has increased. The internal support of the spine is stronger, allowing patients to get up and out of bed and walk the day of surgery and to return to their usual activities in 6 weeks. This is a far cry from the days of original spinal fusions that were supported with a cumbersome hard plastic brace or cast, leaving patients with limited mobility or bed rest for many months.

    Spine surgeons are now better able to determine which patients will be helped with a spinal fusion. Advanced imaging studies, including MRI and bone scans, as well as the use of diagnostic injections, help today s spine specialist more accurately diagnose patients who would benefit from spinal fusion. Advances in surgical techniques and components, including the development of better screws and rods, also have greatly improved patient results. Improved diagnostic and surgical training, including advanced training in spine fellowship programs, has helped spine surgeons interpret and use these advances in technology to obtain better outcomes for patients.

    Who Needs a Spinal Fusion?

    As with all surgeries, there are proper uses that will result in good outcomes for patients with spinal fusion.

    In patients where the spinal bones have begun to slip and cause pressure on the spinal nerves (spondylolisthesis), this excessive movement may need to be stopped to prevent worsening of the nerve pressure. During surgery, these patients will have the bone spurs and disc protrusions removed from around the nerve roots and spinal cord, which may destabilize the bones of the spine and cause the bones to slip more. Inserting screws and rods in these bones will prevent the bones from slipping any further after surgery and also may be used for correction of the original slippage.

    Use of screws and rods can also provide stability and correction for patients with scoliosis. Scoliosis is the bending of the spine in an abnormal direction. The curve of the spine may increase with time or may be painful as the curvature of the spine increases. If the patient has a large curve or the curve is continuing to get worse, screws and rods are used to correct the position of the spine and prevent the curve from worsening.

    In patients with obvious bone destruction from fracture, tumor or infection, stabilizing the bones with screws and rods will provide the support that is needed so the underlying disease can be addressed. The structure of the spine can be improved while the patient receives chemotherapy or radiation. By removing the tumor in the spine, the back pain related to an expanding tumor can be relieved and the patient can remain mobile, which helps to prevent pneumonia and blood clots. Being ambulatory, while receiving chemotherapy and radiation, also improves the patient s mood and outlook while coping with their disease.

    Who is Not a Candidate for Spinal Fusion?

    Most patients with disc herniations or pinched nerves will not need a spinal fusion. These conditions can be treated with simpler procedures that allow the removal of pieces of discs or bone spurs that do not increase the movement in the bones.

    The more difficult indication for spinal fusion is in the patient with severe pain in the back. Degenerative disc disease is the leading cause of back pain in the United States, but back pain can have many underlying causes. One of the reasons that spinal fusion developed a bad reputation is that they were performed as a remedy for back pain that did not respond to other forms of treatment. Older fusion methods and inadequate diagnostic approaches left surgeons with few options for treating these patients, so some patients were given fusions as a last attempt to improve their pain . Most patients with lower back pain and degenerative disc disease will not need a spinal fusion.

    What To Expect From Spinal Fusion?

    It is expected that most patients will be back to their usual state of health and activity at approximately 6-8 weeks after their fusion surgery. Most patients will be pain-free after their spinal fusion. It is important to choose a well-trained surgeon to make educated decisions about your diagnosis and treatment. With the combination of the proper diagnosis and properly applied spinal fusion most patients will have successful outcomes.

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    Disc Degeneration

    Free Back Pain Video and eBook

    Low back pain can sometimes be traced back to a degenerative disc problem in the spinal column.  In order to understand why the pain happens it’s first important to understand how the spinal column is formed.  The spinal column is a vertical row of small round bones that are interconnected or articulated so that the bone can bend.  Through the center of the these round bones runs the spinal cord which is a bundle of nerves that travels from the base of the brain out to the rest of the body.  The spinal column protects the cord and gives the body flexibility and mobility.

    Between each of the round bones, called vertebrae, are soft discs.  These discs are there to cushion the motion between the bones so there isn’t bone rubbing on bone during motion.

    Degenerative changes to the spinal column are common and the intervertebral discs are one structure that is prone to those changes.  They are associated with wear and tear, aging and misuse such as smoking.  Long before any changes might be evident on imaging studies there are biochemical and structural changes that may seem to be similar to osteoarthritis.

    degenerative disc

    The term degenerative disc disease refers to the changes to the discs which causes low back pain.  But, despite the rather dramatic label, this condition is very common among individuals.  It is estimated that approximately 30% of 30 to 50 year old people will have some degree of degeneration of the disc space.  And, after a person reaches age 60 this finding is expected and the exception.

    Although the description of degenerative disc disease appears to be straight forward there is some degree of disagreement in the medical community about the description and the implications, especially when x-ray findings indicate changes in a young adult.   But, while there is some debate about the disease itself it is known how the changes in the spine cause pain.

    Generally the pain that is associated with degenerative disc disease and low back pain are thought to stem from two different factors.  These factors are the inflammation from the changes to the disc and abnormal micromotion instability.

    When inflammation occurs in the body there is release of chemicals that irritates the musculature which results in spasms of the muscles around the area.  If one of the out rings of the disc is damaged or worn it isn’t as effective in resisting motion in the spine.  This micromotion instability isn’t associated with gross instability such as a slipped disc but still causes pain or discomfort in the area.

    Both the micromotion instability and the inflammation cause muscle spasms in the lower back.  As the body attempts to stability the lower back the muscles spasm further creating more pain.  This cycle is a reflex of the body and although it isn’t necessary to protect the nerve roots it can also be painful and result in an individual who appears crooked from one area of the back to the next as the muscle spasms pull the back out of alignment.

    Published by Relief For Back Pain

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    Do Disc Problems Cause Back Pain

    Low back pain is a common health challenge that at some time affects more than 80% of the population, making it second in prevalence only to the common cold. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often perplexing to most of its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving that mystery.

    Anatomy

    To understand back pain, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to dictate the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of dense cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is connected to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.

    Causes of Back Pain

    Most back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of healthy exercise and other poor lifestyle-related factors. These cumulative factors produce stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already at risk and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the challenge. When this happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

    Disc Problems & Sciatica

    Prolonged sitting, particularly in a unsuitable position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its customary function and no longer can accommodate for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. Finally, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Regrettably, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed properly, surgery may be needed to remove the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be resolved. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention.

    Spondylosis

    Repetitive damage to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may result in increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is negatively affected by stress that engenders calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition known as Spondylosis – is a form of arthritis that is likely to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. Nevertheless, determinants such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.


    Sacroiliac Problems

    Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Disturbances from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and move to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can produce a functional long and short leg. Those with this syndrome will feel pain particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and exhaustion. Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in ameliorating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.

    Spinal Subluxation

    Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also endanger the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or "funny feeling." Paraesthesia in the upper extremities more often than notoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

    Trauma

    Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause trauma to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this occurs a person can encounter considerable pain and immobility. In order to prevent long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is vital. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

    Scoliosis

    Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

    When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

    Published by Relief For Back Pain

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