Have you ever noticed or been told that one of your legs is longer than your other leg? Have you experienced back pain and other spine health issues? According to research studies, leg length discrepancy can be associated with low back pain and sciatica. Most people have a minimal difference in their leg spans. Because the discrepancy is small, it’s generally not a contributor for back pain. However, if the difference in their leg spans is more than 5 millimeters or 1/4 inch, it can contribute to low back pain and sciatica. The purpose of this article is to discuss how leg length discrepancy is associated with sciatica symptoms.
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Leg Length Discrepancy Causes
Leg length discrepancies can occur due to the poor alignment of the pelvis or when one leg is structurally longer than the other. Regardless of the cause, in order to remain symmetrical, the human body will do its best to compensate for the leg length discrepancy. The bigger the leg length difference, the sooner the symptoms will present themselves to the patient. Specific diagnoses that match with leg length discrepancy include scoliosis, lumbar herniated discs, sciatica, sacroiliitis, pelvic obliquity, greater trochanteric bursitis, hip arthritis, piriformis syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome and foot pronation. Other possible causes could be due to an injury, bone disorder, bone tumors, congenital problems, or due to a neuromuscular health issue.
Leg Length Discrepancy Symptoms
Observance of one leg being longer than the other
Altered posture
Gait (manner of walking) problems
Low back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot pain
Sciatica
Leg Length Discrepancy Classifications
Leg length discrepancies can be categorized as a structural leg length discrepancy or a functional leg length discrepancy. A structural leg length discrepancy is a hereditary circumstance where a leg is simply longer than the other leg. This is determined in the event the patient’s pelvis and sacroiliac joints are symmetrical and the leg length discrepancy is due to a single leg truly being longer than the other. The best method to learn whether a structural leg length discrepancy exists is with an anterior-posterior x-ray of the pelvis. A diagnosis alternative is having a tape measure to measure the length of the leg from the hip to the ankle.
Functional leg length discrepancy is diagnosed when there is a torsion or pelvic rotation/obliquity, commonly a sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which induces one leg to be longer or shorter than the other. To determine if a true structural leg length discrepancy exists, the doctor must care for the pelvis and return it to a neutral place before quantifying the leg length discrepancy. When the pelvis is symmetrical it’s can be determined if the leg length discrepancy is present or not. If it goes away, it’s classified as functional leg length discrepancy. If it stays and contains a measurable difference, it is a structural leg length discrepancy.
Leg Length Discrepancy and Sciatica Treatment
Structural leg length discrepancy may be treated by utilizing a heel lift in the shorter leg’s shoe if the leg length is larger than 5 millimeters. The size and use of the heel lift are dependent on a doctor based on how much lift is necessary to restore appropriate lumbopelvic biomechanics. In several instances, surgical intervention may be required to either shorten or lengthen the limb. An important element to any surgical procedure to correct leg length discrepancies is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can ultimately help to stretch muscles and maintain joint flexibility, which is fundamental towards the healing process after surgery.
To treat a functional leg length discrepancy, no heel lift is needed, however, appropriate manual treatment methods and specific therapeutic exercises are required to treat and normalize pelvic and lower extremity compensations. The number of treatments needed to support the pelvis in a symmetrical position is different for each patient based on their demonstration and biomechanical dysfunctions in the low back, pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. When you suffer from low back pain, sciatica, and leg length discrepancy, the signs and symptoms may ultimately be associated with each other. A diagnosis to ascertain whether you have a leg length discrepancy is essential when it might be contributing to low back pain, hip pain, knee pain, or leg pain.
According to healthcare professionals, leg length discrepancy may affect between 60 to 90 percent of the population. Categorized as either functional or structural, leg length discrepancy can affect the human body’s biomechanics and it may result in low back pain and sciatica. Most people have a smal leg length discrepancy, however, it’s generally not a contributor for back pain. If the leg length discrepancy is greater, however, it can contribute to low back pain and sciatica. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article is to describe how leg length discrepancy can be associated with sciatica and other health issues. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain, tingling sensation, and numbness. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Foot Orthotics
Low back pain and sciatica are common health issues which affect many individuals worldwide. However, did you know that chronic pain may be due to foot problems? Health issues originating in the foot may ultimately cause imbalances in the spine, such as poor posture, which can cause the well-known symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. Custom foot orthotics, individually designed with 3-arch support can help promote overall health and wellness by supporting and promoting good posture and correcting foot problems. Custom foot orthotics can ultimately help improve low back pain and sciatica.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
People will often visit the doctor looking for hip pain relief while other people will often attempt to take care of it themselves. Hip pain can frequently occur due to an injury or underlying condition as well as a variety of health issues. However, not many people who visit the doctor or attempt to take care of their hip pain expect it to originate as a result of sciatica. Many people’s misunderstanding concerning the origin of their pain is due to not understanding back and hip anatomy.
Table of Contents
Understanding Back Pain
Because of the complexity of the spinal cord and its nerve roots, back pain can often radiate or travel down buttocks, hips, and thighs, sometimes even extending as far down into the legs, knees, and feet. Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury or underlying condition, caused by the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is characterized by pain, tingling sensations, and numbness along the length of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body. It extends from the lower back, down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the legs, knees, and feet. The irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve may also cause painful symptoms in the upper extremities. It’s essential to understand that an injury or underlying condition, as well as a variety of health issues, can cause back pain and sciatica. Sciatica is generally a symptom associated with numerous other medical problems.
By way of instance, a herniated disc can cause back pain and sciatica. People may experience “hip pain”, however, the painful symptoms may not necessarily be indicative of a hip joint health issue. Degenerative disc disease can cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, referred to as spinal stenosis, which may cause hip pain. Spinal stenosis can cause hip pain with physical activity and fatigue. Spinal stenosis symptoms are relieved with sitting and will re-occur when physical activity is resumed.
You will find differences in painful symptoms involving a herniated disc, spinal stenosis pain, and other health issues. Painful symptoms associated with a herniated disc often worsen when sitting and improve with physical activity. A herniated disc, much like spinal stenosis, can also cause sciatica and it may often be due to degenerative disc disease. Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, will generally radiate or travel down the buttocks, hips, and thighs into the legs, knees, and feet.
Understanding Hip Pain
If the health issue originates in the hip joint itself, common painful symptoms may often include groin pain on the affected side, which can occasionally radiate down the inner region of the thigh into the front of the leg. The painful symptoms can also travel to the knee, making healthcare professionals and patients believe their pain is associated with a knee problem rather than a hip problem. Walking worsens the pain and with continued physical activity, the pain increases.
Hip pain caused by health issues, such as arthritis, can cause painful symptoms to gradually worsen over time. Minimal physical activity, even slight movements while in bed, can also ultimately worsen the painful symptoms. Other health issues, such as advanced congenital hip dysplasia or avascular necrosis of the hip, can also cause these painful symptoms. When the hip pain originates due to arthritis, the movements of the hip joint may often be limited or restricted.
Occasionally, hip pain can be a result of another health issue referred to as bursitis. A weak abductor muscle, a leg length discrepancy, overuse, and a deteriorating hip joint can ultimately cause bursitis. Often times, the true source of a patient’s bursitis cannot be determined. Painful symptoms associated with bursitis include pain and discomfort on the side of the hip with prolonged walking, lying sideways in bed or when rising or standing from a chair as well as with similar movements.
Sciatica Diagnosis
A comprehensive medical history and physical evaluation can help healthcare professionals determine the source of the patient’s symptoms. X-rays demonstrate specific bony/cartilage modifications, however, x-rays don’t always necessarily demonstrate health issues associated with soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, and even nerves. X-rays may also help diagnose degenerative disc disease when the patient is feeling well and not experiencing any painful symptoms.
As previously mentioned above, because x-rays only demonstrate certain bony/cartilage changes, it’s essential for healthcare professionals to also request the patient to have an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, to confirm the presence of health issues associated with soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerve roots. That’s why it’s essential to undergo the background and physical evaluation which could confirm the diagnosis before beginning with the best treatment.
Sciatica Treatment
The two types of health issues are frequently treated utilizing anti-inflammatory drugs and/or medications, especially in mild to moderate instances. Some types of analgesics can also be utilized intermittently. It is essential to understand that both health issues can be improved considerably through weight loss, stretches and exercises. Epidural blocks will help several types of spine health issues. Utilizing a cane when walking might help improve back pain, hip pain, and sciatica.
Surgical interventions, whether if it’s a hip replacement for hip arthritis or spine surgery due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or any other type of health issue, is generally considered to be the last resort for treating back pain, hip pain, and sciatica. Full physical evaluations are recommended and conservative treatment approaches are often tried first. Remember, there are many treatment options for hip pain and sciatica. Diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment.
Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury or condition, characterized by pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body which extends from the lower back, down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the legs, knees, and feet. The compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve and irritation due to a herniated disc, among other health issues, can ultimately cause sciatica symptoms and low back pain. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss and demonstrate hip pain associated with sciatica. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain and discomfort, tingling sensation, and numbness. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Foot Orthotics
Low back pain and sciatica are common health issues which affect many individuals worldwide. However, did you know that chronic pain may be due to foot problems? Health issues originating in the foot may ultimately cause imbalances in the spine, such as poor posture, which can cause the well-known symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. Custom foot orthotics, individually designed with 3-arch support can help promote overall health and wellness by supporting and promoting good posture and correcting foot problems. Custom foot orthotics can ultimately help improve low back pain and sciatica.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
When you visit a doctor office for a medical concern, the healthcare professional will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to determine the source of your symptoms. The doctor will review the patient’s current symptoms and medical history as well as the patient’s results from a physical evaluation to diagnose an injury and/or an underlying condition.
Once the healthcare professional has reviewed the patient’s current symptoms, medical history, and results from the physical evaluation, the doctor will make a list of the probable injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing the patient’s symptoms. This is the differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis refers to the process of differentiating between two or more health issues which share similar signs and symptoms. The doctor will perform additional tests or assessments to rule out specific injuries and/or underlying conditions in order to reach a final diagnosis and follow-up with treatment.
The differential diagnosis generally varies depending on the health issue. A variety of health issues can cause common symptoms which may make it challenging to determine the source of the pain and discomfort. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition which can be a frequent symptom for many health issues. Sciatica is characterized as pain, tingling sensations, and numbness, due to compression or impingement along the length of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica commonly occurs when an underlying health issue results in the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. A bulging or herniated disk is one of the most common causes of sciatica. However, a variety of other underlying health issues can cause sciatica and determining what causes sciatica is necessary for proper treatment. In part 2 of this article, we will demonstrate the differences between sciatica and other health issues with similar painful symptoms.
Table of Contents
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint is generally attributed to causing between 15 to 30 percent of chronic low back pain cases. Irritation, swelling, or inflammation of one or more sacroiliac joints is commonly referred to as sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sacroiliac joint disease, or sacroiliitis. Moreover, sacroiliac joint dysfunction or disease may cause sacroiliitis.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is characterized as a sharp, stabbing pain which radiates from the pelvis and hips, down into the lower back or lumbar spine and throughout the legs. Patients might experience tingling sensations or numbness. Every person experiences symptoms of SI joint dysfunction differently and the signs can vary from person to person, depending on the source of the sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Common signs and symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include:
low back pain
pain in the buttocks, hips, and pelvis
pain in the groin
painful symptoms in the SI joints
pain when standing from a sitting position
stiffness
burning sensations
weakness
numbness
pain radiating down into the thighs and legs
feeling like the legs may buckle and not support the weight of the body
Because the joints are situated deep within the human body, it often makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose the health issue. The healthcare professional may perform a variety of tests to diagnose SI joint dysfunction, such as provocative tests, injections, and/or imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to be able to follow-up with treatment.
Gluteus Tendinopathy
Gluteus medius tendinopathy (GMT), also known as dead butt syndrome (DBS), is a painful health issue caused by the inflammation of the tendons in the gluteus medius muscle. Although GMT most commonly affects athletes, it can also affect people starting a new exercise program, during an intense workout routine or due to an underlying health issue.
The common symptoms associated with gluteus medius tendinopathy, or GMT, include pain and discomfort, stiffness, and weakness in the hip or buttocks region. The painful symptoms can generally worsen throughout weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, and/or climbing. For many people, the pain and discomfort associated with dead butt syndrome, or DBS, can radiate down the hips, buttocks, and legs or thighs, similar to sciatica and hamstring tendinopathy. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness along the sciatic nerve.
Many patients diagnosed with GMT also report experiencing painful symptoms when lying in bed on the affected hip or buttocks region as well as pain, discomfort, stiffness, and weakness throughout the night and upon rising in the morning. Moreover, if DBS progresses past the initial stage, the hip bursa may become inflamed, another health issue known as trochanteric bursitis, which may also cause swelling, tenderness, redness or warmth in the hip, among other health issues.
When the tendon becomes inflamed due to an injury or an aggravated underlying condition, such as fibromyalgia, the gluteus medius can fail to trigger appropriately, hence why the “dead butt” term is utilized as an alternate name for this health issue. People sitting down for extended periods of time may cause their hip flexors to become tight and failure to stretch before physical activities can cause DBS. If left untreated, gluteus medius tendinopathy (GMT), or dead butt syndrome (DBS) may lead to complications, including trochanteric bursitis, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis, among other health issues.
Ischiogluteal Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which functions by helping to decrease friction around the joints. However, when the fluid inside a bursa becomes infected or irritated due to excessive movement, the bursa can become swollen, causing pain and discomfort, ultimately making it difficult to move the affected joint. This health issue is commonly known as bursitis.
Although bursitis generally occurs in the knee, called “housemaid’s knee”, or in the elbow, called “tennis elbow”, it can occur in any joint in the human body. When it occurs in the buttocks, it is known as ischiogluteal bursitis. In this instance, the bursa is found between the ischial tuberosity at the base of the pelvis and the tendon of the hamstring muscle.
The symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis can be similar to those of hamstring tendonitis. Several of the most common symptoms associated with ischiogluteal bursitis include pain and discomfort as well as tenderness in the buttocks region. Painful symptoms may frequently occur when stretching the hamstring muscle or flexing the knee against resistance.
The symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis can also be similar to those of sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness. While the symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis may be similar to those of sciatica, sciatic nerve pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, compressed or impinged due to an injury and/or an aggravated condition. Ischiogluteal bursitis caused by an infection can ultimately be followed by a fever.
The three most common causes of bursitis are generally due to injury or trauma, infection, and crystal deposits. Trauma can include repetitive movements or a blow to the region. By way of instance, the injury could occur due to a fall. Occasionally, trauma or injury can cause blood to leak into the bursa, causing ischiogluteal bursitis, or any other type of bursitis.
Infection septic bursitis, or an infection in the bursa, generally occurs in the joints which are located closer to the surface of the human body. This health issue frequently affects men, however, it does not seem to be a leading cause of ischiogluteal bursitis. Crystal deposits can also form around the joints when there is too much uric acid in the human body. People with gout can develop bursitis because it is also caused by crystal deposits and it shares many similar symptoms with bursitis.
Proximal Hamstring Injury
Hamstring injuries are several of the most common types of injuries among athletes. These makeup for the most days or even weeks missed each year amongst AFL football players. The majority of partial or complete tears include either the hamstring muscle belly or the distal musculotendinous junction. However, a proximal hamstring injury is ultimately uncommon. In the total hamstring injury spectrum, it makes up for under 10 percent of hamstring injuries, among other health issues.
The proximal hamstring tendon can become injured through progressive stretching or through sudden and intense contraction when the hip is forcefully flexed over an extended knee. In younger patients with an average proximal hamstring tendon, this can occur through sprinting or hurdling, however, the most common athletes affected in this instance involves waterskiiers who fall forward with an extended knee. In elderly patients, proximal hamstring injuries occur through a different type of trauma, such as slipping on a wet surface or even doing the “splits” inadvertently.
Proximal hamstring injuries could include complete tendon ruptures or incomplete/partial tears. In young patients, the bone together with the tendon is frequently avulsed or fractured in the pelvis or the ischium. In older patients, the tendon usually avulses or tears from the bone of the ischium at its attachment point. Occasionally, the tendon may tear in its midsubstance, leaving a stump of tendon still attached to the bone. Frequently this type of injury is referred to as a partial tear.
Adductor Injuries
An adductor muscle strain is characterized as an acute injury to the muscles of the groin. Although a variety of muscles in the human body can be injured, the adductor longus, medius, magnus, and the gracilis are some of the most well-known muscle groups to be affected by an injury. According to healthcare professionals, atrains are muscle tears which generally occur due to the powerful contraction of the muscles against resistance, often during what is referred to as an eccentric load.
An adductor muscle strain occurs during acute muscle contraction, such as during kicking, pivoting or skating. Factors which can predispose a person to injury include failure to properly stretch or warm up and fatigue from overuse. The risk of experiencing an adductor strain increases with sports involving strides like sprinting, soccer, and hockey. Sports with repeated movements like football, martial arts, and gymnastics can also substantially increase the risk of experiencing an adductor strain. Struggling to warm up, stretch or be properly conditioned can also cause an adductor muscle strain.
The symptoms associated with an adductor muscle strain most commonly involve a variety of painful symptoms which are most frequently related to other types of muscle strain. Common symptoms of an adductor muscle strain include a sudden onset of pain and discomfort, occasionally accompanied by the feeling of a pop in the inner section of the thigh as well as the inability to maintain action after the first onset of painful symptoms. Because an adductor strain may cause groin or hip pain, many patients and healthcare professionals may confuse this type of injury with sciatica or sciatic nerve pain.
Adductor tendinopathy is generally characterized as pain on palpation of the adductor tendons, adduction of the legs and/or of the injured leg. Pain can develop gradually or cause a sudden and severe, sharp pain. A swelling or a lump may also be experienced from the adductor muscle(s), stiffness at the groin area or an inability to contract or extend the adductors. In acute cases, exercises and physical activities will be restricted because the tendon can’t sustain repeated tensile loading.
The adductors are triggered in many sports such as, running, soccer, horse riding, gymnastics, and swimming. The repetitive movements and the continuous change of direction in physical activities activate the adductor tendon, which makes athletes more prevalent to develop adductor tendinopathy and other groin injuries. Other causes of adductor tendinopathy can include over-stretching of the adductor tendons or a sudden increase in training, especially in the type of training.
Adductor tendinopathy may occur due to considerable leg length discrepancy which affects gait pattern. Poor or abnormal movement patterns may also overly stress the adductor tendons. Muscular length gaps, strength imbalances or muscular weakness in the thoracic or the abdominals can also be powerful in developing adductor tendinopathy. Other causes include a failure to properly warm-up, inactivity, fatigue, obesity, age-related weaknesses, genetics or degeneration.
Spinal Tumors
Most back pain is caused by other health issues. However, when painful symptoms are caused by spinal tumors, it’s essential for a healthcare professional to perform an accurate diagnosis to follow-up with proper treatment. There are three types of tumors which can cause back pain; vertebral column tumors, intradural-extramedullary tumors, and intramedullary tumors.
Tumors in the spine can cause back pain when the growth weakens the bone, which can ultimately result in spinal fractures, compression or impingement of the nerves, and spinal distress. Spinal tumor symptoms may ultimately be similar to those of other well-known health issues, including sciatica, especially if the spinal tumor irritates the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, the following symptoms below may ultimately be commonly associated with a spinal tumor, including:
Neck pain or back pain followed by neurological health issues, such as tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness in the upper and lower extremities as well as abnormal bladder and bowel habits.
Painful symptoms, particularly in the morning
Severe pain with manipulation of the affected region of the spine
Painful symptoms which do not decrease with rest
Back pain and other associated symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, or chills.
If any tumor is located in the spine and if there’s no other known cancer, a healthcare professional may perform a series of comprehensive evaluations and additional testing of all common organs in which cancer can develop. Because many vertebral column tumors originate from cancer in another organ, the ultimate goal of spinal tumor treatment is to:
Regulate severe painful symptoms which occur with these spinal tumors by removing pressure on the nerve roots
Maintain neurological structure and function by removing pressure on the spinal cord
Correct structural and functional instability in the spine by correcting the unstable spine with a spinal fusion
As previously mentioned, when you seek medical attention for a health issue, it’s essential for the healthcare professional to accurately diagnose your medical concern in order to follow-up with the proper treatment. A differential diagnosis is a list of possible injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing symptoms. Sciatica, a group of signs and symptoms commonly characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness, is a well-known health issue which can have many differential diagnosis. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss the differential diagnosis in sciatica with a variety of other health issues. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are important for sciatic nerve pain management. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
When you visit a doctor office for a medical concern, the healthcare professional will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to determine the source of your symptoms. The doctor will review the patient’s current symptoms and medical history as well as the patient’s results from a physical evaluation to diagnose an injury and/or underlying condition.
Once the healthcare professional has reviewed the patient’s current symptoms, medical history, and results from the physical evaluation, the doctor will make a list of the probable injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing the patient’s symptoms. This is the differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis refers to the process of differentiating between two or more health issues which share similar signs and symptoms. The doctor will perform additional tests or assessments to rule out specific injuries and/or underlying conditions in order to reach a final diagnosis and follow-up with treatment.
The differential diagnosis generally varies depending on the health issue. A variety of health issues can cause common symptoms which may make it challenging to determine the source of the pain and discomfort. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition which can be a frequent symptom for many health issues. Sciatica is characterized as pain, tingling sensations, and numbness, due to compression or impingement along the length of the sciatic nerve.
Table of Contents
Sciatica
The characteristic symptoms of sciatica can range from mild to severe where the sciatic nerve pain is described as a dull ache to pain or as a sharp, searing, or electric-like pain. Symptoms differ from one person to another. By way of instance, some people may experience shooting pain while some people may only experience tingling sensations and/or numbness.
The common symptoms of sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, include:
Radiating pain along the length of the sciatic nerve
Discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness
Muscle weakness in the lower back, hips, legs, and feet
A combination of pain, discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness
Painful sensations on one or both sides of the human body
Sciatica commonly occurs when an underlying health issue results in the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. A bulging or herniated disk is one of the most common causes of sciatica. However, a variety of other underlying health issues can cause sciatica and determining what causes sciatica is necessary for proper treatment. In part 1 of this article, we will demonstrate the differences between sciatica and other health issues with similar painful symptoms.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The intervertebral discs also referred to as spinal discs or intervertebral fibrocartilage, provide the padding required between the vertebrae of the spine. The intervertebral discs are an elastic structure made from fibrocartilage tissue. The intervertebral discs cushion the stress of the spine, bears weight, and also helps the spine bend and flex.
As people age, repeated daily stresses on the backbone and occasional trauma and/or injuries, including minor, undetected health issues, may ultimately damage the intervertebral discs in the back. Changes caused by damage may include:
Decreased fluid: The intervertebral disks of a healthy young adult are made up of around 90 percent fluid. With age, the fluid material decreases, causing the disc to become thinner. The distance between each vertebra, in turn, becomes smaller and it makes them even less effective to function as a cushion or shock-absorber.
Disc structure: Small tears or cracks can become larger in the outer layer of the disc. The soft and gelatinous material from the inner part may push through the disc, causing a bulging or ruptured disc. The disc may break into fragments.
If the vertebrae have less padding between them, the backbone also becomes less stable. To compensate, the human body builds osteophytes, or bone spurs, small bony structures which develop along the edge of bones. These structures can compress or impinge the spinal cord or nerve roots. These changes can cause painful symptoms and lead to fatigue.
The pain and discomfort can range from mild to severe and it may often be debilitating. It may result in osteoarthritis along with pain and stiffness. When degenerative disc disease affects the low back or the lumbar spine, the pain may radiate down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the knees and feet. There might also be tingling sensations and numbness, the collection of symptoms known as sciatica, caused due to the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve.
Radiculopathy
The spine consists of 33 bones, best known as vertebrae, which shield the spinal cord from experiencing injury or trauma. Each vertebra is cushioned from each other with an intervertebral disk. This shields the vertebrae from rubbing over each other. When trauma or injury does occur, these intervertebral discs can become damaged and cause the compression or impingement of a nerve. Depending on which nerve is compressed, an individual can experience a variety of painful symptoms, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Individuals can also develop radiculopathy seemingly without a cause.
Radiculopathy can ultimately develop due to a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, including:
Herniated discs, or when a disc protrudes, irritating the nerve root
Sciatica
Degenerative disc disease
Bone spurs
Tumors in the spine
Osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis
Spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal
Compression fractures
Spondylolisthesis, or when a vertebra slides over the vertebra beneath it
Scoliosis brought on by an abnormal curve in the backbone
Diabetes, caused by altered nerve blood flow
Cauda equine syndrome, or a condition where nerve root compression affects the pelvic organs and lower extremities
Additional risk factors for developing radiculopathy include:
Aging
Being overweight or obese
Poor posture
Improper lifting methods and techniques
Repetitive movements
A family history of degenerative bone health issues
Individuals may experience painful symptoms in the low back, hips, and legs when nerve compression or impingement occurs in the lumbar spine or low back region of the spine. Lumbar radiculopathy is also commonly referred to as sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica symptoms include pain, tingling sensations, and numbness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Occasionally, the nerve roots in charge of controlling the bowel and bladder may become irritated, resulting in bowel or bladder incontinence as well as loss of control. Other generalized symptoms associated with lumbar radiculopathy include:
Sharp pain extending from the low back to the foot
Sharp pain with sitting or coughing
Weakness or numbness in the lower extremities
Tingling sensations and numbness in the lower extremities
Hypersensitivity, or sensitivity and reflex alterations
Sharp pain radiating into the upper extremities
Intense pain and discomfort with movements of the head and/or neck
Piriformis Syndrome
People with sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, will often report experiencing pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body, which travels from the lower back into the hip and buttocks, down into the thighs, knees, legs, and feet. People with sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, may also experience another common health issue known as piriformis syndrome.
Piriformis syndrome can cause sciatica when a piriformis muscle spasm irritates the sciatic nerve. The piriformis is a muscle which extends from the front of the sacrum, the triangle-shaped bone between the two hipbones in the pelvis, across the sciatic nerve and into the top of the femur, the large bone in the upper leg. When an injury or underlying condition causes the piriformis muscle to compress or impinge the sciatic nerve due to inflammation, the end result is piriformis syndrome.
Sciatica is the most common symptom associated with piriformis syndrome. Other common symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome include tingling sensations and numbness, muscle tenderness, pain and discomfort while sitting or engaging in physical activities, and difficulty sitting comfortably. The pain and discomfort will generally manifest on one or both sides of the hips, buttocks, and thighs, where it will then radiate down the back of the leg, knees, and feet.
Facet Arthropathy
The facet joints are the joints which are found behind the spine to counterbalance the intervertebral discs found between the vertebrae of the spine. Over time, the natural aging process can cause the facet joints to deteriorate or wear down, causing facet joint arthritis or facet arthropathy. Individuals with facet arthropathy will experience low back pain as a dull ache on one or both sides of the lower back or lumbar spine which can worsen with standing, twisting, or bending backward.
However, unlike the well-known signs and symptoms of sciatica, caused by the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back, facet arthropathy signs and symptoms generally don’t radiate down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, or into the legs and feet. However, the facet joint, in the same way as any other joint which has arthritis, can also become enlarged and add pressure on nerve roots, causing pain and discomfort to radiate down into the lower extremities.
Facet arthropathy may cause bone spurs, tiny bone outgrowths. Bone spurs can decrease the distance available between nerve roots, causing a health issue known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis may cause pain, weakness, and numbness on the buttocks, hips, and thighs. It’s frequently associated with other health issues which could lead to facet arthropathy. The natural aging process is frequently considered to be one of the most common indirect sources of facet arthropathy. Other health issues which can ultimately affect the facet joints and cause facet arthropathy include:
Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, generally during middle age
Facet joint degeneration: Wear and tear on the facet joint brought on over time due to aging
Facet joint injury: Trauma to the facet joints caused by an impact, such as a fall or automobile accident
Synovial cyst: A fluid-filled sac which develops in the spine, generally as a result of aging
Ischiofemoral Impingement
Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is a condition which occurs when the ischium and the head of the femur experience excessive amounts of pressure, generally due to trauma, overuse, or surgery. The trauma, overuse, or surgery, can also cause bone spurs to grow along the ischium. This gives the bones an abnormal shape which makes them no longer fit together. Because these don’t fit properly together anymore, the bones may then start to rub against each other during movement causing friction which can damage the joint and cause painful symptoms. As friction worsens, the pain may also increase and restrict movements. The symptoms for ischiofemoral impingement may vary and treatment can also depend on symptoms.
The main symptom of ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is hip pain. The pain from this underlying health issue may start off as mild, however, it can often worsen as the rubbing of the bones causes more damage and inflammation. Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome can feel similar to a pulled hamstring but the pain is generally closer to the buttocks like sciatica.
Ischiofemoral impingement occurs due to excess friction between the top of the thighbone, or the femur, and the hip bone, or the ischium. These two bones generally touch in a way which allows them to move without causing pain, however, trauma, overuse, and surgery can ultimately damage the bone. Moreover, if the damage causes a bone spur to grow on the hip or femur, as described above, the extra piece of bone can cause more damage and make the condition worse.
When you seek medical attention for a medical concern, it’s fundamental for the healthcare professional to accurately diagnose your health issue in order to follow-up with the proper treatment. A differential diagnosis is a list of possible injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing symptoms. Sciatica, a collection of symptoms commonly characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness, is a well-known health issue which can have many differential diagnosis. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss the differential diagnosis in sciatica with a variety of other health issues. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are important for sciatic nerve pain management. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
It’s natural for people to wonder whether an underlying health issue may be due to a tumor or another serious health issue, especially when you’ve got severe pain and discomfort. Tumors in the spine can cause back pain when the growth weakens the bone, which can ultimately result in spinal fractures, compression or impingement of the nerves, and spinal distress.
Table of Contents
Spinal Tumor Symptoms
Spinal tumor symptoms may ultimately be similar to those of other well-known health issues, including sciatica, especially if the spinal tumor irritates the sciatic nerve. The symptoms below may be commonly associated with a spinal tumor, including:
Neck pain or back pain followed by neurological health issues, such as tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness in the upper and lower extremities as well as abnormal bladder and bowel habits.
Painful symptoms, particularly in the morning
Severe pain with manipulation of the affected region of the spine
Painful symptoms which do not decrease with rest
Back pain and other associated symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, or chills.
Other Symptoms of Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors themselves may present a variety of other symptoms. Characteristics associated with spinal tumors include:
Tumors which develop in the spine (primary tumors) are very rare
Spinal tumors grow slowly and are benign, frequently occurring in younger adults
Most spinal tumors have spread (metastasized) from another region of the human body
For individuals who have cancer, an evaluation is required to determine if cancer has spread to the spine
Types of Spinal Tumors
Most back pain is caused by other health issues. However, when painful symptoms are caused by spinal tumors, it’s essential for a healthcare professional to perform an accurate diagnosis to follow-up with proper treatment. There are three types of tumors which can cause back pain; vertebral column tumors, intradural-extramedullary tumors, and intramedullary tumors.
Vertebral Column Tumors
Primary tumors: These type of tumors develop from the vertebrae or intervertebral discs in the spine. These commonly occur in younger adults. Osteogenic sarcoma, or osteosarcoma, is the most common type of malignant bone tumor. Many primary spinal tumors are generally considered to be rare and they will frequently grow slowly.
Metastatic tumors: These type of tumors frequently spread, or metastasize, from cancer in a different region of the human body. These spinal tumors will generally cause pain which doesn’t decrease with rest, can worsen at night and is commonly accompanied by other symptoms of spinal tumors, such as nausea or vomiting, weight loss, and fever or chills. In women, spinal tumors can spread from breast or lung cancer. In men, spinal tumors can spread from lung or prostate cancer.
Intradural-Extramedullary Tumors
Intradural-Extramedullary tumors develop inside the spinal canal below the membrane which protects the spinal cord but outside of the nerves. These spinal tumors grow slowly and are benign. However, they can cause pain and fatigue.
Meningiomas: These type of tumors commonly take place in the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and are often benign, however, they can be cancerous. These tumors are more frequent in middle-aged and elderly women.
Nerve sheath tumors (schwannomas and neurofibromas): These type of tumors originate in the nerve roots which exit from the spinal cord. This type of tumor grows slowly and is benign. It can take years before any health issues occur.
Intramedullary Tumors
Intramedullary tumors develop from within the spinal cord or within the nerves and frequently occur in the cells that promote physical support and insulating material for the nervous system or glial cells. These type of spinal tumors occur most commonly in the neck or cervical spine. Although these spinal tumors are considered to be benign, surgery to remove intramedullary tumors may be challenging. The two varieties of intramedullary tumors are ependymomas and astrocytomas.
Spinal tumor demonstrated in the lumbar spine of the patient.
Spinal Tumor Treatments
If any tumor is located in the spine and if there’s no other known cancer, a healthcare professional may perform a comprehensive evaluation of all common organs in which cancer can develop. A comprehensive evaluation may include:
Complete medical history
Complete physical evaluation
Complete neurological evaluation
Radiographic study of the spine, chest, and GI tract
MRI and CAT scan to evaluate the spine
Vertebral Column Tumor Treatment
Because many vertebral column tumors originate from cancer in another organ, the goal of spinal tumor treatment is to:
Regulate severe painful symptoms which occur with these spinal tumors by removing pressure on the nerve roots
Maintain neurological structure and function by removing pressure on the spinal cord
Correct structural and functional instability in the spine by correcting the unstable spine with a spinal fusion
Intradural-Extramedullary and Intramedullary Tumor Treatment
These type of spinal tumors are generally surgically removed. The goal of spinal tumor treatment is to:
Completely remove the spinal tumor
Preserve neurological structure and function
The spinal cord and nerves are extremely sensitive and preventing damage to their structure and function is an essential portion of surgical intervention. Monitoring methods and techniques can be utilized throughout the surgery to make sure the structure and function of the spinal cord are preserved since the spinal tumors are ultimately being removed. If the spinal tumor cannot be fully removed, by way of instance, if it adheres to many nerve roots, post-surgical radiation treatment can help improve outcome. If the spinal tumor is metastatic, chemotherapy may also be helpful. After the surgery, it could take some time for the nerves to fully recover. Rehabilitation can help enhance a patient’s neurological performance.
Differential Diagnosis of Hip Pain and Discomfort
Spinal tumors can cause back pain and sciatica. Although most cases of back pain and sciatic nerve pain are not caused by a spinal tumor, it’s essential to receive an accurate diagnosis to determine the source of the painful symptoms. As mentioned above, common symptoms of spinal tumors include pain and discomfort as well as numbness. Spinal tumors are health issues which should be evaluated immediately by a healthcare professional to follow-up with proper treatment. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss spinal tumors and sciatica. Spinal tumors may often present symptoms of sciatica. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are important for this health issue. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Degenerative disc disease is a health issue which occurs when one or more of the discs found between the vertebrae of the spine break down, causing painful symptoms and other problems. Common symptoms may include pain, tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness. Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is actually not a disease, but rather, a natural process which occurs with aging. The rubbery discs found between the vertebrae function like shock absorbers, allowing the back to flex and bend accordingly. When they wear out, however, they no longer provide as much protection as before.
Table of Contents
Causes
The intervertebral discs also referred to as spinal discs or intervertebral fibrocartilage, provide the padding required between the vertebrae of the spine. The intervertebral discs are an elastic structure made from fibrocartilage tissue. The outer part of the disc is referred to as the annulus fibrosus. The annulus fibrosus is tough and it’s made up of many overlapping layers. The inner part of the disc is referred to as the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus is soft and gelatinous. The intervertebral discs cushion the stress of the spine, bears weight, and also helps the spine bend and flex.
As people age, repeated daily stresses on the backbone and occasional trauma and/or injuries, including minor, undetected health issues, may ultimately damage the intervertebral discs in the back. Changes caused by damage may include:
Decreased fluid: The intervertebral disks of a healthy young adult are made up of around 90 percent fluid. With age, the fluid material decreases, causing the disc to become thinner. The distance between each vertebra, in turn, becomes smaller and it makes them even less effective to function as a cushion or shock-absorber.
Disc structure: Small tears or cracks can become larger in the outer layer of the disc. The soft and gelatinous material from the inner part may push through the disc, causing a bulging or ruptured disc. The disc may break into fragments.
If the vertebrae have less padding between them, the backbone also becomes less stable. To compensate, the human body builds osteophytes, or bone spurs, small bony structures which develop along the edge of bones. These structures can compress or impinge the spinal cord or nerve roots. Other health issues caused by degenerative disc disease includes the breakdown of cartilage or the tissue which cushions the joints, a bulging disc, known as a herniated disc, and a narrowing of the spinal cord, also referred to as spinal stenosis. These changes can cause painful symptoms and lead to fatigue.
Symptoms
Degenerative disc disease can either cause no symptoms or the pain and discomfort may be so severe, it can tremendously affect an individual’s quality of life. This health issue generally aggravates due to injury or trauma to the backbone, however, symptoms can also affect other parts of the human body, depending on the direct location of the degenerative disc disease. The pain and discomfort can range from mild to severe and it may often be debilitating. It may ultimately result in osteoarthritis, with pain and discomfort along with stiffness in the back. Fatigue can generally accompany other symptoms.
If degenerative disc disease affects the low back or the lumbar spine, the pain and discomfort may radiate down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the knees and feet. There might also be tingling sensations and numbness, a collection of symptoms known as sciatica, caused due to the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve. If degenerative disc disease affects the neck or the cervical spine, the pain and discomfort may radiate into the shoulders, arms, and hands. The painful symptoms may worsen when sitting, bending, twisting or lifting. Rest may help provide some pain relief.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional will ask the patient about their symptoms, including where and when the pain developed as well as whether there are tingling sensations or numbness. The doctor may also need to know which circumstances cause the most painful symptoms and if the patient suffered any injuries and/or aggravated conditions. A physical evaluation may examine pain and discomfort in response to touch or movement, muscle strength, flexibility, and performance, as well as nerve structure and function. The healthcare professional may also order diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scans.
Treatment
Treatment for degenerative disc disease might include occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic care, exercise or physical activity, drugs and/or medications, weight loss, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the broken disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. Medicines include pain relief medicine, such as Tylenol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, including ibuprofen. Muscle relaxers and steroids may also be prescribed.
A corset or brace may also offer back support. Patients who don’t respond well to conservative treatment options might require surgery. Furthermore, a patient who develops osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis may require a combination of different types of treatment approaches to achieve pain relief. It’s fundamental for a healthcare professional to provide a patient with the proper diagnosis of their symptoms to follow-up with the most appropriate treatment.
Differential Diagnosis of Hip Pain and Discomfort
Degenerative disc disease is characterized as the normal, gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs with age, which may occasionally cause a variety of painful symptoms. Common symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease can include pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness, similar to sciatica. Painful symptoms may also cause fatigue and other health issues. Nearly everyone’s intervertebral discs will break down over time, however, not everyone will develop painful symptoms. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss degenerative disc disease and sciatica. Degenerative disc disease is often associated with pain, tingling sensations, and numbness, similar to the symptoms of sciatica. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
The spine consists of 33 bones, best known as vertebrae, which shield the spinal cord from experiencing injury or trauma. The bones of the spine permit an individual to remain upright, bend, and twist. The vertebrae are held in place by a collection of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Nerves also extend from the spine to the upper and lower extremities, such as the arms and legs. The spine curves in an S-shape, which is essential for spinal health. These curves are accountable for equilibrium, shock absorption, and a range of movements. Each section of the backbone has a specific name and function. They are the:
Cervical spine or neck
Thoracic spine or middle back
Lumbar spine or lower back
Sacrum, which links the backbone to the hips
Coccyx or tail bone
Each vertebra is cushioned from each other with an intervertebral disk. This shields the vertebrae from rubbing over each other. When trauma or injuries occur, these intervertebral discs can become damaged and cause the compression or impingement of a nerve. Depending on which nerve is compressed, an individual can experience a variety of painful symptoms, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Individuals can develop radiculopathy as a result of an injury, or it may occur seemingly without a cause. People within 30 to 50 years old are most likely to experience radiculopathy.
Causes and Risk Factors
Radiculopathy can ultimately develop due to a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, including:
Herniated discs, or when a disc protrudes, irritating the nerve root
Sciatica
Degenerative disc disease
Bone spurs
Tumors in the spine
Osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis
Spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal
Compression fractures
Spondylolisthesis, or when a vertebra slides over the vertebra beneath it
Scoliosis brought on by an abnormal curve in the backbone
Diabetes, caused by altered nerve blood flow
Cauda equine syndrome, or a condition where nerve root compression affects the pelvic organs and lower extremities
Additional risk factors for developing radiculopathy include:
Aging
Being overweight or obese
Poor posture
Improper lifting methods and techniques
Repetitive movements
A family history of degenerative bone health issues
Signs and Symptoms
Since the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord travel throughout various areas of the human body, many individuals will experience different symptoms depending on the location where the nerve compression or impingement occurs. We will discuss the different symptoms an individual may experience depending on where the irritation occurs along the spine.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy develops when a nerve in the neck, or cervical spine, becomes compressed or impinged due to an injury and/or aggravated underlying condition. The symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy include:
Pain in the neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm
Weakness or numbness is generally experienced on a single side of the human body
Thoracic Radiculopathy
Individuals may commonly experience painful symptoms in their chest and torso when nerve compression or impingement occurs in the thoracic spine or middle back region of the spine. Thoracic radiculopathy may be frequently misdiagnosed as shingles, heart, abdominal, or gallbladder problems. The symptoms associated with thoracic radiculopathy include:
Burning or shooting pain in the ribs, side, or abdomen
Tingling sensations and numbness
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Individuals may experience painful symptoms in the low back, hips, and legs when nerve compression or impingement occurs in the lumbar spine or low back region of the spine. Lumbar radiculopathy is also commonly referred to as sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica symptoms include pain, tingling sensations, and numbness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Occasionally, the nerve roots in charge of controlling the bowel and bladder may become irritated, resulting in bowel or bladder incontinence as well as loss of control. Other generalized symptoms associated with lumbar radiculopathy include:
Sharp pain extending from the low back to the foot
Sharp pain with sitting or coughing
Weakness or numbness in the lower extremities
Tingling sensations and numbness in the lower extremities
Hypersensitivity, or sensitivity and reflex alterations
Sharp pain radiating into the upper extremities
Intense pain and discomfort with movements of the head and/or neck
Diagnosis
Together with a physical evaluation and review of symptoms, healthcare professionals may diagnose radiculopathy utilizing:
Radiologic imaging with X-ray, MRI, and CT scans
Electrical impulse testing, referred to as electromyography or EMG, to examine and test nerve function
Treatment
Normally, any type of radiculopathy can ultimately be treated without the need for surgical interventions or surgery. Based on the severity of the radiculopathy, healthcare professionals may recommend a variety of treatment approaches, including:
Non-steroidal drugs and/or medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen
Oral corticosteroids or injectable steroids
Narcotic pain medicines
Physical therapy and chiropractic care
A soft cervical collar
Ice and heat therapy applications
In a variety of instances, healthcare professionals may recommend surgery to help treat the source of the nerve root compression or impingement. Several surgical interventions include repair of a herniated disc, widening of the spinal canal, eliminating a bone spur, or fusing the bones. Because each patient’s case is unique, healthcare professionals will discuss surgical recommendations in detail before following-up with the procedures. The options for surgery will depend on the cause of the radiculopathy and the overall health of the individual as well as other essential factors.
Prevention
Several strategies may ultimately help prevent and protect against nerve compression or impingement. These include:
Maintaining good posture, even if driving
Proper lifting methods and techniques
Participating in exercises or physical activities like weight-bearing exercises
Developing core strength
Maintaining a healthy weight
Taking frequent breaks and incorporating stretching
Avoiding tilting the head to hold the phone to the shoulder
Differential Diagnosis of Hip Pain and Discomfort
Radiculopathy is characterized as the compression or impingement of a nerve root in the spine. The irritation of this well-known health issue can cause a wide variety of uncomfortable and painful symptoms, including pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness. Lumbar radiculopathy can also sometimes be referred to as sciatica. Sciatica is characterized as a collection of symptoms, similar to those previously described, due to the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the low back. Proper diagnosis is essential for treatment. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss radiculopathy and sciatica. Radiculopathy is often associated with common symptoms, including pain, tingling sensations, and numbness, similar to sciatica. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Sciatica is commonly associated with low back pain, however, sciatica may also generally occur due to a variety of other health issues. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve extends from the lower back, or lumbar spine, down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the legs, knees, and feet. The sciatic nerve is in charge of controlling many muscles in the legs and it also provides feeling to the skin of the majority of the lower extremities.
Sciatica, also referred to as sciatic nerve pain, is not an injury or condition itself but rather a collection of well-known symptoms. Several healthcare professionals estimate that up to 80 percent of people may experience some form of back pain throughout their lifetime, including low back pain and sciatica. The purpose of the article below is to discuss the causes and symptoms of low back pain and sciatica as well as demonstrate the treatment approaches to improve health and wellness.
Table of Contents
Causes and Symptoms of Sciatica
The most common symptoms associated with sciatica include pain and discomfort along the length of the sciatic nerve, tingling sensations or “pins-and-needles” in the feet and toes as well as numbness. The painful symptoms may vary in severity and these may also often become aggravated by sitting for extended periods of time. Sciatica is common in a variety of health issues, however, an estimated 90 percent of cases are due to a herniated disc.
Other common causes of sciatica include:
Lumbar spinal stenosis or the narrowing of the spinal canal in the low back
Spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it
Spinal tumors, which may compress or impinge the sciatic nerve
Infection, which may ultimately affect the spine
Other causes like an injury to the lumbar spine or lower back
Cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition which affects the nerves in the lower part of the spinal cord; it generally requires immediate medical attention, and
Pregnancy, which can affect approximately 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sciatica
If the sciatica symptoms are moderate and don’t last more than 4 to 8 weeks, it’s referred to as acute sciatica, and immediate medical attention isn’t generally required. As for chronic sciatica which does require immediate medical attention, a complete medical history may help speed up the diagnosis process. Shooting pain down the length of the leg with physical activities generally indicates sciatica. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, may help determine the source of sciatica.
Acute Sciatica Treatment
Most cases of acute sciatica can be treated utilizing a variety of self-care measures, which include:
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen,
Stretches and exercises, such as walking
Hot or cold therapy. It is generally helpful to alternate between the two
Not all treatments are suitable for everybody; individuals may need to talk to their healthcare professional.
Chronic Sciatica Treatment
Treatment for chronic sciatica generally involves a combination of self-care measures and medical treatment, including:
physical therapy
chiropractic care
cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT
Surgery may be an option if symptoms have not improved with other treatment approaches. Surgical options include:
Lumbar laminectomy or the widening of the spinal cord in the lower back to reduce pressure on the nerves.
Discectomy, the partial or entire removal of a herniated disc
Depending on the cause of sciatica, a surgeon will go over the risks and benefits of surgery and suggest the best option.
Stretches and Exercises
As previously mentioned above, stretches and exercises can help improve sciatica symptoms. This allows patients to:
Alleviate sciatica symptoms on their own
Reduce or prevent the use of drugs and/or medications
Find relief and comfort for sciatica symptoms during flare-ups
Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury or condition, characterized by pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body which extends from the lower back, down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the legs, knees, and feet. The compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve and irritation due to a herniated disc, among other health issues, can ultimately cause sciatica symptoms and low back pain. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The purpose of the article was to discuss and demonstrate the low back pain associated with sciatica. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain and discomfort, tingling sensation, and numbness. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion: Foot Orthotics
Low back pain and sciatica are common health issues which affect many individuals worldwide. However, did you know that chronic pain may be due to foot problems? Health issues originating in the foot may ultimately cause imbalances in the spine, such as poor posture, which can cause the well-known symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. Custom foot orthotics, individually designed with 3-arch support can help promote overall health and wellness by supporting and promoting good posture and correcting foot problems. Custom foot orthotics can ultimately help improve low back pain and sciatica.
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