Finding the right sciatica chiropractic specialist to diagnose the cause especially, when it is an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be a challenge. There can cause diagnostic confusion with the root cause never being discovered or identified. Fortunately, Dr. Jimenez is a sciatica specialist with over 30 years of experience in differential sciatica diagnosis, and treatment.
Sciatica Chiropractic Specialist Diagnosis
Diagnostic Tools
Abdominal aneurysms are usually discovered for another ailment like a hernia or for routine tests like an ultrasound of the heart or stomach.Diagnosis of an abdominal aneurysm depends on the condition, medical and family history, and the physical examination. If a doctor or sciatica chiropractic specialist suspects an aortic aneurysm, then specialized tests will help with a confirmation.
Ultrasonography
The simplest and most used diagnostic test is ultrasonography. It utilizes sound waves for diagnostic purposes that send the recorded images to a monitor. It gives an accurate assessment of the size and location of the aneurysm. The patient will lie on a table while a technician moves a wand around the abdomen.
Computed tomography CT scan
This test is often used in conjunction with ultrasonography if more data/info is needed. Usually, this is to determine the exact location of the aneurysm in relation to the visceral or renal arteries. It provides cross-sectional detail with clear images of the aorta and can detect the size and shape. The patient lies on a table inside a machine. A contrast dye could be injected into the blood vessels to make the arteries more visible on the images known as CT angiography.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy pulses to record images of the body. The patient lies on a table that slides into the imaging compartment. Contrast dye can also be injected into the blood vessels to make the images more visible known as magnetic resonance angiography.
Emergency Symptoms
Certain symptoms can indicate an emergency. The conditions are rare, but it is very important to seek medical attention should any of these symptoms present with back pain:
Severe abdominal pain
Fever out of nowhere
Bowel and/or bladder incontinence
Loss of or an unusual sensation in the groin, as well as the legs and possibly into the foot
If back pain presents after an injury medical care is recommended to check for damage/injury to the spine.
Abdominal Aneurysm Symptoms
Abdominal aneurysms often don�t present any symptoms, which is why individuals go through their days unaware, and when back pain does present a doctor may only focus on the back pain symptoms and not the cause, leaving the aneurysm to continue to develop and worsen. Aneurysms do occur in women but are more common in men and those ages 65 and older. The main cause is atherosclerosis which is a hardening of the arteries. But injury and infection can also cause an aneurysm. Those with symptoms can include:
Throbbing pain around the back or side
Deep pain in the back or side
Pain in the buttocks, groin, or legs
Sciatica symptoms
The Sciatic Connection
A diagnosis of the root cause of the sciatica is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to alleviate the sciatic pain. If an aneurysm is present then referring the individual to the proper aortic aneurysm repair specialist is a top priority. If sciatica is suspected, a doctor or chiropractor will review medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical imaging tests and diagnostic nerve blocks could be used if necessary. Sciatica pain usually follows the dermatome or areas of the skin that is supplied by the sciatic nerve. The pain can also include deeper tissues called dynatomes.
Physical examination
During a physical examination, the sciatica chiropractic specialist will look for various responses when:
Straightening the leg with movements that elongate the nerve
Gently pressing the toes or calf area
Seeing if there is any type of pain associated with these movements in the low back, buttock, thigh, leg, and foot
Sciatica Clinical Tests
Two examples of clinical tests for sciatica include:
Straight leg raise – SLR
The patient lies on their back and the chiropractor lifts one leg at a time with the other leg remaining flat or bent at the knee. If pain presents while lifting the affected leg this is usually an indication of sciatica.
Slump
The patient sits upright with their hands behind their back. The patient then bends/slumps forward at the hips. The neck bends down with the chin touching the chest and one knee is extended as far as possible. If pain occurs in this position, sciatica could be present.
These tests could possibly be positive only when the nerve is mechanically compressed. Other causes like inflammation or chemical irritation of the nerve might not cause pain when performing these tests. This test could also help reveal a possible abdominal aneurysm as abdominal pain could present.
Chiropractic Sciatica Treatment
Manual manipulation improves the alignment of the spine. This technique helps address the underlying condition/s that can cause sciatic nerve pain, like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Manual manipulation also creates an optimal healing environment. An aortic aneurysm specialist could work with a sciatica chiropractic specialist to help with spinal realignment if the aneurysm caused any kind of shifting or slipping of the discs along with releasing the sciatic nerve if it is compressed.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy like deep tissue massage can also have benefits. Massage:
Improves blood circulation, which also creates an optimal healing response in the body
Releases toxins in the low back muscles that spasmed or knotted up
Relaxes tight muscles that could be contributing to the pain
Releases endorphins or the hormones that function as the body’s natural pain relievers
Sciatica Pain Chiropractor
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
With an intense automobile, work, sporting/fitness accidents, and natural disasters, individuals can experience multiple traumas, also known as polytrauma. Recovery and rehabilitation can be challenging journeys. Multiple traumas are serious medical emergencies only given to individuals going through difficult situations. Polytrauma references multiple severe traumas that occurred at the same time. An individual can experience a:
Physical therapy and chiropractic rehabilitation could be part of a treatment program. This is to restore the body’s mobility, function and promote the body’s natural healing abilities. The importance of creating the proper rehabilitation program can make all the difference, and restoring the integrity of the spine is critical.
Spinal Stabilization
Any trauma, despite its severity, can have the potential to interfere/disrupt spinal functions.
Suffering a concussive hit to the head could cause damage to the cervical spine.
Falling off a ladder could shift the vertebral discs.
Hitting the knee on an object can cause a spinal misalignment from shifting the weight to the other leg for a day or two.
Spinal misalignments and/or dysfunction are common in multiple trauma cases. Dealing with broken bones and substantial wounds often means the spine could need to be realigned even if there are no localized injuries to the back or neck. Spinal misalignment, translation/rotation, herniated discs, or other conditions can hinder the overall recovery process and present new health issues.
Nerve Damage
Often, a lasting issue from multiple traumas is nerve damage. The severity can destroy nerve endings, making it impossible to regain feeling or movement in certain areas of the body. The nerve damage can be regenerated if the impediment is rooted in the spine and is addressed in time.
Correcting spinal discs that have shifted along with subluxations that can compress the nerves and interfere with signal communication can help restore the areas directly affected. Example: Broken arms or legs can lose sensations that can be regained by spinal realignment. Some arteries follow the spinal pathway. Proper circulation/blood flow is achieved when the spinal integrity is restored, which is essential in natural recovery.
Trauma Beyond the Injury
Developing the correct rehabilitation treatment plan could mean the difference in a speedy and healthy recovery. Chiropractic can be an integral part of the recovery process, especially for a body that has sustained severe musculoskeletal injuries. The spine is an extension of the central nervous system. This means that bringing relief to the spine can affect positive healing in the injured areas. The critical role of the spine in an individual’s rehabilitation and whole well-being is why no matter the extent of the trauma, we deliver relief.
Auto Accident Injury Treatment
References
Kroupa, J. K definici polytraumatu a polytraumatismu [Definition of “polytrauma” and “polytraumatism”].Acta chirurgiae orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca vol. 57,4 (1990): 347-60.
Underlying causes for an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be challenging to diagnose and identify. Combined with sciatica symptoms, doctors could misdiagnose the ailment and prescribe the wrong treatment protocol. Then an individual has to deal with two conditions that were not properly diagnosed, continue to develop, and worsen. This is why finding the right sciatica specialist that can also identify an abdominal aneurysm is so crucial to developing the right treatment plan. There can be a variety of factors that can lead to the development of an abdominal aneurysm. They include:
Health conditions associated with an increased risk for an abdominal aneurysm include:
Atherosclerosis
This condition occurs when there is a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances that create plaque buildup in the bloodstream. This causes vessels to harden and narrow. Atherosclerosis can develop during the young adult stage and becomes an issue later in life.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-type substance that is found in all the cells in the body. The body needs some cholesterol for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help digest foods. The body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Too much can build up in the blood vessels, which narrows the bloodstream and hardens the arterial walls.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension refers to a sustained increased force of blood moving through the aorta that can weaken artery walls. It is a common condition that is widespread among individuals that are older, those that smoke, and those that are overweight. There is an estimated 60-70% of individuals over 60 that are diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Inflamed Arteries
When the arteries become inflamed, it can cause blood flow constriction and cause the arterial walls to weaken. This increases the risk of an aneurysm. Arteries can get inflamed through:
There are hereditary conditions that can weaken the body�s connective tissues. This can lead to degeneration of the aortic walls and raise an individual�s risk for an aneurysm. Two of the most common connective tissue disorders are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects collagen production, and Marfan Syndrome. This condition increases the production of fibrillin, which is a protein that helps to build the elastic fibers in connective tissue.
Other Risk Factors
Additional health factors can strain the cardiovascular system. This increases the risk of weakening or damaging blood vessels. This significantly raises the chances of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Risk factors include:
Smoking and Tobacco
All types of tobacco use can contribute to diminished cardiovascular health. Individuals that smoke or use some tobacco product pose a significantly higher risk of developing an abdominal aneurysm.
Age
Aneurysms occur most often in older adults. This is because they are more likely to have cardiovascular issues and are more likely to have higher levels of plaque buildup.
Genetics and Family History
Immediate relatives of an individual with an abdominal aneurysm often have a 12-19% chance of developing the condition.
Lack of Physical Activity
Not getting adequate physical activity puts an individual at a higher risk for heart and cardiovascular disease. Aerobic activity done on a regular basis increases the heart rate and blood flow through the body. This keeps the tissues and blood vessels strong and flowing properly.
Gender
Both men and women can develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, the majority of those that do develop the condition are men. This is because men are more likely to go through the heart and cardiovascular issues.
Diagnosis
Underlying conditions that can cause sciatic pain can vary or be a combination of several conditions. The most important action to take is to consult a doctor or chiropractic sciatica specialist for a clinical diagnosis. While rare, sciatica-type pain could be caused by medical conditions like:
Spinal tumor
Spinal infection
Cauda equina syndrome
These factors can contribute to an increased chance of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, individuals can have unknown risk factors and still develop the condition. Treatments may range from regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy/chiropractic to urgent or emergency surgery. If you feel symptoms of pain in the buttocks, leg, numbness, tingling, or other neurological symptoms in the back and/or leg, it is very important to see a doctor or chiropractor for clinical diagnosis that identifies the cause of the symptoms.
Sciatic Nerve Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
An abdominal aortic aneurysm refers to an enlargement of the abdominal aorta. If the blood vessel is enlarged and starts to leak blood or rupture, it will cause severe abdominal and lower back pain. This is a serious medical emergency that necessitates emergency surgery. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the damage. A prominent symptom from a rupture is severe, persistent low back pain, and pain in and around the abdomen. Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysmdepends on the possible complications that could develop. Approaches for treatment:
Nonsurgical treatments like anti-biotics calcium channel blockers and exercise along with monitoring are used for individuals that have a low risk of rupture.
If an aneurysm is not found until it becomes an emergency, then surgery to repair the ruptured artery is absolutely necessary. If ruptured or there is a high risk of rupturing is considered an emergency.
If a rupturing aneurysm has been diagnosed, some treatment/management will be implemented to prevent severe/fatal bleeding.
Cardiac
For low-risk cases, lifestyle changes and possible medication/s may be recommended to slow the development. Small aneurysms are monitored using ultrasound. This can be every 6 to 12 months depending on the size and growth rate of the artery.Medications for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol could be prescribed. This is to limit the amount of plaque buildup in the aorta and reduce any pressure on the arterial walls. Quitting smoking and removing tobacco altogether whether dip, chew, vape is a significant action an individual can do to minimize the risk of aortic rupture. Other lifestyle changes involve maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels decreasing the chance of rupture.
Surgery
Surgical treatment when necessary is to stop a rupture if leaking blood or to prevent a rupture. Surgery requires replacing the damaged portion of the aorta with a stent-graft. This is an artificial artery made from a high-tech mesh/fabric. There are two standard surgical treatments:
Open Repair
Open repair is the most common surgical treatment. It takes the enlarged portion of the aorta removes it and replaces it with a stent-graft. Open surgery repair consists of the following:
The incision is made in the abdomen at the site of the aneurysm.
The aorta gets clamped with the blood temporarily blocked from flowing through the damaged portion.
The damaged part is removed.
A tube graft is placed where the damaged portion was.
If the damage was not severe and does not require the removal and complete replacement, then less invasive options will be offered.
Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair
EVAR endovascular aneurysm repair surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. There is no need for a large abdominal incision or removal of the damaged portion of the artery. This procedure does not require blood flow stoppage, which places less stress on the heart. Endovascular surgery involves:
A fluoroscopy or live X-ray is used. This is so the surgeon can look at the repair, and guide the stent into place.
2 small incisions are made in the groin.
A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided to the abdominal aorta.
Through the catheter, the stent is guided to the aneurysm.
Once it reaches the aneurysm, it is compressed and closed.
The stent is placed in position, and the wireframe is expanded to fit the artery.
The stent is sewn/secured into place at both ends.
Once in place, the blood gets redirected from the enlarged area and flows only through the stent-graft. This takes the pressure off the artery’s walls and allows for size reduction over time, and decreases the risk of rupture.
The procedure is not an option for individuals with an aorta that cannot be accessed safely through the femoral arteries. Or if the artery is severely damaged that the aneurysm portion needs to be replaced. And if the aneurysm is too big or complex where an open repair is a more favorable option.
Follow Up
Follow-up monitoring is necessary after any aortic aneurysm surgical procedure. This is to ensure the stent works and the aorta is functioning without a high risk of rupture. Individuals will be advised to maintain a healthier heart and cardiovascular system. A surgeon/doctor will suggest:
Diet adjustments
Regular exercise
Quitting smoking/tobacco intake
Taking cholesterol and blood pressure medication
Chiropractic/Physical therapy for any spinal misalignment, herniation, sciatic nerve compression back pain relief.
Lower Back Pain
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
As individuals advance in age, the risk of falling starts to become a regular concern. An average of one in four adults over 65 suffers from a fall every year. Around twenty percent of falling accidents result in serious injury. However, experiencing one fall increases the risk of future falls significantly. The most common injuries sustained include:
Hip fracture
Head injury
These injuries usually necessitate hospitalization. Therefore minimizing the risks is important for increasing/enhancing an individual’s quality of life and help minimize the financial burdens that can come with these types of accidents.
Risk Factors for Falling
Various factors can determine an increased risk of falling. If there are two or more at the same time, the risk goes up significantly. These factors include:
A physical therapist or chiropractor can assess the home for safety and possible tripping hazards
Regular vision check-ups at least every two years
Spinal Health
Restoring balance to the body will make the biggest difference in increasing overall health. However, pain, stiffness, and poor health can make getting started a difficult challenge. With the right chiropractic and physical therapy team, getting started does not have to be as challenging, with the transition being made as easily and as smooth as possible.
An essential building block for overall optimal health begins with spinal alignment. When the spine is misaligned it can lead to poor nerve circulation/energy. This slows down and interferes with the body’s functions. This is often manifested with poor balance, weakness, and pain. Chiropractic spinal alignment addresses whole-body health. A chiropractic practitioner is specialized in non-invasively and systematically restoring not only the alignment of the spine but the entire body.
Chiropractic Health
Find a chiropractor and talk to them about any health concerns, including falls. A customized chiropractic adjustment treatment plan will be developed along with a fitness and stretching regimen, and dietary adjustments will significantly optimize health and help prevent falls.
Sports Injuries Chiropractic Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Hawk, Cheryl et al. �Pilot study of the effect of a limited and extended course of chiropractic care on balance, chronic pain, and dizziness in older adults.��Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics�vol. 32,6 (2009): 438-47. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.06.008
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarging of the lower portion of the aortic artery that resides in the abdomen. The aorta is the body�s main artery that supplies blood to the body and stretches from the heart down into and through the abdomen. The abdominal aorta is the part that sits within the abdomen. It is below the kidneys and in close proximity to the front of the spine. Because of this closeness sudden intense pain can be felt in the lower back along with sciatica symptoms.
Abdominal Aorta Function
Its function is to deliver blood from the heart throughout the body. It circulates blood down through the chest and abdomen. Smaller arteries branch off the artery to the different organs and systems of the body.
Enlargement/Weakening
If it becomes weak or expands in size, the condition is known as an aortic aneurysm. This condition can cause severe abdominal pain, back pain, sciatica and can lead to artery leakage or rupture. This is when it becomes an emergency. Being the largest blood vessel in the body means that a rupture can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Aneurysms can develop anywhere on the artery, but most occur in the abdomen portion. Depending on the size and growth rate, treatment/therapies can vary from observation to emergency surgery. Abdominal aneurysms usually progress slowly without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. However, some abdominal aneurysms never rupture. They can start small and remain the same size while others can expand over time, and others faster.
Rupture
A weakened aorta can develop a leak known as a rupture. Blood can also begin to accumulate and pool up between layers in the arterial walls can also lead to rupture known as a dissection. Internal bleeding is the primary complication of an abdominal aneurysm. Loss of blood is considered a potentially fatal medical emergency. Mortality rates increase when the artery leaks. The risk for rupture depends on the:
Size
Aneurysms that are smaller than 5 cm in diameter are considered a low risk for rupture. Aneurysms larger than 5 cm are considered high risk. The size is often the best predictor for predicting the chance of rupture.
Growth Rate
Expansion of more than half a centimeter over 6 months is considered accelerated growth and is a high risk. A faster growth rate has been seen in individuals that smoke or have high blood pressure. Abdominal pain, lower back pain, sciatica, or other symptoms usually do not present until the artery has ruptured. However, in a significantly expanded aneurysm, symptoms similar to a rupture can occur.
Symptoms
In most cases, the aneurysm develops slowly with no symptoms or minor symptoms like a nagging/gnawing or throbbing sensation in or around the abdomen. This type of aneurysm can be detected from a standard physical exam or from the monitoring of another condition. Symptoms depend on the location and can include some combination of the following:
Deep, constant pain in the abdomen or on the side. It could also be a stabbing pain deep inside that is felt between the sternum and the belly button. The pain can be continuous with no relief from rest or adjusting positions. Severe pain can cause individuals to bend over and down.
Difficulty standing or the ability to straighten the upper body.
Low back pain caused by the abdominal pain radiating/spreading out into the lower spine from the aorta�s closeness to the spine. The pain can also spread to the groin, pelvis, and legs.
Sciatica symptoms typically come from low back pain.
A pulse near or around the bellybutton. Tenderness, along with a pulsing sensation can be felt. The pulse can be felt through the skin and could be sensitive to touch or pressure.
Blood loss will result in low blood pressure, known as hypotension. This causes lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and confusion. Symptoms are exacerbated when standing generating the feeling of the need to sit or lie down.
Shock symptoms from the internal bleeding. This includes:
Sudden and rapid heartbeat
Shallow breathing
Clammy skin
Cold sweats
General weakness
Confusion
Agitation
Anxiety
Loss of consciousness
Causes
Various causes can be involved in developing an abdominal aneurysm, including:
Hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. It happens when fat along with other substances build up on the lining of blood vessel/s.
High blood pressure can damage and weaken the walls of the aorta.
Aortic infection is rare but a bacterial or fungal infection could cause an abdominal aneurysm.
Trauma like being in an automobile accident can cause an aneurysm.
Risk Factors
The pathology principally stays asymptomatic until a rupture occurs. This pathology affects mostly men with quite a few risk factors. Risk factors include:
Men develop abdominal aneurysms more often than women.
Smoking is the strongest risk factor. It weakens the aortic walls and increases the risk of developing an aneurysm, and rupture. The longer an individual smokes or chews tobacco, the higher the chances.
Individuals aged 65 and older are the most targeted group for this condition.
A family history of abdominal aneurysms increases the risk.
Aneurysm in another blood vessel, like the artery behind the knee or the chest aortic region, could increase the risk.
Sciatic Nerve Compression
Sciatica is usually caused by compression on the nerve. Spinal and non-spinal disorders are known to cause pain include:
Low back misaligned vertebral body/s
Herniated/bulging/slipped discs
Pregnancy/childbirth
Spinal tumors
Diabetes
Constipation
Sitting too long
Sciatic nerve compression can cause a loss of feeling known as sensory loss, paralysis of a limb, or group of muscles known as monoplegia, and insomnia.
Proper Diagnosis Is Essential
Because of the many disorders that can cause sciatica, a doctor’s first step is to determine the cause. This involves forming a diagnosis based on a thorough review of an individual’s medical history, a physical and neurological examination. The sciatic nerve has several smaller nerves that branch off. These smaller nerves enable movement motor function and feeling sensory functions in the thighs, knees, calves, ankles, feet, and toes.
If a chiropractor determines the patient’s disorder requires treatment by another specialist, then the individual will be referred to the proper doctor. In some cases, the chiropractor could be called upon to continue spinal therapy and help manage the individual’s treatment plan with the other specialist/s.
Sciatica Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Axial neck pain is also known as uncomplicated neck pain, whiplash, and cervical/neck strain. They refer to pain and discomfort running along the back or posterior of the neck. Axial is defined as forming or around an axis. This type of pain stays around the neck and immediate surrounding structures. It does not spread/radiate out to the arms, hands, fingers, and other areas of the body. Axial neck pain differs from two other neck conditions. They are:
Cervical radiculopathy describes irritation or compression/pinching of the nerve as it exits the spinal cord. The nerves of the cervical spine are known as the peripheral nerves. They are responsible for relaying signals to and from the brain to specific areas of the arms and hands. The signals sent from the brain are for muscle movement, while signals going to the brain are for sensation.
When one of these nerve/s gets irritated, inflamed, or injured, it can result in:
Muscle pain
Weakness
Numbness
Tingling sensation
Burning pain
Other types of abnormal sensations in the arms, hands, or fingers.
Cervical myelopathy describes compression of the spinal cord itself. The spinal cord is the information highway/pipeline to all parts of the body. There is a range of symptoms that can include:
Same symptoms as cervical radiculopathy
Balance problems
Coordination problems
Loss of fine motor skills
Bowel and bladder incontinence
Axial neck pain
Axial neck pain is a quite common type of neck pain. It affects around 10% of the population. However, the majority of these cases do not involve severe symptoms that limit daily activity.
Symptoms
Pain in the back of the neck is the primary and most common symptom. Sometimes the pain travels to the base of the skull, shoulder, or shoulder blade. Other symptoms include:
Neck stiffness
Headaches
Localized muscle pain
Warmth
Tingling
Developmental Risk factors
Poor posture, lack of ergonomics, and muscle weakness increase the chances of developing axial neck pain. Risk factors for development include:
Age
Trauma – Auto accident, sports, personal, work injury
Headaches
Depression
Chronic neck pain
Sleep problems
Diagnosis
Based on symptoms and physical exam findings are how a diagnosis is usually achieved. A doctor will typically order an x-ray, CT, or MRI of the cervical spine. This calls for an immediate visit to a hospital/clinic for evaluation. There could be severe symptoms that could indicate something more dangerous, causing pain like infection, cancer, or fracture. These symptoms include:
Prior trauma/injury from a fall, automobile accident, sports, work injury
Fever
Weight loss
Night sweats
Constant night pain
Rheumatic conditions/diseases that cause neck pain can include morning stiffness and immobility that gets better as the day progresses. If symptoms continue for more than 6 weeks, imaging of the spine could be recommended, especially for individuals that have had previous neck or spine surgery or if it could be cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy.
Treatment
There is a wide range of treatment options. Surgery is rarely required except for severe cases. Returning to normal activities almost right away is one of the most important things to prevent the pain from becoming chronic. First-line treatments typically begin with:
Physical therapy
Chiropractic
Stretching routine
Strengthening exercises
Acetaminophen
Anti-inflammatory medication/s
Muscle relaxants are sometimes prescribed
If a cervical spine fracture has been diagnosed, a neck brace could be recommended for short-term use. A soft collar could be utilized if the pain is severe, but a doctor usually discontinues use after 3 days. Other non-invasive treatment options include:
Invasive treatments like injections, nerve ablation, and surgery are rarely required. But if necessary, it can be beneficial for those cases.
Causes
A variety of the neck’s anatomical structures can contribute to the pain. Common causes include:
Poor posture
Age
Degeneration
Ergonomics
Injury to muscles or ligaments
Arthritis
All of these can affect vertebral bodies, discs, and facet joints. Shoulder arthritis or a rotator cuff tear can imitate axial neck pain. Dysfunction of the temporomandibular jaw joint or the blood vessels of the neck can cause axial pain, but it is rare.
Prognosis
Symptoms are usually alleviated within 4-6 weeks from when the pain started. Pain that continues beyond this should encourage a visit to a chiropractic physician.
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