Individuals who participate in physical and sports activities could suffer an Achilles tendon tear. Can understanding the symptoms and risks help in treatment and return the individual back to their sports activity sooner?
Achilles Tendon
This is a common injury that occurs when the tendon attaching the calf muscle to the heel gets torn.
About the Tendon
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body.
In sports and physical activities, intense explosive movements like running, sprinting, quickly shifting positions, and jumping are exerted on the Achilles.
The injury often occurs without any contact or collision but rather the running, starting, stopping, and pulling actions placed on the feet.
Certain antibiotics and cortisone shots can increase the likelihood of Achilles tear injuries.
A specific antibiotic, fluoroquinolones, has been shown to increase the risk of Achilles tendon problems.
Cortisone shots are also associated with Achilles tears, which is why many healthcare providers don’t recommend cortisone for Achilles tendonitis. (Anne L. Stephenson et al., 2013)
Symptoms
A tendon tear or rupture causes sudden pain behind the ankle.
Individuals may hear a pop or a snap and often report the feeling as being kicked in the calf or heel.
Individuals have difficulty pointing their toes downward.
Individuals may have swelling and bruising around the tendon.
A healthcare provider will examine the ankle for continuity of the tendon.
Squeezing the calf muscle is supposed to cause the foot to point downwards, but in individuals with a tear, the foot will not move, resulting in positive results on the Thompson test.
A defect in the tendon can usually be felt after a tear.
X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions, including ankle fracture or ankle arthritis.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are commonly used for the treatment of respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial infections. These antibiotics are associated with Achilles tendon rupture, but further research is needed to determine how they affect the Achilles tendon. Individuals taking these medications are advised to consider an alternative medication if Achilles tendon problems begin to develop. (Anne L. Stephenson et al., 2013)
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can consist of non-surgical techniques or surgery.
The benefit of surgery is there is usually less immobilization.
Individuals can often return to sports activities sooner, and there is less chance of re-rupturing the tendon.
Thevendran, G., Sarraf, K. M., Patel, N. K., Sadri, A., & Rosenfeld, P. (2013). The ruptured Achilles tendon: a current overview from biology of rupture to treatment. Musculoskeletal surgery, 97(1), 9–20. doi.org/10.1007/s12306-013-0251-6
Stephenson, A. L., Wu, W., Cortes, D., & Rochon, P. A. (2013). Tendon Injury and Fluoroquinolone Use: A Systematic Review. Drug safety, 36(9), 709–721. doi.org/10.1007/s40264-013-0089-8
Pedowitz, D., & Kirwan, G. (2013). Achilles tendon ruptures. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 6(4), 285–293. doi.org/10.1007/s12178-013-9185-8
Yasui, Y., Tonogai, I., Rosenbaum, A. J., Shimozono, Y., Kawano, H., & Kennedy, J. G. (2017). The Risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture in the Patients with Achilles Tendinopathy: Healthcare Database Analysis in the United States. BioMed research international, 2017, 7021862. doi.org/10.1155/2017/7021862
Can working individuals dealing with degenerative pain syndrome incorporate decompression to provide body relief and mobility?
Introduction
As part of the musculoskeletal system, the spine allows the body to stand vertically and helps protect the spinal cord from injuries. Since the central nervous system provides neuron signals from the brain to the nerve roots, the human body can be mobile without pain or discomfort. This is due to the spinal discs between the facet joints, which can be compressed, absorb the vertical axial pressure, and help distribute the weight to the lower and upper extremity muscles. However, as many people realize, repetitive movements and wear and tear on the spinal structure can lead to overlapping risk profiles that can cause the spinal disc to degenerate and invoke pain in the musculoskeletal system. To that point, it can cause the individual to be in extreme pain and discomfort over time. Today’s article looks at how degenerative pain syndrome affects the spine, the symptoms it’s associated with, and how decompression can reduce degenerative pain syndrome. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to provide numerous treatments to relieve degenerative pain syndrome that is causing mobility issues on the spine. We also inform and guide patients on how decompression can help reduce the pain-like symptoms correlating with degenerative pain syndrome. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricated and important questions about the referred pain-like symptoms they are experiencing from degenerative pain that is affecting their quality of life. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Degenerative Pain Syndrome On The Spine
Do you feel muscle aches or pains in your back after an extended period of lying down, sitting, or standing? Do you feel constant pain after carrying a heavy object from one location to another? Or does twisting or turning your torso provide temporary relief? Many people often don’t realize that many of these pain-like issues are associated with degenerative pain syndrome that affects the spine. Since the body ages naturally, the spine does as well through degeneration. When the spinal discs start to degenerate, it can cause the vertical axial pressure to flatten and squeeze the disc, disrupting its ability to keep hydrated and causing it to protrude out of its original position. At the same time, the height of the spinal disc will gradually fall, and the consequence is a change in dynamics in the affected spine segments. (Kos et al., 2019) Degeneration can cascade down to the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and joints when degeneration starts to affect the spine.
The Symptoms Associated With Degenerative Pain
When the surrounding joints, muscles, and ligaments are affected by degenerative disc pain, it can be due to multiple factors contributing to the pain-like symptoms. Inflammation is one of the symptoms that are associated with degenerative pain syndrome, as disturbances can affect the circadian rhythm and disrupt homeostasis, which then leads to increased stress on the spinal disc, which then contributes to the degenerative process. (Chao-Yang et al., 2021) Inflammation can cause the affected muscles to be inflamed and cause more overlapping risk profiles, as it can affect the upper and lower extremities. Additionally, mechanical loading may affect disc degeneration in various ways at the different vertebral levels. (Salo et al., 2022) This can lead to pain-like symptoms like:
Arm and leg tenderness
Nerve pain
Loss of sensory functions on the upper and lower extremities
Tingling sensations
Muscle pain
However, numerous treatments can help restore spinal mobility and lessen the painful effects of the degenerative pain syndrome of the spine.
The Non-Surgical Approach To Wellness- Video
When it comes to seeking treatment for degenerative pain syndrome, many individuals will do research on which treatment is affordable for their pain, hence why many people opt for non-surgical treatment to alleviate their pain. Non-surgical treatments are customized to the individual’s pain. They can help kickstart the person’s wellness journey, which can include a combination of exercise, manual therapy, and lifestyle modifications. (Brogger et al., 2018) The video above shows how a non-surgical approach can benefit someone with degenerative pain syndrome affecting their spine.
Decompression Reducing Degenerative Pain Syndrome
With many available treatments to reduce pain-like symptoms affecting the spine, non-surgical treatments can be an option. Ranging from chiropractic care to acupuncture, non-surgical treatments can be combined to minimize the pain-like effects. Decompression, as part of the non-surgical treatment options, is an excellent way to reduce the degenerative pain process in the spine. Decompression allows the spinal column to be gently pulled through a traction machine to relieve the spinal disc. When a traction machine decomposes the spine, the pain intensity is significantly reduced in all body parts. (Ljunggren et al., 1984) This is due to negative pressure being reinstated back to the spine to increase disc height and restore the nutrients back to the affected disc and rehydrate them. (Choi et al., 2022) When people start incorporating decompression through consecutive treatment, their pain intensity is reduced, and their spine is mobile again while slowing down the degenerative process on the spine. This allows them to take better care of their bodies by making small changes in their health and wellness.
References
Brogger, H. A., Maribo, T., Christensen, R., & Schiottz-Christensen, B. (2018). Comparative effectiveness and prognostic factors for outcome of surgical and non-surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis in an elderly population: protocol for an observational study. BMJ Open, 8(12), e024949. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024949
Chao-Yang, G., Peng, C., & Hai-Hong, Z. (2021). Roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in intervertebral disc degeneration. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 29(6), 793-801. doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2021.02.204
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P.-B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 1-9. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Kos, N., Gradisnik, L., & Velnar, T. (2019). A Brief Review of the Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Disease. Med Arch, 73(6), 421-424. doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2019.73.421-424
Ljunggren, A. E., Weber, H., & Larsen, S. (1984). Autotraction versus manual traction in patients with prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs. Scand J Rehabil Med, 16(3), 117-124. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6494835
Salo, S., Hurri, H., Rikkonen, T., Sund, R., Kroger, H., & Sirola, J. (2022). Association between severe lumbar disc degeneration and self-reported occupational physical loading. J Occup Health, 64(1), e12316. doi.org/10.1002/1348-9585.12316
Individuals that engage in heavy exercise can develop heat cramps from overexertion. Can knowing the causes and symptoms help prevent future episodes from happening?
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps can develop during exercise from overexertion or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The muscle cramps, spasms, and pain can range from mild to severe.
Electrolytes like sodium, calcium, and magnesium are important for properly functioning muscles, including the heart. The primary role of sweating is to regulate the body’s temperature. (MedlinePlus. 2015) Sweat is mostly water, electrolytes, and sodium. Excessive sweating from physical activity and exertion or a hot environment can cause electrolyte imbalances that lead to cramps, spasms, and other symptoms.
Causes and Activities
Heat cramps most commonly affect individuals who sweat excessively during strenuous activity or are exposed to hot temperatures for prolonged periods. The body and organs need to cool down, which causes sweat production. However, too much sweating can lead to dehydration and electrolyte depletion. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022)
Age – Children and adults 65 years and older have the highest risk.
Excessive sweating.
Low sodium diet.
Preexisting Medical Conditions – heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are conditions that can increase the risk of muscle cramping.
Medications – blood pressure, diuretics, and antidepressants can affect electrolyte balance and hydration.
Alcohol consumption.
Self-Care
If heat cramps begin, immediately stop the activity and look for a cool environment. Rehydrate the body to replenish the fluid loss. Staying hydrated and drinking fluids regularly during intense activity or in a hot environment can help prevent the body from cramping. examples of beverages that increase electrolytes include:
Gently applying pressure and massaging affected muscles can help reduce pain and spasms. As symptoms resolve, it is recommended to not return to strenuous activity too soon because additional exertion can progressively lead to heatstroke or heat exhaustion. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021) Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two heat-related illnesses. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022)
Heatstroke is when the body loses the ability to regulate temperature and can cause dangerously high temperatures.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive fluid and electrolyte loss.
The majority of heat cramps develop during activities because of the exertion and sweating, causing more electrolytes to be lost and the body to become more dehydrated.
Symptoms can also develop minutes to hours after activity has ceased.
Duration
Most heat-related muscle cramps will resolve with rest and hydration within 30–60 minutes.
If muscle cramping or spasms do not subside within one hour, seek professional medical attention.
For individuals with heart conditions or on a low-sodium diet who develop heat cramps, regardless of duration, medical help is necessary to ensure there are no complications.
Can individuals dealing with sciatica pain find the relief they need from acupuncture to restore low back mobility?
Introduction
The body’s lower extremities provide stability and movement to the individual as they are moving from one location to another without pain or discomfort. The lower extremities consist of the hips, lower back, legs, thighs, pelvis, knees, and feet; each has various muscles, nerve roots, and ligaments with a specific job to each muscle quadrant. The spinal column in the musculoskeletal system helps provide proper posture while protecting the spinal cord from injuries. However, more often than not, the lower extremities can succumb to injuries as many individuals incorporate repetitive motions that can compress the nerve roots that are spread out to the lower extremities, which can invoke pain. The most common pain that seems to affect the lower back and legs is sciatica, and when not treated, it can cause overlapping risk profiles to the lower extremities. Today’s article examines how sciatica is correlated with the lower back and how non-surgical treatments can help reduce the effects of sciatic pain. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to provide numerous treatments to relieve sciatica pain affecting their lower extremities. We also inform and guide patients on how non-surgical treatments can help reduce sciatica pain from the lower musculoskeletal extremities. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricated and important questions about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing from sciatica that are causing them pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Does Sciatica Correlate With The Lower Back?
Do you often experience numb or tingling sensations running down your leg that cause your leg or foot to lose sensation briefly? Do you feel shooting pain in your lower back after excessive sitting at your desk? Or do you find that stretching your legs or back temporarily relieves the pain, only for it to come back? Many individual who are experiencing shooting pain running down their legs are dealing with sciatica. When it comes to the lower extremities in the musculoskeletal system, many individuals make repetitive motions on their spine that can cause the spinal discs to become compressed and herniated under pressure. When the spinal disc is herniated in the lumbar spine, that disc will start to press on the surrounding nerve roots, thus sending radiating pain down the legs. Sciatica is defined as when individuals are experiencing pain coming from the lumbosacral nerve root and causing either a burning, heaviness, or tightness sensation. (Aguilar-Shea et al., 2022) Sciatica can range from mild to severe, forcing many individuals to think their foot is asleep. However, the sciatic nerve root is compressed, trapped, stuck, or pinched, which causes muscle spasms within the lower back, buttock, or legs. Hence, many individuals will explain that they are experiencing low back or leg pain when it is sciatica.
Since the sciatic nerve is a long, thick nerve in the human body, it travels from the lumbar region down to the knee and connects to other nerves to reach the foot. Sciatica pain can be two conditions with the same pain-like symptom effects known as true or sciatica-like conditions. True sciatica is where an injury is directly affecting the sciatic nerve. This can relate to a slipped disc caused by environmental factors like lifting a heavy object, aggravating the sciatic nerve root, and causing pain that worsens. (Siddiq et al., 2020) For sciatica-like conditions, this is where other musculoskeletal conditions are causing sciatic pain-like symptoms on the lower extremities. Musculoskeletal conditions like piriformis syndrome can cause sciatica pain-like symptoms where the piriformis muscle is irritated or inflamed, pressing on the sciatic nerve, which causes many people to report pain along the gluteal region that may shoot a burning, aching sensations down the back of the legs. (Hicks et al., 2024) However, there are ways to treat sciatica and reduce the pain-like effects causing mobility issues.
Sciatica, Causes, Symptoms and Tips- Video
Non-surgical Treatments For Sciatica
When it comes to reducing sciatica pain, many individuals will seek out treatment that is cost-effective and customized to the person’s pain. Some treatments, like neural mobilization, can apply mechanical forces to the nerve roots to restore healthy movement to the legs and lower extremities. (Peacock et al., 2023) Other treatments, like spinal decompression, use gentle traction on the spinal disc to lay off the pressure on the sciatic nerve to provide relief. Non-surgical treatments are favorable to many people due to how affordable it is and personalized to the person’s pain as they help reduce pain and disability. (Liu et al., 2023) Luckily, a form of non-surgical treatment can help relieve sciatica and its associated pain-like symptoms.
Acupuncture Relieving Sciatic Pain
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of non-surgical treatments in which trained professionals use thin, solid needles to be inserted and placed on the affected area, causing pain. Acupuncture can help reduce the distortion of the affected nerve roots, and local inflammatory cytokines correlated with sciatica. (Yu et al., 2021) What this does is that it normalizes the neuron signals to a default mode from aggravating the surrounding muscle fibers and descending the pain. Additionally, acupuncture can help restore the body’s qi or energy by reducing the pain by placing the needles on the acupoint of the vital organs that share a relationship with the sciatic nerve. (Yu et al., 2022) This is known as somato-visceral, where the vital organs could be the affected area, causing overlapping muscle and nerve risk profiles. Acupuncture is an excellent form of non-surgical treatment that can be combined with other various therapies to help restore the body’s natural healing factor and allow people to be more mindful of how to take care of their bodies easily to prevent sciatica pain-like symptoms from arising.
References
Aguilar-Shea, A. L., Gallardo-Mayo, C., Sanz-Gonzalez, R., & Paredes, I. (2022). Sciatica. Management for family physicians. J Family Med Prim Care, 11(8), 4174-4179. doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1061_21
Liu, C., Ferreira, G. E., Abdel Shaheed, C., Chen, Q., Harris, I. A., Bailey, C. S., Peul, W. C., Koes, B., & Lin, C. C. (2023). Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for sciatica: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 381, e070730. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-070730
Peacock, M., Douglas, S., & Nair, P. (2023). Neural mobilization in low back and radicular pain: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther, 31(1), 4-12. doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2022.2065599
Siddiq, M. A. B., Clegg, D., Hasan, S. A., & Rasker, J. J. (2020). Extra-spinal sciatica and sciatica mimics: a scoping review. Korean J Pain, 33(4), 305-317. doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2020.33.4.305
Yu, F. T., Liu, C. Z., Ni, G. X., Cai, G. W., Liu, Z. S., Zhou, X. Q., Ma, C. Y., Meng, X. L., Tu, J. F., Li, H. W., Yang, J. W., Yan, S. Y., Fu, H. Y., Xu, W. T., Li, J., Xiang, H. C., Sun, T. H., Zhang, B., Li, M. H., . . . Wang, L. Q. (2022). Acupuncture for chronic sciatica: protocol for a multicenter randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 12(5), e054566. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054566
Yu, F. T., Ni, G. X., Cai, G. W., Wan, W. J., Zhou, X. Q., Meng, X. L., Li, J. L., Tu, J. F., Wang, L. Q., Yang, J. W., Fu, H. Y., Zhang, X. C., Li, J., Wang, Y. F., Zhang, B., Zhang, X. H., Zhang, H. L., Shi, G. X., & Liu, C. Z. (2021). Efficacy of acupuncture for sciatica: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial. Trials, 22(1), 34. doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04961-4
For individuals dealing with chronic pain, can undergoing a nerve block procedure help alleviate and manage symptoms?
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block is a procedure done to interrupt/block pain signals due to nerve dysfunction or injury. They can be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes, and their effects can be short or long-term, depending on the type being used.
A temporary nerve block may involve the application or injection that stops pain signals from transmitting for a short time.
For example, in pregnancy, an epidural injection can be used during labor and delivery.
Permanent nerve blocks involve cutting/severing or removing certain parts of a nerve to stop pain signals.
These are used in cases with severe injuries or other chronic pain conditions that have not improved with other treatment approaches.
Treatment Usage
When healthcare providers diagnose a chronic pain condition caused by nerve injury or dysfunction, they may use a nerve block to locate the area generating pain signals. They may perform electromyography and/or a nerve conduction velocity/NCV test to pinpoint the cause of chronic nerve pain. Nerve blocks can also treat chronic neuropathic pain, such as pain caused by nerve damage or compression. Nerve blocks are regularly used to treat back and neck pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2024)
Types
Three types include:
Local
Neurolytic
Surgical
All three can be used for conditions that cause chronic pain. However, neurolytic and surgical blocks are permanent and are only used for severe pain that has worsened with other treatments unable to provide relief.
Temporary Blocks
A local block is done by injecting or applying local anesthetics, like lidocaine, to a certain area.
An epidural is a local nerve block that injects steroids or analgesics into an area around the spinal cord.
These are common during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Epidurals can also be used to treat chronic neck or back pain due to a compressed spinal nerve.
Local blocks are usually temporary, but in a treatment plan, they can be repeated over time to manage chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, sciatica, and migraines. (NYU Langone Health. 2023)
Permanent Blocks
A neurolytic block uses alcohol, phenol, or thermal agents to treat chronic nerve pain. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2023) These procedures damage certain areas of the nerve pathway on purpose so that pain signals cannot be transmitted. A neurolytic block is mainly used for severe chronic pain cases, like pain from cancer or complex regional pain syndrome/CRPS. They are sometimes used to treat ongoing pain from chronic pancreatitis and pain in the chest wall after surgery. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2024) (Alberto M. Cappellari et al., 2018)
The neurosurgeon performs a surgical nerve block that involves surgically removing or damaging specific areas of the nerve. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2023) A surgical nerve block is only used for severe pain cases, such as cancer pain or trigeminal neuralgia.
Although neurolytic and surgical nerve blocks are permanent procedures, pain symptoms, and sensations can come back if the nerves are able to regrow and repair themselves. (Eun Ji Choi et al., 2016) However, symptoms and sensations may not return months or years after the procedure.
These procedures can have the potential risk of permanent nerve damage. (Anthem BlueCross. 2023) Nerves are sensitive and regenerate slowly, so a tiny error can cause side effects. (D O’Flaherty et al., 2018) Common side effects include:
Muscle paralysis
Weakness
Frequent numbness
In rare cases, the block could irritate the nerve and cause added pain.
Skilled and licensed health practitioners like surgeons, pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, and dentists are trained to perform these procedures carefully.
There is always a risk of nerve damage or injury, but the majority of nerve blocks safely and successfully decrease and help manage chronic pain. (Anthem BlueCross. 2023)
What to Expect
Individuals may feel numbness or soreness and/or notice redness or irritation near or around the area that is temporary.
There can also be swelling, which compresses the nerve and requires time to improve. (Stanford Medicine. 2024)
Individuals may be asked to rest for a certain amount of time after the procedure.
Depending on the type of procedure, individuals may have to spend a few days in a hospital.
Some pain may still be present, but that does not mean the procedure did not work.
Individuals should consult with a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits to ensure it is the right treatment.
Cappellari, A. M., Tiberio, F., Alicandro, G., Spagnoli, D., & Grimoldi, N. (2018). Intercostal Neurolysis for The Treatment of Postsurgical Thoracic Pain: a Case Series. Muscle & nerve, 58(5), 671–675. doi.org/10.1002/mus.26298
Choi, E. J., Choi, Y. M., Jang, E. J., Kim, J. Y., Kim, T. K., & Kim, K. H. (2016). Neural Ablation and Regeneration in Pain Practice. The Korean journal of pain, 29(1), 3–11. doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2016.29.1.3
O’Flaherty, D., McCartney, C. J. L., & Ng, S. C. (2018). Nerve injury after peripheral nerve blockade-current understanding and guidelines. BJA education, 18(12), 384–390. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjae.2018.09.004
Can individuals dealing with hip pain, find the relief they are looking for from spinal decompression to reduce their sciatica pain?
Introduction
When it comes to individuals doing everyday movements, the body can be in weird positions without pain or discomfort. Hence, people can stand or sit for prolonged periods and feel all right when doing strenuous activities. However, as the body ages, the surrounding muscles and ligaments can become weak and tight, while the spinal joints and discs start to be compressed and wear and tear. This is because many individuals make repetitive motions on their bodies that cause pain-like symptoms in the back, hips, neck, and body extremities, leading to referred pain in different body locations. When individuals are experiencing musculoskeletal pain in their bodies, it can cause overlapping risk profiles that can hinder the individual and cause them to be miserable. Additionally, when people experience musculoskeletal pain in their bodies, many will seek treatment to reduce the referred pain-like symptoms associated with the musculoskeletal pain. Today’s article will examine one type of musculoskeletal pain on the hips, how it can cause sciatica pain-like problems, and how treatments like decompression can reduce the pain-like effects of hip pain correlated with sciatica. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to provide numerous treatments to relieve hip pain associated with sciatica. We also inform and guide patients on how decompression can help reduce pain-like symptoms like sciatica and restore hip mobility. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricated and important questions about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing from hip pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Hip Pain Associated With Sciatica
Do you often experience stiffness in your lower back and hips after sitting down for an excessive period? How about feeling radiating pain running down from your lower back to your legs? Or do you think your hip and thigh muscles become tight and weak, which is affecting your gait stability? Many individuals experiencing these pain-like issues are experiencing hip pain, and it can be an issue when it is not treated over time. Since hip pain is a common and disabling condition that is challenging to diagnose, many individuals often express localized pain in one of the three anatomic regions: the anterior, posterior, and lateral hip sections. (Wilson & Furukawa, 2014) When individuals are dealing with hip pain, they will also experience referred pain in their lower backs, which causes them to be in distress and miserable. At the same time, simple ordinary movements like sitting or standing can affect the muscles and ligaments surrounding the hips and can be damaging. This can cause hip pain to be referred from the lumbar spine and spine problems, which then cause musculoskeletal issues in the lower extremities. (Lee et al., 2018)
So, how would hip pain be associated with sciatica and causing pain in many lower extremities? The hip areas in the musculoskeletal system have numerous muscles surrounding the pelvic bone area that can become tight and weak, causing referred musculoskeletal pain from intrapelvic and gynecologic issues. (Chamberlain, 2021) This means that musculoskeletal disorders like piriformis syndromes associated with hip pain can lead to sciatica. The sciatic nerve travels down from the lumbar region and the buttocks and behind the leg. When a person is dealing with sciatica and is going to their primary doctor to get treated for the pain, their doctors will do a physical examination to see what factors are causing the pain. Some of the common findings during a physical exam were tenderness and palpation of the greater sciatic notch and the reproduction of pain along the hips. (Son & Lee, 2022) This causes associated symptoms that correlate with sciatica and hip pain, including:
Tingling/numbing sensations
Muscle tenderness
Pain while sitting or standing
Discomfort
Is Motion The Key To Healing- Video
Spinal Decompression Reducing Hip Pain
However, many individuals will find non-surgical treatments to help reduce sciatica associated with hip pain. Non-surgical treatments are customized to a person’s pain and are cost-effective while being gentle on the spine. Spinal decompression can help reduce hip pain associated with sciatica. Decompression on the spine allows gentle traction to stretch out weak muscles along the lower back and hips while the spinal discs are experiencing negative pressure. When a person is dealing with sciatica pain associated with hip pain and trying decompression for the first time, they are provided with the relief they deserve. (Crisp et al., 1955)
Additionally, many individuals who incorporate decompression for their hip pain can begin to feel its effects as it helps improve blood flow circulation back to the hips to start the natural healing process. (Hua et al., 2019) When people begin incorporating decompression for their hip pain, they can relax as they feel all their aches and pain gradually disappear as mobility and rotation are back on the lower extremities.
References
Chamberlain, R. (2021). Hip Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis. American Family Physician, 103(2), 81-89. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33448767
Crisp, E. J., Cyriax, J. H., & Christie, B. G. (1955). Discussion on the treatment of backache by traction. Proc R Soc Med, 48(10), 805-814. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13266831
Hua, K. C., Yang, X. G., Feng, J. T., Wang, F., Yang, L., Zhang, H., & Hu, Y. C. (2019). The efficacy and safety of core decompression for the treatment of femoral head necrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res, 14(1), 306. doi.org/10.1186/s13018-019-1359-7
Lee, Y. J., Kim, S. H., Chung, S. W., Lee, Y. K., & Koo, K. H. (2018). Causes of Chronic Hip Pain Undiagnosed or Misdiagnosed by Primary Physicians in Young Adult Patients: a Retrospective Descriptive Study. J Korean Med Sci, 33(52), e339. doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e339
Son, B. C., & Lee, C. (2022). Piriformis Syndrome (Sciatic Nerve Entrapment) Associated With Type C Sciatic Nerve Variation: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review. Korean J Neurotrauma, 18(2), 434-443. doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2022.18.e29
Wilson, J. J., & Furukawa, M. (2014). Evaluation of the patient with hip pain. American Family Physician, 89(1), 27-34. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24444505
For individuals experiencing frequent bloating or constipation, could performing a colon cleanse help alleviate your symptoms?
Colon Cleanse
Individuals can clean out their bowels, colon, or large intestine by drinking more water and adding certain foods to their diet, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some may find that the practice helps decrease bloating or other digestive issues. While a colon cleanse is safe for most, the practice can cause side effects, like nausea or dehydration.
Benefits
Natural colon cleanses can provide various benefits that include:
Reducing bloating.
Improving the immune system.
Removing toxins from the body.
Helping with weight loss.
Decreasing the risk of colon cancer.
While individuals may feel better after a natural colon cleanse, there is currently no research to support the medical benefits. (Cedars Sinai. 2019)
Another type is known as hydrotherapy of the colon or irrigation.
A healthcare provider performs this type of cleansing and sends water into the colon with instrumentation.
This type of cleanse is not used to prepare individuals for a colonoscopy.
Cleansing
Cleansing the body safely can be done with ingredients from the local grocery store.
Thorough Hydration
Water will improve body function, including digestion and elimination.
Use the color of urine as a guide.
If it’s pale yellow, the body is getting enough water.
If it’s darker, the body needs more.
Increasing Fiber Consumption
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest but influences:
Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, oats, lentils, peas, and almonds.
Increasing fiber intake will help regulate the bowels and maintain overall colon health. (Cornell University. 2012)
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that have health and digestion benefits.
Researchers believe they help to replace healthy bacteria and balance the healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the body, which maintains smooth digestion. (Mount Sinai. 2024)
Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles are healthy sources of probiotics.
They also come as supplements.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Both ingredients contain probiotics, and mixing them can help improve gut health.
Individuals also believe that this concoction can help remove toxins from the body, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this.
Individuals can try 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a warm glass of water.
Juice and Smoothies
Adding more fruits, including juice and smoothies, is a healthy way to stay hydrated.
It also adds fiber and other nutrients to improve gut health.
Bananas and apples are a healthy source of probiotics.
Individuals can also add yogurt to the smoothies for extra probiotics.
These elements can help improve the gut microbiome and regulate bowel movements.
Precautions
Doing a colon cleanse should be safe for most, as long as the individual is not fasting at the same time or performing them too frequently. However, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider before changing eating patterns or trying new treatments or supplements, including a colon cleanse, especially for individuals who have an underlying condition.
Side Effects
Colon cleansing can come with risks that can include: (Cedars Sinai. 2019)
Dehydration
Cramping
Nausea
Electrolyte imbalance
Doing occasional colon cleanses may not result in side effects, but the chances of side effects increase the longer or more often cleanses are performed. It’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider if experiencing any symptoms.
Improving Colon Health
The best way to improve colon health is by drinking enough water and eating foods that promote a healthy digestive system. Healthy approaches include:
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
Increasing whole grain intake provides fiber and more nutrients.
Eating ground flaxseed improves digestion and elimination.
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