Back Clinic Nerve Injury Team. Nerves are fragile and can be damaged by pressure, stretching, or cutting. Injury to a nerve can stop signals to and from the brain, causing muscles not to work properly and losing feeling in the injured area. The nervous system manages a great majority of the body’s functions, from regulating an individual’s breathing to controlling their muscles as well as sensing heat and cold. But, when trauma from an injury or an underlying condition causes nerve injury, an individual’s quality of life may be greatly affected. Dr. Alex Jimenez explains various concepts through his collection of archives revolving around the types of injuries and condition which can cause nerve complications as well as discuss the different form of treatments and solutions to ease nerve pain and restore the individual’s quality of life.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to 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 provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of 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.
Spinal nerves send motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the central nervous system and the body and are part of the peripheral nervous system. They are essential for carrying information that controls body movements and sensations to the brain. When a nerve gets injured, compressed, or damaged, it can cause discomfort, increased sensitivity, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain.
Damaged Nerve Roots
Nerve root pain is often caused by other underlying conditions that have caused compression or damage to the nerve root. Causes of nerve root pain can include:
Spinal nerves impacted by injuries or infection can lose their ability to control the body areas, lose their functional capacity, lose sensation, and die.
Spinal Imaging
Nerve damage can be diagnosed on a neurological exam and correlated with MRI and X-ray imaging. Conditions that MRI can identify include herniated discs, spinal cord compression or fracture, arthritic development, tumors, or cysts pressing on a nerve.
MRI images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves.
MRI shows spine images from the side/sagittal view and cross-sectional/axial views.
This allows the chiropractic doctor to see the vertebrae and discs and identify abnormalities.
The spinal cord is a gray area in the middle surrounded by the spinal fluid, which appears white.
Little white channels on either side of the spinal cord are where the nerve roots branch off.
X-rays can show the alignment of the bones along the spine and determine any narrowing or damage to the discs.
It is important to be evaluated and diagnosed for signs and symptoms of nerve injury as soon as possible, as nerve damage accelerates and worsens.
Function Restoration
Sometimes, the symptoms improve by themselves and do not require treatment. Nonetheless, physicians begin with conservative, non-surgical approaches to treat nerve root pain. Chiropractic and physical massage therapy involves specific movements, stretches, and exercises to keep the affected muscles and joints active,prevent stiffness and help restore function and feeling. Treatment can include:
Therapeutic massage
Manual adjustment/resistance treatment
Trigger point therapy
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy
Decompression
Traction
Joint stretching
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
Specialized exercise
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory diet
Nerve Chiropractor
References
Liu, Yan, and Huan Wang. “Peripheral nerve injury-induced changes in the spinal cord and strategies to counteract/enhance the changes to promote nerve regeneration.” Neural regeneration research vol. 15,2 (2020): 189-198. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.265540
Menorca, Ron M G, et al. “Nerve physiology: mechanisms of injury and recovery.” Hand clinics vol. 29,3 (2013): 317-30. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2013.04.002
Shehab, Safa Al-Deen Saudi. “Fifth lumbar spinal nerve injury causes neurochemical changes in corresponding and adjacent spinal segments: a possible mechanism underlying neuropathic pain.” Journal of chemical neuroanatomy vol. 55 (2014): 38-50. doi:10.1016/j.jchemneu.2013.12.002
Stoll, G, and H W Müller. “Nerve injury, axonal degeneration, and neural regeneration: basic insights.” Brain pathology (Zurich, Switzerland) vol. 9,2 (1999): 313-25. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3639.1999.tb00229.x
Ye, Xuan, et al. “Nerve fascicle transfer using a part of the C-7 nerve for spinal accessory nerve injury.” Journal of neurosurgery. Spine vol. 28,5 (2018): 555-561. doi:10.3171/2017.8.SPINE17582
The body’s nerves are the communication system that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Some nerves transmit messages from the brain to muscles to make the body move, while others relay pain, pressure, or temperature signals. Tiny fibers bundled inside each nerve carry the messages with an outer layer/sheathing that insulates and protects the nerves. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that send signals from the spinal cord to the shoulders, arms, and hands. A brachial plexus nerve injury occurs when the nerves are over-stretched, compressed, torn, cut, or ripped from the spinal cord.
Brachial Plexus Nerve Injury
The injury involves the head or neck hitting or getting hit and shifting to one side while the shoulder is stretched/pulled in the opposite direction.
Minor brachial plexus injuries are commonly known as stingers or burners and are common in sports like football, wrestling, hockey, soccer, and basketball.
Severe brachial plexus injuries can cause arm paralysis and usually result from vehicle or motorcycle accidents.
Other conditions like inflammation or tumors can affect the brachial plexus.
Sometimes babies can sustain brachial plexus injuries during birth.
Pressure and stretching injuries do not physically sever the nerve but can disrupt communication.
Cutting injuries vary depending on the severity of the cut and because the nerves are in a protective canal that can also be fractured or broken. If the canal remains intact, the nerve fibers could grow back with time.
However, surgery is necessary to repair the damage if the canal is broken.
Signs and symptoms of a brachial plexus nerve injury can vary, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Usually, only one arm is affected.
Minor Injuries
Minor damage comes from over-stretching or mild compression.
An electric or burning sensation shoots down the arm.
Numbness and weakness in the arm.
Neck pain.
These symptoms usually last for a few seconds or minutes but can linger for days or longer.
Severe Injuries
More-severe symptoms result from injuries that impact, tear, or rupture the nerves.
The most severe injury occurs when the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord.
Symptoms include:
Intense pain.
Writhing neck pain.
Weakness or inability to use specific shoulder, arm, and/or hand muscles.
Complete lack of movement and feeling in the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.
Symptoms in both arms.
Complications
With time, most brachial plexus injuries in children and adults heal with minimal long-term damage. But some injuries can cause long-lasting problems that include:
Joint Stiffness
The joints can stiffen, making movement difficult.
Healthcare providers often recommend ongoing chiropractic and physical rehabilitation during recovery.
Atrophy
Nerves regrow slowly and can take some time to completely heal after the injury.
During that time, lack of use can cause the muscles to break down.
Chronic Pain
Nerve damage can cause pain signals to be constantly firing.
Numbness
It can occur in the arm or hand, increasing the risk of worsening the injury or causing new injuries.
Disability
Recovery from a severe brachial plexus injury depends on age, damage, location, and severity.
Even with surgery, individuals can experience long-term muscle weakness or paralysis.
Chiropractic Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treatment depends on the severity of the damage. Chiropractic can help realign, rehabilitate, stretch, and strengthen the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and ligaments to expedite recovery. For less severe injuries:
Muscle strengthening and posture exercises help maintain motion.
Therapeutic massage will stimulate circulation and keep the muscles loose.
For severe injuries:
Surgery
Continued chiropractic and physical rehabilitation to maintain thorough circulation, range of motion, and relaxed muscles.
The Brachial Plexus
References
Brucker, J et al. “Brachial plexus birth injury.” The Journal of neuroscience nursing: Journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses vol. 23,6 (1991): 374-80. doi:10.1097/01376517-199112000-00006
Gutkowska, Olga, et al. “Brachial plexus injury after shoulder dislocation: a literature review.” Neurosurgical review vol. 43,2 (2020): 407-423. doi:10.1007/s10143-018-1001-x
Joyner, Benny, et al. “Brachial plexus injury.” Pediatrics in review vol. 27,6 (2006): 238-9. doi:10.1542/pir.27-6-238
Noland, Shelley S et al. “Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 27,19 (2019): 705-716. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-18-00433
The muscles, tissues, and ligaments help stabilize the joints and structure of the spine so that the body can function. These muscles are layered and interwoven in the spine and joints that help facilitate movement. When the body suffers from injuries or traumatic events, the muscles, tissues, and ligaments become affected, causing muscle pain and discomfort. This causes the muscles to be tender to the touch and sensitive. This is known as myofascial pain syndrome. Today’s article looks at myofascial pain syndrome, how it is linked with central sensitization, and ways to manage myofascial pain syndrome. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with myofascial pain syndrome associated with central sensitization. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Have you been experiencing muscle tightness in different areas of your body? Have you felt your muscles tender to the touch? Or have you been having trouble sleeping? Many of these overlapping risk factors are signs that you might have myofascial pain syndrome. The term “myofascial” is split into two parts. “Myo” refers to the muscles, while “fascia” refers to the connective tissues found throughout the body. So myofascial pain syndrome is where there is muscle pain in various forms, which includes the muscle tissues, connective tissues, or both. Studies reveal that myofascial pain syndrome originates from trigger points in the skeletal muscle, causing the affected muscle to be in pain. The trigger points in the body’s skeletal muscles are the “knots” people feel when their muscles feel tight. These trigger points are challenging to identify because they occur in different areas causing referred pain (pain in one place but in another body area).
How Central Sensitization Link To Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Studies reveal that central sensitization in the body is represented as an enhancement in neuron function and circuits in the nociceptive pathways that increases membrane excitability and synaptic efficacy. To that point, it reduces inhibition and manifests the remarkable plasticity of the somatosensory nervous system. The nociceptor inputs can trigger and manifest central sensitization as pain hypersensitivity when the body suffers from an injury. So how is central sensitization linked to myofascial pain syndrome? Let’s use fibromyalgia as an example. Many individuals dealing with myofascial pain may be potentially involved with fibromyalgia. This is due to fibromyalgia being a chronic condition that features widespread pain, and this causes the body to be more sensitive to pain. Central sensitization linked to myofascial pain syndrome can mimic fibromyalgia symptoms in the body, causing muscle pain and discomfort.
An Overview Of Myofascial Pain Syndrome-Video
Are you experiencing muscle weakness or soreness in some regions of your body? Have you dealt with chronic fatigue or poor sleep quality? Or have you been dealing with headaches constantly throughout the entire day? Many of these symptoms are signs that you might be at risk of developing myofascial pain syndrome. The video above explains myofascial pain syndrome, the symptoms, and the causes that affect the body. Studies reveal that myofascial pain has two types of trigger points:
Active trigger points associated with muscle pain without movement
Latent trigger points associated with muscle pain with movement
Myofascial pain syndrome can vary in acute or chronic forms and can range from mild to severe while being in different locations, making it very difficult to pinpoint where the pain is localized. Fortunately, there are ways to manage myofascial pain syndrome in the body that can help with the pain.
Ways To Manage Myofascial Pain Syndrome
When managing myofascial pain syndrome, many individuals dealing with muscle pain will take pain medication to alleviate it; however, that only minimizes the pain for a short period. One way to manage myofascial pain syndrome is by utilizing chiropractic care as part of treatment. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and often the preferred treatment for individuals with myofascial pain syndrome due to its effectiveness and drug-free approach. Chiropractors are not only good at finding the trigger points, but they are good when it comes to treating them using various techniques. Studies reveal that chiropractors use direct pressure on the trigger points to relieve the pain with their hands or specific tools. Incorporating chiropractic care provides the body with an increase in muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Since chiropractic care is a whole-body approach, it allows many people with myofascial pain syndrome to have a better quality of life and learn healthy habits, which include diet, exercise, and mental health, while living with less or no pain at all.
Conclusion
The body has muscles, tissues, and ligaments that help stabilize the joints and structure of the body, so there is functionality. These muscles help facilitate movement since the muscles are interwoven in the spine and joints. When the body suffers from a traumatic event or an injury, the muscles, tissues, and ligaments become affected. This causes muscle pain and discomfort, known as myofascial pain, where the trigger points cause pain in the body and can occur in different areas. Myofascial pain can be challenging to diagnose since it can be on one side of the body but affects a different section, known as referred pain. Fortunately, treatments like chiropractic care can help manage myofascial pain by treating the pain and using direct pressure to alleviate the pain. Incorporating chiropractic care to manage myofascial pain can help many individuals be pain-free on their health and wellness journey.
References
Bordoni, Bruno, et al. “Myofascial Pain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 18 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535344/.
Latremoliere, Alban, and Clifford J Woolf. “Central Sensitization: A Generator of Pain Hypersensitivity by Central Neural Plasticity.” The Journal of Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2750819/.
The neuromusculoskeletal system refers to the nerves, muscles, and bones. Nerve messages flow through the nervous system to coordinate and control every bodily function. Nerve interference causes an imbalance in this system, compromising body function. Uncoordinated or reduced nerve function over time can result in an unhealthy state or disease development. Complex or puzzling symptoms can include:
The nerves in the body are linked to the spinal cord, and when the spinal joints shift out of position, they can compress or kink the nerves, causing malfunction. Even a minor misalignment can create nerve, joint, and muscle tightness that travels throughout the body. This causes imbalances in nearly every other bodily system, forcing it to change in negative ways and typically becomes worse with time. Injuries from slips and falls, playing sports, accidents, unhealthy ergonomics, and repetitive/overuse motions can cause nerve injuries. Nerve dysfunction or damage can irritate the nerves causing nerve irritation that leads to nerve interference. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, discomfort, and pain.
Dizziness and Mental Fog
Nerve interference can cause brain fog, sluggishness, dizziness, and anxiety.
If the brain and nervous system’s communication is disrupted by damage or injury to the nerves, mental ability may become confused and muddled.
Negatively Affect Sleep
Nerve interference can produce discomfort all over the body, causing sleep problems.
During restorative sleep, nerve interference can interrupt memory and cognitive function.
Gastrointestinal symptoms like indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, and nausea can present suddenly.
Back Pain
Back discomfort and pain can be caused by nerve issues.
Nerve pain can be aching, pinching, throbbing, or stabbing in the upper, middle, and lower back areas.
Numbness
Nerve signals can get mixed up or sent to the wrong areas.
Nerve interference reduces nerve energy circulation, causing tingling and numbing sensations in different body regions.
Recovery Problems
Pain could result from a past injury making injuries more difficult to heal.
Nerve interference can cause the body to become stiff, immobile, and numb, depleting the body’s energy.
Nerve energy transmission is required so the body can react to its surroundings and function correctly.
Chiropractic
Nerve blockage can be cleared through functional chiropractic medicine.
The nerve/s that are blocked or restricted are worked on through therapeutic percussive massage, manual adjustments, decompression, and stretching exercises.
Therapeutic deep tissue stimulation with or without heat is applied directly to the nerve region to increase circulation.
Proper function of nerves is restored and allows for increased blood circulation that provides increased oxygenated nutrients expediting the healing process.
Discomfort and pain are relieved.
Range of motion increases.
Restoration of muscle function and joint stability.
Tissue repair improves through treatment and nutrition.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
References
Crawford, J P. “Chiropractic intervention in the treatment of joint and soft tissue disorders.” Canadian journal of applied physiology = Revue canadienne de physiologie appliquee vol. 24,3 (1999): 279-89. doi:10.1139/h99-023
Gu, Xiaosong, et al. “Neural tissue engineering options for peripheral nerve regeneration.” Biomaterials vol. 35,24 (2014): 6143-56. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.04.064
Mackinnon, Susan E. “Pathophysiology of nerve compression.” Hand clinics vol. 18,2 (2002): 231-41. doi:10.1016/s0749-0712(01)00012-9
Norton, Charles E et al. “Role of perivascular nerve and sensory neurotransmitter dysfunction in inflammatory bowel disease.” American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology vol. 320,5 (2021): H1887-H1902. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00037.2021
T Francio, Vinicius. “Chiropractic care for foot drop due to peroneal nerve neuropathy.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 18,2 (2014): 200-3. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.08.004
Reflex pain is a complex condition that involves the body’s pain withdrawal reflexfailing to turn off after the event that triggered the pain, so the pain sensations continue. This is a neurological condition known as the withdrawal reflex. It occurs when the body and brain undergo a chain of reactions to remove an affected body part from dangerous situations/stimuli. A typical example is a vehicle crash or accident. During the process, the body’s reflex muscle\s in the injured area tighten to protect the specific body part/s from further damage.
The reflex can feel like a muscle spasm that goes away over time. However, in the case of reflex pain, the signals keep firing. Reflex pain can occur all over the body as the muscles overcompensate to handle the prolonged pain; secondary injuries often develop. An example could be reflex pain in the ankle caused by injury or problems in the hips and back, where the individual tries to avoid moving the ankle in a specific way to prevent and avoid the pain symptoms. Individuals with reflex pain also experience headaches and referred spine and extremity pain. Reflex pain can become a cycle of symptoms that include:
Unusual tightness
Stiffness
Pain
Contracture – hardening or shortening of the affected muscles, tendons, or other tissues.
Decreased functional abilities.
Somatic Pain
Somatic pain causes receptors in tissues including the skin, muscles, connective tissues, joints, and skeleton to be activated. Stimuli like force trauma, vibration, extreme temperature, or inflammation/swelling activate these receptors. The pain is often described as:
Aching
Gnawing
Cramping
Sharp
Somatic pain is often localized to a particular area that is constant and stimulated by movement. There are two types.
Superficial painoccurs when everyday injuries activate pain receptors in the skin and mucous membranes.
Deep somatic pain occurs when stimuli activate pain receptors deeper in the body, including the tendons, joints, bones, and muscles. Deep body pain usually feels more like aching.
Pain can be confined to a local area or radiate to other areas of the body, depending on the extent of the injury.
Somatic pain can come from a variety of different potential causes that include:
Injury to joints or bones.
Trauma.
Fall or collision that damages connective tissues.
Sometimes these reflexes can stay in the on position and keep the body from achieving full relaxation.
In the nervous system, a body part is stimulated, and the message travels through the spinal cord and into the brain. The information is processed, then sent back through the spinal cord to the level that activates the specific body part. The reflexes transmit faster staying at the same spinal level without having to travel to the brain and back again.
During reflex pain, the body’s muscles are unable to relax, which is necessary for motion/movement. This prolonged contraction generates added pain and causes imbalances that can decrease excitabilityin the muscles. This can increase the activation of brain receptors that receive pain signals to respond by telling them to shorten and contract.
Therapy
Body misalignment can cause muscles to spasm, causing the nerves to stretch in an awkward way, compress, and get twisted and tangled around other nerves or other tissues. This disrupts communication resulting in pain, illness, and ailments that can lead to other health problems. Chiropractic care can address reflex pain by realigning the spine and improving joint motion and nerve conduction.
Chiropractic restores the body to its full and proper function by activating the natural healing abilities. Manual and mechanical spinal decompression realigns the vertebrae, reducing swelling, blockages, and nerve stress. A comprehensive examination will identify potential dysfunctional areas of the body using palpitations to identify which muscles are involved. Once identified, chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy options can be prescribed to rebalance the body’s muscles, and restore their ability to contract and relax normally.
Patient education will be provided concerning self-assessment techniques, instruction on how to treat pain, and an anti-inflammatory diet.
An exercise and stretching program will help maintain the adjustments, keep the body flexible, and strengthen the body.
Patients are helped to understand how to take control of their pain.
Spinal Decompression Testimonials
References
Biurrun-Manresa J, Neziry A, Curatolo M, Arendt-Nielson L, Anderson O. Test-retest reliability of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex and electrical pain thresholds after single and repeated stimulation in patients with chronic low back pain. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011;111:83-92
Derderian C, Tadi P. Physiology, Withdrawal Response. [Updated 2021 Nov 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544292/
Muir, J M, and H Vernon. “Complex regional pain syndrome and chiropractic.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 23,7 (2000): 490-7. doi:10.1067/mmt.2000.108816
Neziri A, Haesler S, Steen P, et al. Generalized expansion of nociceptive reflex receptive fields in chronic pain patients. Pain. 2010;151(3):798-805
Szynkowicz, Peter, and Anthony Petrucci 4th. “Chiropractic Care of a Patient With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS-1): A Case Report.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 19,2 (2020): 145-151. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2020.05.001
Yezierski R, Vierck C. Reflex and pain behaviors are not equivalent: Lessons from spinal cord injury. Pain. 2010;151(3):569-577
Claudication is muscle pain that presents when the body is active and stops when the body is at rest, also known as intermittent claudication. Individuals typically report dull aching, cramping, tingling, and/or numbness. Vascular claudication is caused by circulatory problems like poor blood circulation and peripheral artery disease. Still, spinal conditions can also cause neurogenic claudication caused by problems with the spine and nervous system.
Neurogenic Claudication
Sciatica is the usual suspect when thigh, hip, buttock, calf, or total leg pain or other sensations are present; however, it could be spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. Spinal stenosis is sometimes called pseudo claudication, a narrowing of the space around the low back, which can put pressure on the spinal cord directly and compress the blood vessels around the spine, cutting off oxygen-carrying blood. Pain can start in the lower back and circulate down the legs and cause weakness, tingling, or numbness in the legs and feet. The most common areas of spinal compression include:
The foramen are the openings on the sides of the spine where nerves exit and connect to the peripheral nervous system.
The narrowing can occur in any of these areas, with the most common cause being lumbar spinal stenosis brought on by lumbar degenerative disease.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of neurogenic claudication include:
Pain in the lower extremities, including the buttocks, thighs, and calf, only manifests with activities like walking or standing around.
Pain that shows up equally on both sides.
There is no pain when sitting or not walking around.
Radiculopathy or nerve pain that radiates down an affected limb. Sciatica is a typical example.
However, the symptoms of claudication and radiculopathy are different.
Claudication will be felt all along the length of the nerve.
Radiculopathy pain is more localized to the buttock, thighs, and calves and can get worse with activity and is generally present even when at rest.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment of neurogenic claudication includes medication to help control pain, chiropractic manual therapy, non-surgical spinal decompression, physical rehabilitation therapy, and steroid shots to reduce inflammation. A doctor will recommend stretching, strengthening exercises, and types of activities to help improve the body’s ability to support itself. This could include swimming, walking, and stationary cycling. However, conservative treatment might not be an option for individuals with more severe cases. If conservative treatment options don’t work, surgery could be recommended. A healthcare provider can help explain treatment options. Successful outcomes have been seen in cases that are diagnosed and treated early.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Chiropractor
References
Colak, Ahmet, et al. “A less invasive surgical approach in the lumbar lateral recess stenosis: a direct approach to the medial wall of the pedicle.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 17,12 (2008): 1745-51. doi:10.1007/s00586-008-0801-z
Munakomi S, Foris LA, Varacallo M. Spinal Stenosis And Neurogenic Claudication. [Updated 2022 Feb 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430872/
The sciatic nerve is considered the largest in the lower half of the body that helps control sensory and motor functions of the legs. As part of the nervous system, the sciatic nerve resides in the lumbar region of the spine, traveling down to the legs and feet while succumbing to injuries and unwanted factors. When there are injuries or unwanted symptoms that start to affect the lumbar regions of the spine like herniation or a slipped disc, it can press on the sciatic nerve causing sharp, searing pain that can radiate down to the legs and feet. This type of pain can lead to sciatica and dampen a person’s mood if not treated right away. Luckily, there are treatments available for reducing sciatic nerve pain and other issues that affect the body’s lower extremities. Today’s article focuses on a condition that can cause sciatica known as piriformis syndrome, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help many people alleviate the sciatic nerve from piriformis syndrome. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
Do you feel muscle spasms occur in your lower back or buttock? How about radiating pain that is traveling down the legs? Do the muscles in the lower body regions feel tender and weak to the touch? Experiencing these symptoms mean that you are suffering from piriformis syndrome. Research studies have defined piriformis syndrome as a condition in which the piriformis muscles in the buttocks region irritate the nearby sciatic nerve, causing it to be trapped. As the sciatic nerve becomes trapped in the piriformis muscle, it can cause sciatica pain-like symptoms that run down the leg. Additional research studies mentioned that since sciatica is a musculoskeletal pain disorder associated with piriformis syndrome, the compressed, irritated sciatic nerve root causes the individual to suffer from painful symptoms that are causing the piriformis muscle to tense up. Piriformis syndrome can affect the sciatic nerve root with or without spinal disorders like herniation, stenosis, or slipped discs.
The Symptoms
When the piriformis muscle aggravates the sciatic nerve, many symptoms can pop up over time, causing painful issues that collide with sciatica and piriformis syndrome. Research studies have shown that piriformis syndrome is a deliberate condition caused by traumatic events, inflammation in the lower back, and spinal degeneration. Most of the causes do hinder a person’s quality of life. Since the sciatic nerve is trapped in the piriformis muscle, it can cause excruciating, burning pain that affects the lower back down to the leg muscles. Other studies have found that other symptoms that are caused by piriformis syndrome are:
Feeling a limited range of motion on your hips? How about radiating, burning pain that travels down to your feet? Does it hurt to walk up the stairs? Piriformis syndrome can cause sciatica pain-like symptoms that can hinder your ability to walk and function. Decompression therapy can be the solution you are looking for. The video above explains and introduces the DOC decompression table and how it is used to alleviate sciatica pain-like symptoms that are causing pain to the individual. Decompression therapy can help with low back and leg pain by gently pulling the spine to allow the necessary supplements for the spine and to take the pressure off the sciatic nerve roots. Decompression therapy can benefit many individuals suffering from leg pain and who want to get back on their wellness journey. Incorporating spinal decompression as part of your wellness treatment is beneficial. This link will explainhow decompression offers optimal comfort for many people who suffer from piriformis syndrome and get them back to their health and wellness journey.
How Decompression Therapy Can Alleviate Piriformis Syndrome
Since the sciatic nerve is trapped in the piriformis muscle and causes leg pain, some treatments handle piriformis syndrome by decompressing the sciatic nerve. Research studies have found that endoscope decompression surgery can help alleviate piriformis syndrome by relaxing the sciatic nerve to ease the pain from affecting the buttock and leg muscles. For non-surgical decompression therapy, additional research has found that decompression therapy helps widen the spinal disc space in the spine while creating negative pressure in the affected areas. This negative pressure allows the sciatic nerve to relax and reposition the intervertebral disc back in the spine. Decompression treatments combined with physical therapy can even reduce the chances of piriformis syndrome coming back and affecting the sciatic nerve again.
Conclusion
Overall, muscle spasms around the lower body regions can cause piriformis syndrome to develop and cause havoc on the sciatic nerve. Since the piriformis muscle is close to the sciatic nerve, it can trap and aggravate it constantly by sending sciatica pain-like symptoms to the legs. This condition causes muscle weakness and mobility dysfunction in the legs, making a simple walk on the stairs complicated. Treatments like decompression therapy provided in surgical and non-surgical forms can be beneficial for those suffering from piriformis syndrome and sciatica. Decompression therapy allows the negative pressure to release the trapped, irritated sciatic nerve from causing more pain to the legs and helps loosen up the tight muscles in the lower regions of the body. Utilizing decompression as part of your treatment will allow you to continue pain-free your wellness journey.
References
Amjad, Fareeha, et al. “Effects of Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy in Addition to Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Range of Motion, Endurance, Functional Disability and Quality of Life versus Routine Physical Therapy Alone in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy; a Randomized Controlled Trial.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 16 Mar. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8924735/.
Hicks, Brandon L, et al. “Piriformis Syndrome.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 12 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448172/.
Hopayian, Kevork, et al. “The Clinical Features of the Piriformis Syndrome: A Systematic Review.” European Spine Journal: Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, Springer-Verlag, Dec. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2997212/.
Ro, Tae Hoon, and Lance Edmonds. “Diagnosis and Management of Piriformis Syndrome: A Rare Anatomic Variant Analyzed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” Journal of Clinical Imaging Science, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 21 Feb. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843966/.
Vij, Neeraj, et al. “Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Piriformis Syndrome: A Literature Review.” Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Kowsar, 2 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8241586/.
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