Back Clinic Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment Team. At the El Paso Back Clinic, we take back pain very seriously.
After diagnosing the root cause of your discomfort/pain, we’ll do everything within our power to cure the area and relieve your symptoms.
Common causes of back pain:
There is an infinite number of forms of back pain, and a variety of injuries and diseases may cause discomfort in this area of the body. One of the most Frequent ones we see one of our patients in East Side El Paso and surrounding areas comprise:
Disc Herniation
Inside the backbone are flexible discs that cushion your bones and absorb shock. Whenever these discs are broken, they may compress a nerve leading to lower extremity numbness. StressWhen a muscle at the trunk is overexerted or hurt, causing stiffness and pain, this type of injury is generally classified as a back strain. This can be the consequence of attempting to lift an item that can result in excruciating pain and impairment and is too heavy. Diagnosing the underlying cause of your pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the slow wearing down of protective cartilage. When the back is affected by this condition, it causes damage to the bones that results in chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. SprainIf ligaments in your spine and back are stretched or torn, it’s called a spine sprain. Typically, this injury causes pain in the region. Spasms cause back muscles to overwork they may start to contract, and can even stay contracted– also called a muscle spasm. Muscle spasms can present with pain and stiffness until the strain resolves.
We want to accomplish the diagnosis straight away, integrating a background and exam along with state-of-the-art imaging, so we can provide you with the most efficient therapy choices. To begin, we will speak with you regarding your symptoms, which will provide us with critical information regarding your underlying condition. We’ll then perform a physical exam, during which we’ll check for posture issues, evaluate your spine and assess your backbone. If we guess injuries, like a disk or neurological injury, we’ll probably order imaging tests to obtain an analysis.
Regenerative remedies to your back pain. At the El Paso Back Clinic, you may be certain that you’re in the best possible hands with our Doctor of Chiropractic and Massage Therapist. Our purpose during your pain treatment isn’t only to relieve your symptoms — but also to avoid a recurrence and to treat your pain.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC), or chiropractors, regularly treat sciatica. Sciatica is characterized by pain that originates in the low back or buttocks which travels down one or both legs, into the foot. Sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity and frequency; minimal, moderate, acute and chronic, intermittent, frequent or constant.
Pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles or similar to electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include numbness, burning and tingling sensations as well as weakness. Sciatica can also be called radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia. A common misconception, however, is that sciatica is a disease, nevertheless, sciatica is really a collection of symptoms belonging to a specific disorder.
Sciatica Is Caused by Nerve Compression
Sciatica is generally brought on by sciatic nerve compression. Disorders known to trigger sciatic nerve pain include lumbar spine subluxations, or misaligned vertebral bodies, herniated or bulging discs (slipped disks), pregnancy and childbirth, tumors, and even as a result of non-spinal disorders, such as diabetes, constipation, or sitting on one’s back pocket wallet.
One common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is located in the lower part of the spine, connects to the thighbone, and also assists in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle. This muscle is susceptible to injury from sports injuries, a slip-and-fall accident, hip arthritis, or due to a difference in leg length. Such situations can cause cramping and spasm to develop in the piriformis muscle, thus pinching the sciatic nerve and causing pain and discomfort.
Sciatic nerve compression may lead to the loss of feeling (sensory loss), paralysis of one limb or group of muscles (monoplegia), as well as sleeplessness or insomnia.
Proper Diagnosis of Sciatica Is Vital
Since there are many disorders that cause sciatica, a healthcare professional’s initial step would be to determine what is causing the patient’s sciatica symptoms. Forming a diagnosis entails a thoughtful review of the patient’s medical history, as well as a physical and neurological examination. Diagnostic testing involves a x ray, MRI, CT scan and/or electrodiagnostic tests (nerve conduction speed, electromyography). These examinations and tests help to detect possible contraindications to spinal adjustments and other chiropractic treatment methods.
Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Pain
The objective of chiropractic treatment for sciatic nerve pain is to assist the body’s capacity to heal itself. It is based upon the scientific principle that limited spinal movement contributes to pain and decreased function and functionality. Chiropractic care is non-invasive (nonsurgical) and drug-free.
The type of chiropractic treatment provided is dependent upon the cause of the patient’s sciatica. A sciatic nerve pain chiropractic treatment program may include several different therapies such as ice/cold treatments, ultrasound, TENS, and spinal adjustments (sometimes called spinal manipulation). Below are additional details on these chiropractic treatment modalities.
Ice/Cold therapy reduces inflammation and helps to control sciatic nerve pain.
Ultrasound is mild warmth created by sound waves which penetrate deep into cells. Ultrasound increases circulation and helps to decrease muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
TENS unit (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is a small box-like, battery-powered, portable muscle stimulating machine. Various intensities of electrical current control acute pain and reduce muscle spasms. Larger versions of this home-use TENS units are utilized by chiropractors, physical therapists and other rehabilitation healthcare professionals.
Adjustments (Spinal Manipulation) At the heart of chiropractic care are spinal adjustments. Spinal manipulation frees restricted movement of the spine and helps to restore misaligned vertebral bodies with their appropriate position in the spine. Spinal adjustment helps to decrease nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle soreness, pain, and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Adjustments should not be painful. Spinal manipulation is demonstrated to be safe and effective.
In college and during their training, students of chiropractic understand many different adjustment techniques permitting them to take care of various sorts of subluxations and spinal disorders. Chiropractic techniques vary in the swift high velocity thrust to people that unite minimal pressure and mild pressure. Mastery of each technique is an art which needs great precision and skill. Spinal adjustments and manipulations is the treatment that differentiates chiropractic care from other medical areas.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is identified as radiating pain and discomfort along the length of the sciatic nerve, which travels from the low back down the buttocks and into one or both legs, occasionally reaching all the way down to the calf and foot. Approximately more than 3 million cases of sciatica are reported in the United States each year, where it is generally caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve as a result of a bulging or herniated disc. Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option commonly utilized to help improve a variety of spinal health issues, including sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain.
Chiropractic’s Limitations in Treating Sciatica
Sciatica may be caused by other disorders beyond the scope of chiropractic clinic. If the doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, determines the patient’s disease requires treatment by another kind of doctor, then the patient is referred to another specialist. In some cases, the chiropractor can continue to treat the patient and also co-manage the patient’s care with the other specialist. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a medical term used to describe developmental motor conditions that cause impairment or disability. Cerebral palsy is not contagious and it isn’t regarded as a disease. Although it is not hereditary, many cases of CP are believed to be caused throughout pregnancy or birth, therefore they are typically referred to as a congenital condition. Cerebral palsy might be related to infection, radiation, or lack of oxygen during brain growth, as well as premature birth and birth trauma. Damage can occur up to age 3.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy, caused by “a permanent, non-progressive defect” in the brain, affects movement, posture, and muscle tone. Cerebral palsy is not paralysis, however, the motor centers of the brain become altered with the condition. Eyesight health issues and depth perception, cognition and communication challenges, and musculoskeletal issues can result from cerebral palsy. All cerebral palsy types involve “abnormal muscle tone”, and problems with motor development and reflexes.
Symptoms of CP include spasms, spasticity, involuntary movement, and balance and gait difficulties, including “foot walking” and “scissor walking”. The degree of disorder falls on a continuum, from “slight clumsiness” to severe impairments. Babies with the severe types of CP have bodies which may be rigid or floppy, with irregular posture. There can also be other birth defects as a result of cerebral palsy. Over the course of a child’s growth, symptoms may change or appear. It is generally when the baby becomes mobile that cerebral palsy becomes more evident. Speech problems, from respiratory and muscular difficulties, can also frequently occur.
A number of the secondary conditions related to CP include sensory impairments, eating problems, seizures, epilepsy, behavior and learning disabilities, mental retardation, and continence disorders. Speech impairments or disabilities and language delays are also commonly associated with CP. Early intervention is necessary. Patients with cerebral palsy may also have different leg lengths and shorter height, as CP affects skeletal bone growth. Spasticity and gait problems influence the vertebral development. Cerebral palsy can also interfere with sleep and cause pain and discomfort. It’s essential for individuals or families of children with cerebral treatment to seek treatment options to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with this developmental motor condition.
Traditional Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
Long-term care, from a team of healthcare professionals, can help patients with cerebral palsy properly handle their symptoms. Traditional treatments can come from physiatrists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, speech and development therapists, and from social workers, special education teachers, and mental health specialists.
Because CP patients may have tight muscles and spasticity pain, some drugs and/or medications may be prescribed. To treat “generalized spasticity”, muscle relaxants (i.e. baclofen, diazepam) could be offered. Some of the drugs/medications, however, have dependency hazards and side effects, such as nausea and sleepiness, which is why it’s important to first consult a healthcare professional who specializes in cerebral palsy, regarding the most recommended traditional treatments. To treat “isolated spasticity”, Botox injections may be used. The side effects of Botox injections include fatigue, bruising, as well as trouble swallowing and breathing. Additionally, there are also anti-drooling drugs and/or medications.
Some surgical interventions might also be proposed, such as orthopedic surgery or the severing of nerves to improve symptoms. However, other treatment options should be considered before turning to surgery for CP, unless properly recommended by a healthcare professional. Cerebral palsy patients might also have to wear braces or splints, or use canes, wheelchairs, or walkers. Muscle training and other exercises are also general prescribed as part of traditional treatments.
Chiropractic Care for Cerebral Palsy
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, many traditional treatments can be used to help manage the symptoms associated with it. Alternative treatment options are safe and effective treatment methods utilized to help improve symptoms of cerebral palsy without the use of drugs and/or medications or surgical interventions. Chiropractic techniques are a type of health care which utilizes spinal adjustments and other bone structure associated treatment methods in order to aid a person’s body in conforming to a more normal position.
Children with cerebral palsy might benefit from chiropractic care for a few different reasons. In individuals with cerebral palsy, distinct body parts may be affected, such as one or both arms and legs. Chiropractic theory suggests that extremities and other body components can become “normalized” if the “central place around the spine” is healed and chiropractic care may be useful in assisting those limbs recover some semblance of activity. Chiropractic care can be used for the fundamental goal of extending and lengthening muscles. When muscles unwind as they do through such therapies, they’re more likely to be stronger and healthier, which is necessary if they’re likely to properly learn how to walk.
In addition, because cerebral palsy is usually caused by a brain injury, chiropractic care may be used in treating other, less noticeable, facets of the motor condition. Some individuals or children with CP have experienced a lot of strain on their musculoskeletal system, requiring the use of chiropractic techniques for basic spinal alignment and overall health and wellness. Behind the doctrine of chiropractic healing lays the idea that the brain and central nervous system control all aspects of the body’s functioning. One study showed “progress in paraspinal muscle tone” with chiropractic care, for many children who had cerebral palsy from birth injury. Another case study demonstrated marked improvement in a child with “hypotonic cerebral palsy”.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Cerebral palsy is believed to be a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation which occurs during the stages of a child’s brain development. Cerebral palsy, or CP, affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, several traditional as well as alternative treatment options can help improve the symptoms associated with this neurological disorder. Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment option which can help return some levels of range of motion, mobility, strength and flexibility for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Chiropractic care cannot cure cerebral palsy, but it might help with some of the symptoms and its associated health issues, with no side effects and dangers of drugs/medications and surgery. Chiropractic care is gentle, and it can also improve symptoms such as seizures, spasms, and arm and leg issues. As research on the effectiveness of chiropractic techniques come to light, there are more encouraging signs for the growth of a successful course of action for individuals with cerebral palsy. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Various exams and tests are available to diagnose the source of an individual’s sciatica symptoms. The way your healthcare professional diagnoses sciatic nerve pain may depend on their specialty as well as on the cause of sciatica.
If you suspect you may have sciatica, however, it’s essential to first contact a spine specialist who may be able to properly diagnose any spinal health issues which may be causing your sciatic nerve pain. You might suspect you’ve got sciatica if you’re experiencing shooting pain in the low back and down one or both of your legs, or if you’ve been experiencing numbness, weakness or tingling and burning sensations in your legs.
Throughout your healthcare visit, your doctor or spine specialist will ask you specific questions and also carry out a few basic examinations and tests. This is to attempt to identify the reason for your sciatica and create an appropriate treatment program for you, or a method to manage your pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica as well as to help you recover.
As you are able to learn within our previous article on the common causes of sciatica, there are numerous spinal health issues that can lead to sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica. Your treatment plan will be determined depending on the main cause of your pain, therefore it is important to get an accurate diagnosis with a qualified and experienced spine specialist.
Furthermore, your spine specialist will ask about your current symptoms and remedies you may have used to alleviate sciatica. They will also ask other common questions, such as:
When did the sciatic nerve pain start?
Where do you feel pain? Is it all of the way down your leg? Is it in both legs? Does it stop at your knees?
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain possible, rate your pain.
Are you currently experiencing tingling sensations or weakness in your legs and/or feet?
What physical activities did you recently participate in?
Does walking uphill or downhill increase pain?
What else have you done to relieve your sciatic nerve pain? Have you tried particular medications or exercises?
Does anything reduce the pain or make it worse?
Your spine specialist will even execute physical and neurological examinations to determine if any of the symptoms of sciatica may be due to these health issues.
In the physical examination, a healthcare professional will observe the patients position, range of motion, and physical condition, noting any motion which causes pain. The healthcare professional will also feel your spine, notice its curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle strain. Through the neurological exam, the spine specialist will examine your reflexes, muscle strength, and other nerve changes.
To properly diagnose the cause of your sciatica, you might need to have some imaging evaluations. You could have an x-ray or a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. When it’s possible that a bulging or herniated disc or spinal stenosis may be causing your sciatica, a healthcare professional may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test.
Collectively, all these exams and tests will give your spine specialist a more comprehensive view of your sciatic nerve pain. Using this information, they will most probably be in a better position to make a diagnosis of the underlying cause of your sciatica.
Chiropractic Diagnosis for Sciatica
It’s very important that sciatica be correctly diagnosed by a healthcare professional in order for it to be treated correctly. A chiropractor is a qualified and experienced spine specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including sciatica, Because many ailments can cause symptoms of sciatica, the chiropractor’s first step before beginning treatment is to determine the reason for the patient’s sciatica.
By studying about the patient’s medical history and administering physical and neurological examination, the doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can get a thorough diagnosis of a patient’s sciatica. A chiropractor can also refer patients to receive diagnostic testing to more accurately determine the source of the health issues. As mentioned above, diagnostic testing includes MRI, X-ray, CT scan and/or electro diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction velocity or electromyography. The examinations and diagnostic tests can also help determine the probable contraindications to chiropractic care as well as other treatment methods.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
It is worth remembering that the purpose of chiropractic care is not only to reduce sciatica but its objective is to help maximize the human body’s potential to heal itself, treating the symptoms at the source. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, drug-free, and natural way of healing the human body. After a proper diagnosis of the true cause of a patient’s sciatica is determined, the chiropractor may begin treatment accordingly.
The chiropractor will attempt to ascertain the cause of the sciatica so that a sciatica treatment plan might be administered. Chiropractic treatment for sciatica can include, cold therapies, ultrasound, spinal adjustments or manual manipulations, TENS, among other treatment methods. These treatment options have their own way of treating the sciatica symptoms.
Ice/Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation so that sciatic pain may be controlled. Ultrasound is heat created by sound waves entering deep into the tissues to decrease muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. TENS unit or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a small box battery-powered portable machine which stimulates muscles. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations function by correcting misaligned vertebral bodies, or subluxations, in order to restore them into an appropriate position in the spinal column so that nerve irritability and inflammation is decreased thereby preventing spasm, pain and other back symptoms.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
A chiropractor is a spine specialist which can properly diagnose the source of a patient’s sciatica through the use of physical and neurological exams and tests. Diagnostic procedures may require a healthcare professional to check the individual’s muscle strength as well as their reflexes, for instance, the chiropractor may ask the patient to walk on their toes or heels, or they may ask the patient to lift their legs one at at time, while lying on their back. Symptoms of sciatica will generally worsen during these type of exams and tests. Furthermore, a doctor of chiropractic may request for imaging diagnostic tests to more effective determine the cause of the patient’s sciatic nerve pain, however, these may not be required unless the symptoms are severe.
Chiropractic care has increasingly become one of the most frequently recommended alternative treatment options for sciatica. To receive a proper diagnosis of your sciatic nerve pain, seek immediate medical attention from a spinal specialist, such as a chiropractor. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong set of movement disorders with no cure. There are, however, many options for either retraining patients with cerebral palsy or supplying some kind of relief for individuals with cerebral palsy. Among the more untraditional yet commonly sought after types of treatment for cerebral palsy is visiting a chiropractor which specializes in patients with cerebral palsy.
There is no clear reason behind the development of cerebral palsy. In most cases, though, it is believed to be caused by some injury shortly before, during, and after pregnancy. This injury is to the unborn embryo or the baby after it is delivered. Many cases of cerebral palsy are being found to have happened during the delivery process. Lack of oxygen and/or failure to detect fetal distress are all believed to be the most common reasons for the development of cerebral palsy. As previously mentioned, individuals with cerebral palsy can benefit from a variety of treatment options, including chiropractic care, rehabilitation and neuromuscular reeducation.
Chiropractic Care and Cerebral Palsy
Chiropractic techniques are a sort of healthcare which uses spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, together with other treatment procedures, in order to aid a person’s body in adapting to a more normal position. In patients with cerebral palsy, different body parts can and are generally affected, such as one or both arms and legs, and chiropractic care may be helpful in assisting those limbs regain some semblance of strength, mobility and flexibility.
Additionally, because cerebral palsy is generally believed to be caused by a brain injury, chiropractic treatment methods can be used in healing other, less noticeable, aspects of the motor disease. Behind the doctrine of chiropractic healing lays the idea that the brain and central nervous system control all facets of the body’s functioning. The concept of chiropractic care is that by correcting health issues and symptoms around the central area of the spine, the extremities as well as other areas of the body can regain some stability.
With the rise of “unconventional” medical clinics, chiropractic care has also turned into one of the most popular types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine techniques. In 2004, a report revealed that chiropractic was in the top five kinds of complementary and alternative therapies used for the treatment of a variety of injuries and/or conditions in the United States, including cerebral palsy.
When utilized as an alternative treatment option for cerebral palsy, chiropractic techniques could assist in helping to improve some of the problematic symptoms associated with the movement disorder, including reducing muscle spasms, seizures, and arm and leg issues. As research on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for the safe and effective treatment of many health issues comes to light, there are more encouraging signals for the growth of a successful course of action for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
As a qualified and experienced chiropractor in the treatment of a variety of injuries and/or conditions, including genetic neuromuscular disorders, many of our patients with cerebral palsy have experienced tremendous improvements in their quality of life through chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can provide assistance in the improvement of several range of motion aspects associated with cerebral palsy as well as offer significant relief of other symptoms related to this movement disorder. Patients with cerebral palsy currently receiving chiropractic care have experienced improved mobility and an improved gait or ability to walk, including restored sleeping habits. Our treatment methods for patients with cerebral palsy include, upper thoracic pain release, full-body mobility exercises, where multiple joint complexes are moved to increase range of motion, and two-men protocols, to safely and effectively assist the individual throughout their treatment process.
Rehabilitation and Cerebral Palsy
You will find an assortment of rehabilitation alternatives for individuals and children with cerebral palsy. Some are dependent on which kind of cerebral palsy the patient has. Each one of the rehabilitations, however, usually center on creating a few important regions of improvement including physical motion and coordination, language, vision, and intellectual development. Cerebral palsy rehabilitation will invariably involve some type of long-term physical therapy, or physiotherapy. These slight exercises will often involve stretching the individual’s range of motion and to concentrate primarily on developing fundamental motor abilities.
Ongoing treatments and options are becoming more available that could make life with cerebral palsy better. Most rehabilitation centers and treatments use some mix of physical therapy, biofeedback, occupational and speech therapy, occasional use of drugs and/or medications, and on rare cases even surgery.�There are several techniques touted in the field of cerebral palsy rehabilitation, such as the Bobath technique. The Bobath technique centers on positive reinforcement of voluntary movements on the individual’s part and on gradual physical conditioning. The physical therapy may also include external aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and how to use them for maximum mobility.
Neuromuscular Reeducation and Cerebral Palsy
Chiropractors handle a number of soft-tissue injuries. Unstable or injured muscles can become a source of chronic pain. The only way to remedy the challenge is by dividing those scar tissues and supporting the body to heal in healthy ways. Neuromuscular reeducation accomplishes this in several ways, for example, exercises, deep-tissue massage and vibration therapy.
Exercises for neuromuscular reeducation are often a part of chiropractic care or other rehabilitation program which focuses on helping to improve various adverse conditions that occur from faulty nerve and muscle activities. Neuromuscular reeducation is particularly beneficial for unnatural movement patterns. The purpose of neuromuscular reeducation is to improve balance, coordination, posture and proprioception involving a natural mind-body connection.�Neuromuscular reeducation exercises aim to restore natural movement patterns, optimize joint biomechanics and reduce pain that may result from neuromuscular deficiencies.
Neuromuscular reeducation exercises include a variety of functional strengthening, stretching, balancing and coordination activities. Practitioners that administer these exercises encourage patients to focus on joint positioning and movement.�A variety of stretching and bending movements on an exercise ball also have neuromuscular applications.
Whole body vibration (WBV) treatment is also helpful in the treatment of many physical conditions. WBV lowers inflammation, builds muscle, increases flexibility and breaks apart scar tissues and fused bone fragments. The technology is used to treat an endless number of injuries, along with ailments like scoliosis and cerebral palsy.
As vibrations affect your body, your muscles engage and relax in rapid success in an effort to enhance your movements. This burst of activity helps to break apart these deep scar tissues. The process also can help promote healthy recovery by placing your muscle bands under short spurts of increased stress. For the identical reason, Whole body vibration, or WBV, is very effective in increasing bone density and muscle mass.
In addition, when guided by a trained therapist, you may use vibration treatment to reeducate your muscles on how to respond to stimulation without getting hurt. Partly, While a lot of the process is occurring beneath the surface, WBV may require the individual to perform specific work in the clinic or on their own. This takes a combination of unconscious muscle training and altering habits to protect vulnerable areas while building strength and enhancing mobility and flexibility. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Several lumbar spine (lower back) disorders can cause sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain is frequently described as mild to extreme pain at the right or left leg. Sciatica is caused by compression of one or more of the five sets of nerve roots in the lower spine. Sometimes doctors call sciatica a radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy is a medical term used to describe pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness in the arms or legs caused by a nerve root issue. If the nerve problem is in the neck, it is referred to as a cervical radiculopathy. But since sciatica affects the low back, or the lumbar spine, it is known as a lumbar radiculopathy.
Pathways to Reduce Sciatic Nerve Pain
Five sets of nerve roots at the lumbar spine unite to create the sciatic nerve. Starting in the rear of the pelvis (sacrum), the sciatic nerve runs in the back, under the buttock, and downward through the hip area into every leg and foot. Nerve roots aren’t “solitary” structures but are part of the body’s whole nervous system capable of transmitting pain and feeling to other areas of the body.
Radiculopathy occurs when compression of a nerve root from a disc rupture (herniated disc) or bone spur (osteophyte) happens in the lumbar spine before it joins the sciatic nerve.
Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain
Several spinal disorders can lead to spinal nerve pain and compression or lumbar radiculopathy. The 6 leading causes of sciatic nerve pain are:
a bulging or herniated disc
lumbar spinal stenosis
spondylolisthesis
trauma from an injury
piriformis syndrome
spinal tumors
Lumbar Bulging Disc or Herniated Disc
A bulging disc is also known as a contained disc disorder. This means that the gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc stays “contained” within the tire-like outer wall (annulus fibrosus) of the intervertebral disc.
A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus. It’s known as a “non-contained” disc disorder. If the disc bulges or herniates, disc material can push against an adjacent nerve root and compress delicate nerve tissue and lead to sciatica.
The results of a herniated disc may often be worse. When the herniated disc causes direct compression of the nerve root from the inside of the bony spinal canal, the disc material itself also includes an acidic, chemical irritant (lipoic acid) which causes nerve irritation. In both situations, nerve compression and irritation cause pain and inflammation, often leading to extremity numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle fatigue.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a nerve compression disease most frequently affecting older adults. Leg pain similar to sciatica may happen as a result of lumbar spinal stenosis. The pain is generally positional, frequently brought on by actions like standing or walking and relieved by sitting down.
Spinal nerve roots branch outward in the spinal cord through passageways called neural foramina comprised of bone and ligaments. Between each set of vertebrae, situated on the left and right sides, is a foramen. Nerve roots pass through those openings and extend outward beyond the spinal column to innervate different areas of the human body. Whenever these passageways become narrow or obstructed causing nerve compression, the term foraminal stenosis is utilized.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a disease that most often affects the lumbar spinal column. It’s characterized by a single vertebra slipping forward over an adjacent vertebra. When a vertebra slips and is displaced, spinal nerve root compression occurs and often triggers sciatic nerve pain. Spondylolisthesis is categorized as developmental (discovered at birth, develops through childhood) or acquired from spinal illness, injury or physical strain (eg, lifting weights).
Trauma from an Injury
Sciatica can result from sciatic nerve compression brought on by external forces into the lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots. Examples include automobile accidents, falling down as well as football and other sports injuries. The impact may injure the nerves or, sometimes, fragments of broken bone may compress the nerves.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is named for the piriformis muscle and the pain generated if the muscle irritates the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is located at the lower part of the spine, joins to the thighbone and also aids in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. Piriformis syndrome develops when muscle spasms develop in the piriformis muscle thereby compressing the sciatic nerve. It may be difficult to diagnose and treat due to the lack of x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths which are either benign or cancerous (malignant). Luckily, spinal tumors are infrequent. But if a spinal tumor develops in the pelvic region, there’s a danger for sciatica to grow as a result of nerve compression.
If you feel you’ve got sciatica, call a healthcare professional. The first step toward relieving pain would be a proper diagnosis.
Sciatic pain normally improves within about 4 to 6 weeks. Weakness and numbness may take more time to resolve. Symptomatic treatment such as cold packs, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy/stretches/exercise may help ease discomfort and promote return to regular activities. Surgery to take pressure from the nerve is generally reserved for cases of severe pain. Alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help improve symptoms of sciatic nerve pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Sciatica is correctly defined as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury or condition, caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Also known as sciatic nerve pain, sciatica is generally an indication of a serious underlying health issue along the length of the lumbar spine, or low back. Sciatica can develop as a result of a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, including but not limited to, a bulging or herniated disc, trauma or due to piriformis syndrome caused by sports injuries. Because sciatic nerve pain can manifest due to many health issues, diagnosing it can often be challenging. Fortunately, a doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can properly diagnose sciatica in order to follow-up with the best treatment.
Chiropractic for Sciatic Nerve Pain
Diagnosis of sciatica Is crucial. A chiropractor assesses the patient and reviews medical history to ascertain what is causing the patient’s sciatic nerve pain. Chiropractic care is based on the principle which limited spinal motion results in pain and decreased function. Chiropractic care helps the body heal itself with non-invasive (non-surgical), drug-free treatment.
Chiropractic treatment methods for sciatic nerve pain include:
Ice/Cold therapy reduces inflammation and assists control sciatic nerve pain.
Ultrasound is mild warmth made by sound waves which penetrates deep into the soft tissues. It boosts circulation and reduces muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Spinal Adjustments (Manual Manipulations). Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are in the heart of chiropractic care. Manipulation supports restricted motion of the spine and helps restore misaligned vertebral bodies with their appropriate status in the spine. Adjustment techniques vary in the swift high velocity push to people who unite minimal force and mild pressure. Mastery of every technique is an art which requires great skill and precision. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are the treatment methods that differentiates chiropractic care from other medical disciplines.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Is sciatica a spinal disorder or a symptom of a spinal disorder?�The term sciatica is commonly used to describe pain traveling in the distribution of the sciatic nerve, therefore it is more accurate to state that it is a symptom of a spinal disorder not a spinal disease itself.
Frequent symptoms of sciatica are listed below.
Sciatica usually affects one side of the human body, although it may affect both.
Pain from sciatic nerve pain may feel dull, sharp, burning, or accompanied by irregular shocks of shooting pain starting in the buttock and traveling downward into the thigh and/or leg.
Sciatica may also extend below the knee and might be felt at the feet.
Occasionally, symptoms of sciatic nerve pain include tingling sensations and numbness.
Sitting and attempting to stand up could be painful and challenging.
Coughing and sneezing can intensify the pain.
Where is the Sciatic Nerve?
Sciatic nerve fibers start at the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra (L4, L5) and the first few segments of the sacrum. The nerve passes through the sciatic foramen, a nerve passageway just beneath the piriformis muscle which rotates the thigh laterally, towards the rear of the extension of the hip and into the lower part of the gluteus maximus, or the muscle in the buttocks,� that helps with thigh extension. The sciatic nerve then runs vertically down to the rear of the thigh, behind the knee and branches out into the hamstring muscles, or the calf, and farther downward into the feet.
Sciatica Caused by Nerve Compression
Compression of the sciatic nerve may cause any of the above-cited symptoms. Rarely is neurological damage permanent and paralysis is rarely a threat due to sciatica since the spinal cord ends before the first vertebra of the lumbar spine.
When to seek immediate medical attention for sciatica: Increasing back or leg weakness and/or bladder or bowel incontinence is a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a severe illness requiring emergency treatment. If you are experiencing these symptoms at the moment, please seek immediate medical attention from a qualified and experienced back pain specialist.
Certain lumbar spinal diseases can cause or lead to sciatica symptoms, including:
Herniated discs are the usual cause of sciatica in the lumbar spine.
Degenerative disc disease, a natural biological process related to aging, is known to cause disc weakness that may be a precursor to disc herniation.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more neural passageways due to disc degeneration and/or facet arthritis. The sciatic nerve may become impinged as a consequence of these changes.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis results from a stress fracture frequently at the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5). The fracture together with disc space collapse may enable the vertebra to slide forward on the first sacral segment (S1). The slippage might cause the L5 nerve root to become pinched as it leaves the spine, developing into symptoms of sciatica.
Spinal tumors and illnesses are other ailments that may compress the sciatic nerve, but this is rare.
How Your Doctor Diagnoses Sciatica
A healthcare professional’s diagnosis of your pain and other symptoms may include discussing your medical history, recent accidents or injuries (eg, falls) as well as also a review of your current medicines (both over-the-counter and prescription drugs). Your doctor may additionally perform a physical evaluation using one or more movement evaluations to help determine the origin or causes of your pain. During the neurological portion of the evaluation, your reflexes and muscle strength are tested. If needed, they may order imaging studies, like an x-ray, CT scan, or even an MRI. The imaging tests can help confirm their diagnosis.
Furthermore, a healthcare professional may ask you a few questions, such as:
“How did the pain develop?”
“On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain possible, rate your pain.”
“Is the pain caused by walking uphill or downhill?”
“How does the pain affect activities of daily living?”
“What kind of treatment was attempted and what was effective?”
Not all buttock and leg pain is sciatica as there are a number of different structures in the spine that can cause these kinds of pain. For example, the sacroiliac joint, or the joint between the pelvis and sacrum, the smallest segment of the spine, may cause or refer pain to the buttock as well as a sprain of the facet joints, which would be the connecting joints at the rear part of the spine. A bulging or herniated disc�can also refer pain down into the leg. If buttock and leg pain symptoms are correlated with any neurologic signs of numbness or weakness, it is “true sciatica” and has to be evaluated by a spine care expert, such as a chiropractor. If severe neurologic symptoms occur along with bowel and/or bladder control problems, it needs to be evaluated as soon as possible.
Chiropractic Diagnosis
In the assessment of lower back pain and sciatica, differential diagnosis using a “triage” concept of classifying back injuries and/or conditions to one of three categories helps guide the chiropractor when determining the source of the patient’s symptoms. These categories of chiropractic diagnosis include:
Potentially severe: tumor, infection, fracture, major neurological issues, such as cauda equina, local open wound or burn, prolonged bleeding (hemophilia), artificial joint enlargement, pacemaker problems and joint infection
Nerve issues: whenever the nerve roots from the lower back are pinched or compressed, they may cause� radiculopathy or sciatica. Typical causes of nerve root pinching and irritation include aherniated disc, spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis
Non-specific: mechanical back pain in the lumbar spinal column. This type of lower back pain is the most frequent presentation, also contains pain for that there is not any identifiable cause.
Once the chiropractor has categorized the patient’s source of their sciatica, they may begin with the proper treatment. With chiropractic diagnosis of potentially serious injuries and/or conditions, the chiropractor will generally refer the patient to a relevant medical specialist, and as appropriate, the chiropractor might co-manage the patient’s care along with other back pain healthcare professionals. With this classification, chiropractic care may be used accordingly to avoid further spinal health issues.
In addition, with chiropractic diagnosis of a nerve root problem causing sciatica and/or non-specific causes of low back pain, chiropractors normally describe the symptoms experienced on the following scale:
Acute (symptoms lasting less than 6 months)
Subacute (symptoms lasting between 6 and 12 months)
Persistent (symptoms lasting for 12 months or more)
Recurrent/flare up (symptoms are similar to original symptoms and return sporadically or due to exacerbating circumstances).
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Through the use of several physical evaluations and neurological assessments, a doctor of chiropractic is able to properly diagnose the source of a patient’s sciatica symptoms. Once a diagnosis has been established, a chiropractor will follow-up with the best, most recommended treatment for the individual’s specific needs and requirements. A spinal misalignment, or subluxation, is the most prevalent cause of sciatica. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are the most common treatment methods used to help carefully restore the natural alignment of the spine. A variety of other treatment methods can also be used by a doctor of chiropractic, to help speed up the patient’s recovery process. If the diagnosis of a patient’s sciatica symptoms determines that the source of their sciatic nerve pain is severe, a chiropractor may also refer the patient to the most appropriate healthcare professional to continue treatment.
These back pain or sciatica symptoms might be further broken down as mild, moderate or severe in pain. Once a chiropractor has properly diagnosed your sciatica symptoms, they may utilize a series of treatment modalities, including spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, among other well-known alternative treatment options, to help improve sciatic nerve pain.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatica is described as a series of intense and painful symptoms in one or both legs along the course of the sciatic nerve. The pain is generally felt at the back of the leg and runs from the buttocks down the back of the thigh into the calf and foot. The pain may begin suddenly or start gradually, and is typically distinguished by a sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like in quality. Movement of the lower extremities often worsens the symptoms. Pain may be uniformly spread along the leg, but there are certain areas where pain may be more intense. Also,� pain is frequently associated with numbness and/or tingling sensations along the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica can result from any health issue that causes pressure or irritation of the nerve roots that compromise the sciatic nerve. This pressure may result from a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as a ruptured intervertebral disc, narrowing of the bony spinal canal, medically referred to as spinal stenosis, or infrequently from infection or tumor. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body; it measures three-quarters of an inch in diameter and it originates from the sacral plexus; a network of nerves found in the low back, or the lumbosacral spine. The lumbosacral spine refers to the lumbar spine and the sacrum combined. The sciatic nerve and its associated nerves allow movement and enable feeling, known as motor and sensory functions, in the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot, and toes.
About the Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve begins in your low back, which is known as the lumbar spine. The nerve roots are in the L4 and L5 vertebrae (the ‘L’ means lumbar, as well as the numbers indicate the degree of the vertebra found along the spine). The sciatic nerve also travels throughout your pelvic area, or the sacrum. In most individuals, the sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle, which functions by moving your thigh from side to side. From there, the sciatic nerve descends through the buttocks and the back of your thighs. Behind your knee, smaller nerves branch out from the sciatic nerve and journey down to your toes.
Your sciatic nerve is a part of an intricate arrangement of the human body’s nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for transmitting pain and feelings, as well as other sensations, to other parts of the body. Therefore, when an injury and/or a condition presses on a nerve, you are going to feel it, and many of the times it won’t feel great. With sciatica, a health issue on your low back, such as a herniated disc, for instance, permeates the sciatic nerve, which then transmits pain down your legs.
The sciatic nerve exits the sacrum in the pelvic area of the body through a nerve passageway called the sciatic foramen. At the top part of the sciatic nerve, two branches form; the articular and muscular branches. The articular branch goes to the hip joint. The muscular branch serves the leg flexor muscles, which are the muscles that enable movement. Other complicated nerve structures are also involved, both the peroneal nerves and the tibial nerves. The peroneal nerves originate from the nerve roots in the fourth and fifth vertebrae of the lumbar spine (L4-L5) and first and second levels of the sacrum (S1-2). When the peroneal nerves leave the pelvis, they move down the front and side of the leg and along the outer side of the knee to the foot.
The tibial nerves originate from the nerve roots in L4-5 and S1-3. The tibial nerves move in the front of the knee and then back into the foot, through the heel, sole and toes. In case your sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain along these pathways; this is how sciatic pain can “spread” or radiate to some of the other parts of the body.
Common Questions and Answers of Sciatica
What is causing my pain? Your sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, may be commonly caused by but not limited to a bulging disc or a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, spinal stenosis, a spinal tumor or other spinal illness, spondylolisthesis, or due to trauma from a injury. Any one of those conditions, among others, can put pressure on the sciatic nerve or related nerve roots in your low back. That stress is what causes your pain and other symptoms.
Will I need surgery? Most patients with lumbar radiculopathy respond positively to non-surgical treatments, such as chiropractic care, therefore, spine surgery for sciatica symptoms is seldom needed to treat it. However, there are situations when you might want to check with your healthcare professional about considering spinal surgery, particularly if:
You have bowel or bladder dysfunction. This is rare, but it might happen with spinal cord compression.
You have spinal stenosis, and your doctor believes that surgery is your best way to take care of it.
You are having other neurologic dysfunctions, such as intense or severe leg weakness.
Your symptoms become severe and/or non-invasive treatments are no longer effective.
What types of surgery are used for lumbar radiculopathy? Two frequent spinal surgeries for sciatica are:
Discectomy or microdiscectomy: In both these procedures, the surgeon removes part or all of a herniated disc that is pushing in your sciatic nerve and causing the symptoms. The distinction between the processes is that a microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive operation. The surgeon uses microscopic magnification to operate through a really small incision with very tiny instruments. Because the surgery is minimally invasive, you should recover more quickly from a microdiscectomy.
Laminectomy or laminotomy: These processes both involve a part of the spine known as the lamina, a bony plate that protects the spinal canal and spinal cord. A laminectomy involves the removal of the whole lamina; a laminotomy removes only a section of the lamina. These processes can produce more space for the nerves, therefore reducing the likelihood of the nerves being compressed or pinched.
Can I utilize over-the-counter drugs and/or medications to deal with my pain? Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can help reduce swelling and inflammation while relieving your pain. You and your doctor have plenty to choose from. You may use acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol), ibuprofen (eg, Advil), or naproxen (eg, Aleve). However, the use of drugs and/or medications only temporarily relieves the symptoms of sciatica without treating the source of the pain. Make sure to talk to a healthcare professional regarding the utilization of these and continue to seek the most appropriate treatment for your sciatic nerve pain, such as chiropractic care.
How Chiropractic Can Help Treat Sciatica
Sciatica is a frequent issue for a lot of people that is identified by pain that begins in the lower back or buttocks, then radiates into one or both legs. It may vary in terms of frequency and severity, but it may often be constant.
The pain from sciatica can often be severe, and in addition, it can be very sharp. It may be associated with tingling sensations, burning, or numbness and weakness. What people may not realize is that it’s a collection of symptoms, an indication that something isn’t right, rather than a single type of injury and/or condition itself. The problem which leads to pain is generally a misalignment, or subluxation, of the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and extends to the lower leg. That is why the pain may often be felt everywhere along the sciatic nerve.
A chiropractor commonly treats patients with symptoms of sciatica. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations will aim to realign the spine, taking the pressure from the sciatic nerve and often bringing immediate relief. When the stress is off, the body can begin to heal itself. While spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are probably most frequently used, other treatments may be provided, particularly if common chiropractic care may not be advisable. Other treatment modalities might include using ultrasound, a TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, device, or ice therapy. Ultrasound warms the region and increases circulation, which can lessen the swelling and muscular tension. A TENS device brings relief using a minor electric current to relax muscle spasms and also to increase endorphins. Furthermore, physical therapy, massage and or a series of stretches and/or exercises, may also help improve sciatica.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment option commonly utilized to help treat symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica is characterized as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury or condition. A chiropractor can help diagnose the source of a patient’s sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, in order to properly determine the best treatment for their specific health issue. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations can be utilized to help carefully correct the alignment of the spine, restoring the natural integrity of the spine and allowing the body to heal itself, without the need for drugs and medications or surgery.
In certain individuals, sciatica may fix itself, possibly happening just once or a few times throughout their lifetime. But, it’s important to remember that if an injury and/or aggravated condition is not treated effectively, symptoms may worsen. A chiropractor can help provide relief from your sciatic nerve pain. Physical activity will most likely be recommended to strengthen the muscles in the back to help prevent sciatica as well as to speed up the recovery process. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
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