The lumbar spine, or lower back, takes a lot of stress and strain throughout the day. The spine provides stabilization for the entire body, and the lumbar spine bears the brunt of much of the movement and activity. This wear and tear show up as lower back pain in many people. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that 31 million Americans have low back pain at some point in their lives. The leading cause of disability is low back pain � not only in the U.S. but worldwide.
What is the Lumbar Spine?
Located in the lower back area, the lumbar region is the portion of the spine that begins below the shoulder blades, about five or six inches, at the lordosis (where it curves in toward the abdomen). Five vertebrae make up the lumbar spine, L1 through L5 � which also happen to be the largest unfused vertebrae in the entire spinal column. The lower vertebrae bear more weight than the upper vertebrae, so they are constructed to be sturdier, but are also more prone to injury and degradation.
The L5 vertebra meets the S1 (the sacrum) at the lumbosacral joint. It is this joint that provides most of the range of motion including rotational flexibility of the hips and pelvis, allowing them to swing during movement such as running and walking.
The spinal cord ends at around the L1 and many nerve roots that originate at the spinal cord form what is called the cauda equine. These nerves travel down the spine, branching out to the legs, buttocks, and feet. The appearance resembles a horse�s tail, hence the name. Because the spinal cord does not extend into the lumbar area, the chance of a problem with the lower back resulting in paralysis or damage to the spinal cord is very rare.
Lower Back Pain
The most common causes�of lower back pain are soft tissue injuries and mechanical problems. Either of these can damage the intervertebral discs, compress the nerve roots, and inhibit the�correct function of the spinal joints so that they don�t move properly. Lower back pain is most commonly caused by a pulled or torn muscle or ligament, known as a sprain or strain. These injuries can have some causes, including:
Prolonged improper posture
Improper lifting of something heavy (without using your legs)
Sports injuries, particularly those where the player sustains high impact or where a lot of twisting is involved
Lifting while twisting the spine
A fall or movement that occurs suddenly and puts a great deal of stress on the lumbar area
Chiropractic Care for the Lumbar Spine
Chiropractic care is a prevalent, effective treatment for lower back pain. A chiropractor can help patients manage their back pain through spinal adjustments and lifestyle advice. They may recommend supplements, exercise, and dietary changes. The whole-body approach to chiropractic makes it an optimal choice for many people, especially those who don�t want to take medications or undergo invasive procedures.
The chiropractic treatment itself usually involves spinal manipulation and mobilization. Spinal manipulation is the technique that most people think of when they think of chiropractic. It of a short lever, high-velocity arm thrust applied directly to the vertebra that is injured or is causing the pain. This technique typically relieves pain, improves the function of the spine, and restores the back�s range of motion. Mobilization is a low-velocity movement performed by the chiropractor to manipulate the area, stretching and moving the joints and muscles.
These techniques typically restore range of motion and flexibility to the spine while reducing pain. For people with chronic lower back pain, chiropractic care can be a game changer.
My treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez has tremendously helped me. It gives me just, a sense of relief knowing that I can come and see him and all of his employees and great masseuses and everyone, can just release all the tension. It just brings me back to life.�
April Hermosillo
Have you ever experienced back pain which triggers or radiates shooting pain into the buttocks or legs? Millions of people in the United States suffer from this common health issue known as sciatica. Sciatica is a general diagnostic term used to describe radiating pain, tingling sensations, numbness or weakness which runs across the length of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica originates along the lower back and then travels from the buttocks into one or both legs. Instead of a dull achy pain, this type of pain is characterized as a sharp, shooting pain that worsens through prolonged periods of sitting. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body comprised of many nerve roots which come together once they exit the spine. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, due to a variety of possible causes, symptoms will manifest and radiate down the leg.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms, including pain, tingling and burning sensations at the lower back and/or legs, weakness, and numbness, caused by a combination of: pressure on the sciatic nerve, inflammation to the sciatic nerve or the region directly surrounding the nerve, an irritation to the sciatic nerve, and/or a pinching of the sciatic nerves. As the largest nerve in the human body, the sciatic nerve can be easily affected.
Sciatic nerve pain is a common health issue that affects many people on a regular basis. Its consequences can range from a mild nuisance to a debilitating pain which interferes with an individual’s physical activities.� Sciatica symptoms manifest in many different ways, including:
Lower back pain
Leg Pain
Buttock pain
A sensation of tingling or �pins & needles� running down the�leg, and even into the toes
Numbness in the legs or feet
Muscle weakness in the legs
Aching or burning feeling in the legs
Pain or numbness in the�big toe, or any of the toes
Any combination of the list above
As you may see, though some individuals could experience pain from the lower back all the way down to their feet, it can be isolated to a segment of this area. Fortunately, a variety of treatment approaches are available to help treat sciatica. Below, we will discuss some of the most common causes of sciatica as well as demonstrate the best treatment approach.�Chiropractic care is one of the most common alternative treatment options utilized to provide sciatic nerve pain relief without prescriptions or surgery.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatic nerve pain may not always be felt immediately following an injury or condition due�to an accident. Some people experience sciatica that seems to come and go, while for others, it might take years before their symptoms manifest at all. This is partly because pain is processed by only 10 percent of the�nervous system. A patient may also feel relief from their pain, but because the underlying cause of their sciatica hasn’t been fixed, the pain will come back. Below is a list of some of the causes of sciatica.
Subluxation or misalignment of the vertebrae
Disc degeneration, herniation, bulge, protrusion or other damage
A tumor pressing on the sciatic nerve
Injury to muscles
Pregnancy
Slipping, falling, or other impacts
Internal bleeding
Bad posture, either from sitting, standing or sleeping
Osteoarthritis
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal the sciatic nerves pass through,
Playing sports
Poor lifting techniques
Other normal daily activities
While there are many possible causes for sciatica, the most frequent is a subluxation, or misalignment of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine,�or low back. A subluxation that is left untreated will result in the wear-and-tear of the spine, which in turn may lead�to disc protrusions, disc degeneration, disc herniations, and at some stages, even osteoarthritis. Chiropractic care will gently fix subluxations in the spine, allowing the nervous system to perform at an optimal level so that true recovery can occur.
Another common cause�of sciatica is a disc herniation. Spinal stenosis, which is a consequence of severe degeneration or alignment problems can also cause sciatic nerve pain. A condition called piriformis syndrome occurs when a tight piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Determining the reason for sciatica is essential in understanding how to care for the health issue. Untreated sciatica can lead to problems such as:
Constipation
Difficulty getting pregnant
Digestion Problems
Edema or leg swelling
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Incontinence
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Menstrual problems
Urinary problems
And more
Leaving sciatica untreated for any length of time can be damaging to your health, and the problem may worsen over time. The use of drugs and/or medications to help cope with your sciatic pain may only offer temporary relief from the symptoms as the real underlying source of your sciatica may not have been treated accordingly.�Diagnosis typically includes a comprehensive examination using a range of motion testing, neurological testing, imaging with MRI or X-Rays, and occasionally, further testing using nerve conduction velocity and electromyography evaluations.
Treatment for sciatica may vary depending on the cause of the symptoms. A chiropractor may use a series of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations�to help take pressure from the sciatic nerve. Other chiropractic care techniques and methods include the flexion distraction diversified technique, traction, and lumbar decompression. Passive and active exercises can also help treat sciatica. Exercises can also be recommended to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility. In severe cases of sciatica, the healthcare professional may recommend surgery.�
Sciatica occurs when an injury or condition results in the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body. When this happens, a collection of symptoms, including pain, tingling and burning sensations, as well as numbness, can develop. Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option which can help carefully release the tension in the spine, reducing sciatic nerve pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
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Chiropractic Care and Sciatica
The European Spine Journal printed the findings from a clinical trial demonstrating that chiropractic care led to a 72 percent success rate in treating sciatica and its associated symptoms compared to only a 20 percent success rate from physical therapy, and a 50 percent success rate from corticosteroid injections when treating sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatica is a widespread problem that many patients experience. Chiropractic care can find the source of the health issue in order to begin treatment and deliver pain relief accurately.�Sciatica can be painful and hinder you from living life to the fullest. Contact a chiropractor now to determine whether this is the ideal solution for you.
If you or somebody you know is suffering from sciatica and any of its associated symptoms, please recommend this article to them.�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: Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Chiropractic treatment is dedicated to finding and correcting spinal misalignments. Many seek chiropractic care to alleviate pain and other health-related symptoms. One condition that is sought out constantly, is relief from lower back pain.
31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. This condition affects many, but finding the exact cause can be a challenge. Chiropractors are spinal specialists that are trained to not only alleviate pain but also find and help correct the cause of the problem.
Prevention Is The Best Defense
Prevention is the best cure for any condition/ailment. When a someone sees a chiropractor, they not only find relief for their condition, but they learn ways to prevent they symptoms in the future. Using proper exercise and ergonomics, they can ease the discomfort before it starts. Great results are gained by individuals that listen to instructions.
Treatment Options
Treatment options are plentiful. Based on the diagnosis they will suggest the ones that will benefit you the most. These treatments may include one or more of the following:
Spinal adjustments delivered either by hand or instrument like an Activator
Hot or cold compresses
Physical therapy modalities like Interferential Therapy or TENS
Massage Therapy or some other form of soft tissue work
Spinal decompression therapy
Relief
Prescription medication could still be required to help reduce levels. The good news is that the meds can be decreased quicker than usual, as the spine misalignments are corrected, nerve compression is alleviated and the inflammation is reduced. This alone is well worth the investment of time and money to see a chiropractor.
Exercise & Physical Rehabilitation
As the treatment progresses from pain relief to rehabilitation, a chiropractor will recommend exercises to help strengthen the core muscles. These muscles help stabilize and protect the lower back. These exercises are performed at the office or specialized fitness center with certified physical therapists/trainers to make sure you understand how to do them without re-aggravating the original condition. Once educated on the purpose and how to perform them correctly, you�ll be able to continue at home in conjunction with spinal adjustments during maintenance care.
Surgery Options
Depending on the condition, surgery can be avoided if chiropractic treatment is implemented before injury/s or pain worsen. A chiropractor can help avoid surgery by correcting the problem.
Make sure you follow the recommendations after a consultation and examination are performed. The examination may require X-rays or MRIs.
A chiropractor is the ideal medical professional to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They are highly qualified professionals that their specialty is treating conditions like lower back pain and they are very affordable. If you or a loved one have pain in the lower back, gives us a call. We�re here to help!
Louie Martinez, business owner, first chose to see Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, after he suffered several injuries which resulted in lower back pain, among other symptoms. Louie Martinez trusts in Dr. Alex Jimenez’s treatment because it gives him the thorough relief he needs immediately. Before seeing Dr. Alex Jimenez for lower back pain treatment, Louie Martinez experienced pain and limited mobility. However, after initial treatment, his symptoms were tremendously improved. Louie Martinez highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for lower bak pain treatment, among others.
Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment
A lumbar strain is a stretch injury to the ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles of the lower spine. The extending episode ends up in microscopic tears of varying degrees in those cells. A lumbar strain is considered one of the most frequent causes of lower back pain. The injury can occur due to overuse, improper use, or injury. Soft-tissue injury is commonly categorized as “severe” if it has been present for weeks. If the strain lasts longer than three months, it is known as “chronic.” Lumbar strain most often happens in individuals in their 40’s, however, it can occur at any age. The health issue is characterized by localized discomfort in the lower back region.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and share us.
Three Steps: Your lower back needs protection, strength and nourishment to help prevent and reduce lower back pain.
Adding these 3 steps to one’s day can help take stress off your lower back:
Three Steps
1. Work On A Stand-Up Desk For Part Of The Day
Too much sitting is common in the cause of low back pain. Posture while sitting, forward leaning in order to look at a computer screen, affects the natural alignment of the lower spine by placing a heavy load on the lumbar discs and joints.
Many people are utilizing standup desks for part of their workday. Standup desks come in a variety of shapes, functionality, and price ranges. They can be inexpensive to fully adjustable, automatic models.
If lower back pain is already an issue, only stand for part of the day and gradually increase to longer standing times. Cushioned and standing mats add additional comfort, as well as, exercise benefits. Standing more, along with quick walks and/or quick stretches at the half hour can break up the extended sitting cycle.
2. Stretch Hamstrings On A Daily Basis
Hamstrings are the large muscles that run down the back of each thigh. They can quite easily become tight. If they become very tight then the hamstring/s will transfer stress across the lower back and can lead to back pain.
There are a variety of hamstring stretches that are gentle on the back and easy to do: pick one or two that work for you and are easy to incorporate it into a daily routine.
3. Sleep In A Reclined Position
People with lower back pain feel more support when the lower back is in a slightly reclined position, along with the knees supported and elevated. This is true for lower back diagnoses, such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and lumbar degeneration.
If it is difficult to sleep on your back, try resting in this position in a reclining chair or bed before going to sleep.
Sleeping the most comfortable in a supported, reclined position can come from switching to an adjustable bed, aka (adjustable base). Just like the stand-up desks, these models range from basic to sophisticated options.
A new development now is that online mattress companies now offer mattress bases that are fully adjustable, and some offer free delivery/setup. Consider a new mattress with an adjustable base that goes with the mattress. This combination may work to help your back.
We encourage back pain supplementation with chiropractic treatment and any type of steps one can take to help prevent and reduce lower back.
Injury Medical Clinic: Sciatica Treatments & Recoveries
Pablo Mena and his son, Pablo Alonso Mena, started receiving chiropractic care and physical therapy with Dr. Alex Jimenez and the trainers at Push after Pablo Mena (father) injured his lower back. Ever since Pablo Mena and his son started treatment and rehab, they have seen tremendous improvements in their overall health and wellness. Pablo Alonso Mena (son) has also benefitted from chiropractic care and physical therapy. Both father and son recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for lower back pain treatment.
Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care is a medical profession devoted to the non-surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system and/or the musculoskeletal system. Normally, chiropractors maintain an exceptional focus on spinal manipulation for surrounding structures. A number of studies have concluded that massage treatments commonly used by physicians are usually effective for the treatment of lower back pain, as well as for treatment of lumbar herniated disc for radiculopathy and neck pain, among other conditions. In reality, when patients with non invasive chronic low back pain are treated by chiropractors, the long-term outcome is improved by obtaining maintenance spinal manipulation.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and share us.
David Garcia is a proud father and maintenance facility worker at the Region 19 Education Services Center in El Paso, TX. However, Mr. Garcia’s daily life is often affected by his chronic lower back pain. After experiencing worsening symptoms for approximately two years, David Garcia was recommended to seek chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez by his sister, a previous patient of Dr. Jimenez. Mr. Garcia has since experienced tremendous relief from his lower back pain and he is grateful to Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff for providing him with education regarding his health issues as well as properly caring for his injuries and/or conditions. David Garcia recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non surgical choice for lower back pain.
Chiropractic Care For Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is not a specific injury or condition but rather a symptoms which may be caused by a wide variety of underlying health issues, all of varying levels of severity. The majority of low back pain does not have a clear cause but is believed to be the result of non-serious musculoskeletal problems, including sprains or strains. Obesity, smoking, weight gain during pregnancy, stress, poor physical condition, poor posture and poor sleeping positions have also been attributed to develop low back pain.A full list of possible causes includes many less common conditions. Physical causes may include osteoarthritis, degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae or a spinal disc herniation, broken vertebra(e) (such as from osteoporosis) or, rarely, an infection or tumor of the spine.
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Thank You & God Bless.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, C.C.S.T
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