What causes low back pain and tingling in legs. How to identify sciatica symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for numbness and tingling. What are the treatment options for spinal disk problems.

Understanding Sciatica: A Common Cause of Low Back Pain and Leg Tingling

Sciatica is a prevalent condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. This condition can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. But what exactly is sciatica, and how does it manifest?

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica typically presents with a range of symptoms, including:

• Lower back pain
• Pain in the buttocks or leg that worsens when sitting
• Hip pain
• Burning or tingling sensation down the leg
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• Constant pain on one side of the buttocks
• Shooting pain that makes standing difficult

Is sciatica always bilateral? Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. The pain often extends from the lower back through the back of the thigh and down the leg. In some cases, the discomfort may reach the foot or toes, depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected.

The Root Causes of Sciatica and Low Back Pain

Understanding the underlying causes of sciatica is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. What are the primary factors contributing to sciatic nerve compression?

• Herniated disk
• Bone spur
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disk disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Pregnancy
• Muscle spasm in the back or buttocks

Can lifestyle factors exacerbate back pain? Indeed, certain factors can worsen back pain, including excess weight, lack of regular exercise, wearing high heels, or sleeping on an overly soft mattress.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention for Sciatica

While sciatica may resolve on its own in some cases, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. When should you consult a doctor for sciatica?

• Severe pain in the lower back or leg
• Weakness in the lower extremities
• Numbness in the leg
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

How is sciatica treated? Treatment options for sciatica include physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. The appropriate course of action depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Peripheral Neuropathy: A Major Cause of Numbness and Tingling

Peripheral neuropathy refers to an abnormality of the nerves outside the spinal canal and is a significant cause of numbness and tingling in the extremities. What are the various factors that can lead to peripheral neuropathy?

• Diabetes
• Peripheral nerve entrapment
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Inflammatory or rheumatologic disorders
• Alcoholism
• Kidney failure
• Circulatory issues
• Damage from chemotherapy and radiation

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Common Nerve Entrapment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent form of nerve entrapment, affecting the hand and wrist. Who is at increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome? Individuals who engage in repetitive wrist activities, such as typing or cutting hair, are more susceptible to this condition.

Vitamin Deficiencies and Neuropathy

Can vitamin deficiencies cause numbness and tingling? Yes, deficiencies in vitamins B-12 and folate are common culprits. These deficiencies may also be accompanied by weakness from anemia, paleness, loss of appetite, and soreness in the tongue and mouth.

Neurological Disorders and Their Impact on Sensation

Various neurological conditions can lead to numbness and tingling sensations. What are some of the neurological disorders associated with these symptoms?

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Spinal cord tumors or cysts

How do spinal cord problems manifest? Issues in different regions of the spine can affect various parts of the body:

• Cervical spine problems may cause symmetrical arm and leg numbness and possible paralysis
• Thoracic (mid-back) issues affect the trunk and legs
• Lumbosacral (low back and tailbone) conditions impact the hips and legs

Vascular and Circulatory Issues Leading to Numbness and Tingling

Circulatory problems can result in reduced blood supply to certain areas, causing numbness and tingling. How can you identify if your symptoms are related to vascular issues? Look for accompanying signs such as:

• Blue or red discoloration of the affected area
• Paleness
• Cold sensation
• Painful sensations in the area

Differential Diagnosis: When Numbness and Tingling Signal Serious Conditions

While many causes of numbness and tingling are benign, certain symptoms may indicate more serious underlying conditions. What red flags should prompt immediate medical attention?

• Sudden onset of symptoms
• Numbness or tingling accompanied by weakness or paralysis
• Symptoms affecting both sides of the body
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness or tingling in the face or tongue

How do healthcare providers diagnose the cause of numbness and tingling? Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and potentially diagnostic tests such as:

• Blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies or diabetes
• Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG)
• Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans
• Lumbar puncture in cases where multiple sclerosis is suspected

Treatment Approaches for Numbness and Tingling

The treatment for numbness and tingling depends on the underlying cause. What are some common treatment strategies?

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., ergonomic adjustments, weight loss)
• Vitamin supplementation in cases of deficiency

Medications

Which medications are commonly prescribed for numbness and tingling?

• Pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antidepressants (for neuropathic pain)
• Anticonvulsants (for nerve pain)

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of numbness and tingling. When is surgery typically considered?

• Severe or persistent nerve compression
• Herniated disks that don’t respond to conservative treatment
• Tumors or cysts affecting the spinal cord or nerves

How effective is surgery for relieving numbness and tingling? The success rate of surgical interventions varies depending on the specific condition and individual factors. In many cases, surgery can provide significant relief when conservative measures have failed.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications

While not all causes of numbness and tingling can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk or severity of symptoms. What steps can individuals take to promote nerve health?

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation and strengthen supporting muscles
• Practice good posture and ergonomics
• Manage underlying health conditions such as diabetes
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Eat a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals

Can stress management techniques help alleviate numbness and tingling? While stress itself may not directly cause these symptoms, reducing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage pain and improve overall well-being.

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Some individuals find relief from numbness and tingling through complementary and alternative medicine approaches. What are some popular alternative treatments for these symptoms?

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Herbal supplements
• Mindfulness practices

Are these alternative treatments effective for numbness and tingling? While scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments varies, some individuals report significant relief. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any alternative treatment regimen, especially if you have an underlying medical condition.

Living with Chronic Numbness and Tingling: Coping Strategies

For some individuals, numbness and tingling may become chronic conditions. How can people effectively manage these ongoing symptoms?

• Develop a pain management plan with your healthcare provider
• Join support groups to connect with others experiencing similar symptoms
• Explore adaptive devices to assist with daily activities
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Stay physically active within your limits

Can cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help manage chronic pain and associated symptoms? CBT has shown promise in helping individuals cope with chronic pain conditions. This therapeutic approach can provide tools for managing pain, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life.

The Future of Numbness and Tingling Treatment: Emerging Therapies

Research into new treatments for numbness, tingling, and associated conditions continues to advance. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

• Stem cell therapy for nerve regeneration
• Gene therapy for inherited neuropathies
• Advanced neuromodulation techniques
• Targeted drug delivery systems
• Virtual reality for pain management

How might these emerging therapies change the landscape of treatment for numbness and tingling? While many of these approaches are still in the experimental stages, they hold potential for more effective, targeted treatments with fewer side effects. As research progresses, individuals suffering from chronic numbness and tingling may have access to a broader range of treatment options in the future.

In conclusion, numbness and tingling in the legs, often accompanied by low back pain, can be symptoms of various conditions ranging from minor nerve compression to serious neurological disorders. Understanding the underlying causes, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and exploring appropriate treatment options are crucial steps in managing these symptoms effectively. Whether through conservative measures, medical interventions, or emerging therapies, individuals experiencing these symptoms have numerous avenues to explore in their quest for relief and improved quality of life.

Spinal Disk Problem Symptoms: Pain, Numbness, and More

Sciatica is a common type of pain that affects your sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through your hips and butt down the back of each leg.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Lower back pain
• Pain in your butt or leg that worsens when you sit
• Hip pain
• Burning or tingling down your leg
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your leg or foot
• A constant pain on one side of your butt
• A shooting pain down your leg that makes it difficult to stand up

Sciatica usually affects only one side of your lower body. Often, the pain extends from your lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through one of your legs. Depending on where your sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to your foot or toes.

For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and make it hard for them to do things they usually do. For others, it might not last long, but it bothers them and it has the potential to get worse.

What Causes It?

Sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve is pinched, usually from a herniated disk or bone spur. Other common causes of sciatica include:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back)
• Degenerative disk disease (breakdown of disks, which act as cushions between your vertebrae)
• Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one)
• Pregnancy
• Muscle spasm in your back or buttocks

Other things that can make your back pain worsen include being overweight, not exercising regularly, wearing high heels, or sleeping on a mattress that is too soft.

When to Call the Doctor

Your sciatica may go away on its own, but if your pain is severe or doesn’t go away, you may want to see your doctor. Sciatica can be treated with physical therapy, medication, and surgery.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Weakness in your lower extremities
• Numbness in your leg
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe pain in your lower back or leg

Numbness and Tingling: When to Worry: The Spine Center of Baton Rouge: Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons

Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs are abnormal sensations that result from disorders of a nerve or nerves. There are many different possibilities as to the cause of these symptoms. Most of the time the cause is not serious, but certain associated signs and symptoms can signal the need to see your doctor.

A major cause of numbness and tingling is peripheral neuropathy. This refers to an abnormality of the nerves outside the spinal canal. Several causes of neuropathy exist, including, but not limited to diabetes, peripheral nerve entrapment, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, inflammatory or rheumatologic disorders, alcoholism, kidney failure, circulatory issues and damage from chemotherapy and radiation. In diabetics, the numbness and tingling is often accompanied by increased thirst, hunger, and urination. The most common nerve entrapment is carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the hand and wrist. Increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome is noted in people who do repetitive wrist activity such as typing or cutting hair. Vitamin B-12 and folate are common vitamin deficiencies and can be associated with weakness from anemia, paleness, loss of appetite, and sore tongue and mouth. Long term excessive alcohol drinking can cause numbness and tingling and is usually associated with a wide-based gait. Certain rheumatologic or endocrine conditions that can cause neuropathy include rheumatoid arthritis, amyloidosis, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. Neurologic neuropathies (such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy) are typically associated with weakness in the arms or legs. Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve is affected after exiting the spinal cord as it passes through the hip or buttock area. This is commonly associated with leg pain and/or back pain.

Disorders of the brain and spinal cord also commonly cause numbness and tingling. Problems in the cervical spine can result in symmetrical arm and leg numbness and possible paralysis of the arms and legs. Thoracic (mid back) problems affect the trunk and legs. Lumbosacral (low back and tailbone) conditions affect the hips and legs. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder which can cause these symptoms, but these will rarely occur in a symmetrical pattern. Other spinal cord problems such as tumors or cysts can be associated with pain, weakness, clumsiness, or bowel or bladder problems.

Vascular or circulatory problems leading to lack of blood supply to an area can cause numbness and tingling. This will commonly accompany blue or red discoloration, paleness or cold and painful sensation in the area.

While the potential causes of these symptoms are quite varied, certain causes are obviously of greater concern than others. Numbness and tingling that is associated with weakness, paralysis, or loss of bladder or bowel control warrant emergent evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional. Also, any symptoms of confusion, vision or speech changes, weakness, or loss of consciousness should prompt a visit to a local emergency department. Numbness and tingling associated with neck or back pain, arm or leg pain, muscle spasms, or rash require a call or visit to your physician but are less urgent in nature. Obtaining a proper history and physical from a physician, as well as diagnostic testing and procedures, are necessary to make a correct diagnosis and implement proper treatment. If any of these symptoms are experienced and persist despite change in position or activity, please consider evaluation with your doctor for appropriate care.

7 Most Common Causes for Leg Numbness

7 Most Common Causes for Leg Numbness

What causes numbness in the legs and feet? We have many potential answers for you. In many cases, these issues have a spine-related cause that we can address. Discover how the spine can cause leg numbness and where to get help.
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Pinched Nerve

Your spinal cord consists of delicate nerves that allow the brain and body to communicate. When pressure pinches one of your spinal nerves, it can interfere with the messages sent to your legs. As a result, you can feel pain, tingling or numbness in one or both of your legs. Pinched nerves need immediate treatment to avoid long-term problems.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs as a result of a pinched spinal nerve root. A nerve called the sciatic nerve runs down your lower back and legs, and it affects both these areas when compressed. Pain from sciatica usually affects only one side of your body and radiates from your lower back to the back of the leg.

Herniated Disc

The spine has individual bones called vertebrae that are cushioned with soft discs. When a disc undergoes too much pressure, its soft interior can push through its exterior wall. While some people with herniated discs feel no symptoms, others experience numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. A herniated disc may also cause severe pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis causes the bone around the spinal cord to narrow, putting extra pressure on the nerves. Age, arthritis, injuries, disc problems and other issues can result in the spine narrowing. When the bone presses on certain nerves, you can experience sciatica or other forms of nerve pain in your legs.

Foraminal Stenosis

The nerves in your back travel through entrances in the vertebrae called foramina. Multiple issues can result in these passages narrowing and pressing on the inside nerves, which is known as foraminal stenosis. Foraminal stenosis in the lower back vertebrae create symptoms such as numbness in the legs, buttocks and feet.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of your vertebrae moves out of place. Patients of any age can experience this condition, which can occur to various degrees. The misaligned vertebra puts pressure on your nerves, resulting in back and leg pain. It can also create numbness in one or both legs.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located where your pelvis and spine meet. When the SI joint becomes misaligned, you can feel pain, tingling and numbness in your legs and lower back. SI joint dysfunction often grows more severe over time, making it imperative to get treatment right away.

Let Us Help You Find the Source of Your Leg Numbness

For patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, there are not many treatment options that bridge the gap between conservative care and invasive surgery. Superion is a least-invasive option for patients with moderate spinal stenosis that have had six months on conservative treatment without relief. Other patients may be told that traditional invasive spinal surgery is too demanding on their bodies.”,
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Leg numbness has many possible causes, and most cases occur due to overlapping problems. A back pain management specialist will identify and resolve the issue.

At the Spine Institute of North America, we examine all aspects of your pain and how it affects your well-being. We specialize in least-invasive spine procedures and personalized treatment. Seek our help today by completing our online appointment scheduling form. Feel free to choose from three different offices across New Jersey.
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Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Common Cause of Back and Leg Pain

Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor. org, the AAFP patient education website.

Information from Your Family Doctor

Am Fam Physician. 2003 May 15;67(10):2199-2200.

What is lumbar spinal canal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal canal stenosis is a narrowing in the space in the lower spine that carries nerves to your legs. This space is very small. It gets even smaller if the bone and tissue around it grow. It takes many years for this bone and tissue to grow.

Arthritis, falls, accidents, and wear and tear on the bones and joints in the spine also play a part in stenosis. As the lumbar spinal canal shrinks, the nerves that go through it are squeezed. This squeezing may cause back pain, leg pain, and leg weakness. Many adults have this kind of stenosis.

How does my doctor know I have stenosis?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. People with stenosis usually have back pain most of the time. They also may have leg pain, numbness, or weakness. The leg pain and numbness usually start when you stand up and begin to walk or exercise. The leg pain has been described as a burning or prickly feeling that may start in the buttocks and spread down to the feet when you start walking.

Your legs also might feel cramped, tired, or weak. These are symptoms of a condition called neural claudication (say this: claw-dih-kay-shun) of the legs. If you have lumbar canal stenosis, the neural leg claudication starts when you stand up, gets worse when you walk, and gets better when you stop walking. Often, the leg pain gets better if you crouch or lie in a fetal position (on your sides with your knees tucked up to your chest). It is thought that these positions “open” the lumbar canal and take the pressure off the nerves that go to the legs.

Leg claudication starts slowly but gets worse after a while. The leg pain begins slowly and gets worse with activity.

Although your doctor can probably tell if you have claudication just by asking you certain questions, sometimes special tests and x-rays of the spine are needed.

Is this the same as a ruptured disc?

No. Lumbar canal stenosis is not the same as a ruptured disc. A ruptured (herniated) disc usually pinches one or two nerves at a time. The pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine usually is easy to diagnose. This pain has a special name: sciatica. Sciatica (say this: sigh-attic-ah) usually causes back pain that shoots down one leg. This pain can happen any time, not just when you stand up or start walking.

What can I do for the pain and numbness?

Once you know you have lumbar canal stenosis or claudication, you have several choices for treatment, depending on how bad your symptoms are. If your pain is mild and you have not had it long, you can try an exercise program or a physical therapy program to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. Your doctor also may prescribe medicine for inflammation (soreness and swelling) in your spine.

If you have severe back pain and claudication, you may need to see a spine surgeon. This doctor may recommend surgery to take the pressure off the nerves in your lower spine. The surgery is called a laminectomy (say: lam-in-ek-toe-me) because parts of your spine called the lamina are taken out to make room for the nerves in the spinal canal. This surgery works well for many people.

Understanding Sciatica – Back Pain Center

Sciatica is a particular type of lower back pain, or leg and back pain that comes from injury or pressure on your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve is a large nerve formed by roots coming out of your spinal cord in the lower part of your back. These roots come together to form two large nerves that run down the back of each of your legs.

The reason sciatica can cause lower back pain as well as leg pain and weakness is that your sciatic nerves control the muscles in the backs of your knees and lower legs. These two nerves also supply feeling to the backs of your thighs, parts of your lower legs, and the soles of your feet.

“Because sciatica is caused by pressure on the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve, and there are multiple nerve roots, different people feel sciatic pain in different places,” says S. Christine Kovacs, MD, a rheumatologist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Sciatica Symptoms and Causes

Sciatica most often strikes people in their 40s and 50s, according to a study published in March 2015 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Situated between the bones of the spine, intervertebral disks act as cushions and shock absorbers. If they become damaged and start to bulge out between the bones of your lower back (a condition known as a slipped or herniated disk), they can press on your sciatic nerve roots and cause sciatica. Herniated disks are the most common cause of sciatica, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

About 1 to 2 percent of the population will have back pain caused by a slipped disk at some time in their lives, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine. Herniated disks are most often the result of wear and tear, but can also develop from a sudden injury.

Symptoms of sciatica may include:

• Lower back pain
• Shooting pain down the back of the leg
• Burning leg and back pain
• Tingling and numbness of the back or leg
• Weakness of the back or leg

Not everyone has experiences back pain with sciatica, notes Dr. Kovacs. You may only experience tingling and numbness. It all depends on which roots of the nerve are affected. “Although sciatica can occur on both sides, it is usually one-sided,” she adds. Sciatic pain may get worse with sitting, walking, bending, sneezing, or coughing.

Diagnosing and Treating Sciatica

A diagnosis of sciatica is usually made during a history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask you about your pain. During the physical exam, you may be asked to lift your leg while lying on your back — shooting pain down the back of your leg while in this position is a common sign of sciatica. Your doctor will also check the strength and reflexes in your leg.

An X-ray of your back and an MRI are common tests sometimes used to help diagnose sciatica. Not all cases will require these tests. “Sciatica symptoms such as numbness and weakness may need to be evaluated with an MRI,” says Kovacs.

Treatment of sciatica usually starts with rest and pain control. “During the first 72 hours [after the pain starts] an ice pack may be applied to the lower back to reduce swelling. After that, heat works best to relax muscle spasms and reduce pain,” explains Kovacs.

Typical treatments may include:

• A few days of bed rest
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cold and hot compresses
• Resuming activity after a few days with mild stretching exercises or other physical therapy
• Muscle relaxants (may be needed for muscle spasms)

Some people may need steroid injections into the spine. In rare cases, surgery may also be considered.

Though it can be a very painful condition, sciatica usually responds to a short period of rest and non-surgical treatment. Up to 90 percent of people with sciatica get better over time without surgery.

8 Top Warning Signs You Have a Pinched Nerve: The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas: Orthopedic Surgeons

Pinched nerves aren’t uncommon, but when they occur, they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, we help people relieve pain and other symptoms caused by pinched nerves. The first step in getting relief: making sure nerve compression is really to blame. Here are eight of the most common symptoms you might experience if you’ve got a pinched nerve:

1. Pain or burning sensations radiating down your leg

Sciatica is a common type of low back pain that happens when the sciatic nerve gets pinched or compressed where it exits your lower spine (called your lumbar spine). Because branches of the sciatic nerve extend from your lumbar spine through your buttock and all the way down your leg, if the nerve gets compressed or irritated, you can feel pain, burning sensations, or a dull aching anywhere along that nerve pathway. 

2. Pain extending from your neck down your arm

Like sciatica, nerve compression in the neck portion of your spine (called your cervical spine) occurs when a nerve in your neck becomes compressed or pinched when it leaves your spine to travel down your arms or into your shoulders. Irritation of a cervical nerve can cause pain and similar symptoms anywhere along the nerve pathway, including your shoulders, the very upper part of your back, your arms, and even your hands. 

3. Weakness in legs

When you walk or use your legs in other ways, the nerves in your legs send information at lightning-fast speed to your brain, which in turn stimulates your muscles to react in specific ways. If your sciatic nerve or other nerves in your legs are pinched, it can interfere with those signals. As a result, you might feel weakness in your legs or you might have difficulty performing certain movements (even walking).

4. Reduced grip strength

It might sound a little odd, but your hand nerves play a big role in your ability to grab and hold things. That’s because they provide your brain with a lot of sensory information about things you’re touching so your brain can “tell” your muscles how to react. When a nerve in your cervical vertebrae is irritated or pinched, it may not be able to transmit all that data to your brain. And that means your muscles won’t be able to perform like they should, resulting in poor grip strength, difficulty writing, or performing other small-motor tasks.

5. Numbness

Nerve compression essentially “shuts down” communication between the nerves in your legs, arms, or other areas of your body, so your brain is unable to “feel” in those areas. As a result, you may feel numb in those areas or you may have a complete lack of sensation, like when you sleep with your arm in an unusual position.

6. Pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)

Like numbness, paresthesia (prickly sensations) happens when a nerve is compressed or irritated. The signals between the nerve and the brain aren’t completely blocked, but they’re interfered with just enough to cause these annoying symptoms. Paresthesia is a common early indicator of carpal tunnel syndrome.

7. Bowel or bladder incontinence

Nerves in your back don’t just help you move your legs and feet. They also control your bladder and bowels. When a nerve in your lower back is severely compressed, you might leak urine or bowel movement, or you might have other problems with these functions.

8. Pain that changes when you move position

It’s not uncommon for pain to lessen or worsen when you move your position, but the way it changes can vary based on what’s causing the pain. For many people with sciatica, for instance, pain can lessen when leaning forward from a sitting position, or when lying completely flat on your back. However, if you lie on your side, it often gets worse (which is why it can be so hard to sleep with a pinched nerve in your back). 

Get relief for your pain — whatever the cause

At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, we provide custom care solutions tailored to the needs of the individual patient. If you’re experiencing pain or other uncomfortable or unusual symptoms, we can help you get the relief you need to feel better. The first step in relieving pain and other symptoms is to schedule an office visit so you can be evaluated. To schedule your evaluation, book an appointment online today.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through a tunnel formed by your vertebrae. The tunnel is called the spinal canal. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of your back. Stenosis, which means narrowing, can cause pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves that go from your spinal cord to your muscles.

Spinal stenosis can happen in any part of your spine but is most common in the lower back. This part of your spine is called your lumbar area. Five lumbar vertebrae connect your upper spine to your pelvis.

If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, you may have trouble walking distances or find that you need to lean forward to relieve pressure on your lower back. You may also have pain or numbness in your legs. In more severe cases, you may have difficulty controlling your bowel and bladder. There is no cure for lumbar spinal stenosis, but you have many treatment choices.

What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, the gradual wear and tear that happens to your joints over time. Spinal stenosis is common because osteoarthritis begins to cause changes in most people’s spines by age 50. That’s why most people who develop symptoms of spinal stenosis are 50 or older. Women have a higher risk of developing spinal stenosis than men.

Besides osteoarthritis, other conditions or circumstances can cause spinal stenosis:

• Narrow spinal canal
• Injury to the spine
• Spinal tumor
• Certain bone diseases
• Past surgery of the spine
• Rheumatoid arthritis

What are the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis?

Early lumbar spinal stenosis may have no symptoms. In most people, symptoms develop gradually over time. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the back
• Burning pain going into the buttocks and down into the legs (sciatica)
• Numbness, tingling, cramping, or weakness in the legs
• Loss of sensation in the feet
• A weakness in a foot that causes the foot to slap down when walking (“foot drop”)
• Loss of sexual ability

Pressure on nerves in the lumbar region can also cause more serious symptoms known as cauda equine syndrome. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical attention right away:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Severe or increasing numbness between your legs, inner thighs, and back of the legs
• Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or both legs. This makes it hard to walk or get out of a chair

How is lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed?

To diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam. During the physical exam your healthcare provider will look for signs of spinal stenosis, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes.

These tests help make a diagnosis:

• X-rays of your lumbar spine. These may show bone growths called spurs that push on spinal nerves and/or narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Imaging tests. A CT scan or MRI scan can give a more detailed look at the spinal canal and nerve structures.
• Other studies. Your healthcare provider might order a bone scan, myelogram (a CT taken after injecting dye), and EMG (an electrical test of muscle activity).

How is lumbar spinal stenosis treated?

If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, many types of healthcare professionals can help you, such as arthritis specialists, nerve specialists, surgeons, and physical therapists. Treatment can include physical therapy, medicine, and sometimes surgery. Except in emergencies, such as cauda equina syndrome, surgery is usually the last resort.

• Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen your back, stomach, and leg muscles. Learning how to do activities safely, using braces to support your back, stretching, and massage may also be helpful.
• Medicines may include nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines that relieve pain and swelling, and steroid injections that reduce swelling.
• Surgical treatments include removing bone spurs and widening the space between vertebrae. The lower back may also be stabilized by fusing together some of the vertebrae.
• Acupuncture and chiropractic care may also be helpful for some people.

What can I do to prevent lumbar spinal stenosis?

Because almost everyone has some osteoarthritis of the spine by age 50, you can’t really prevent lumbar spinal stenosis. But you may be able to lower your risk. Here are some ways to keep your spine healthy:

• Get regular exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support your lower back and helps keep your spine flexible. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, and weight training are all good for your back.
• Maintain good posture. Learn how to safely lift heavy objects. Also, sleep on a firm mattress and sit in a chair that supports the natural curves of your back.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts more stress on your back and can contribute to developing symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Living with lumbar spinal stenosis

The best way to manage lumbar spinal stenosis is to learn as much as you can about your disease, work closely with your medical team, and take an active role in your treatment.

Keep your lower back as healthy as possible by maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good body mechanics, and getting regular exercise.

Simple home remedies like an ice bag, heating pad, massage, or a long, hot shower can help. The nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have been recommended as nutritional supplements for osteoarthritis, but recent studies have been disappointing. Ask your healthcare provider if you should try any nutritional supplements and discuss any alternative treatments or medicines you’re thinking about trying.

When should to call my healthcare provider?

Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause cauda equine syndrome, which needs medical attention right away. Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Severe or increasing numbness between your legs, inner thighs, or back of your legs
• Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or both legs, making it hard to walk or get out of a chair

Key points about lumbar spinal stenosis

• Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine that happens gradually over time.
• There is no cure for lumbar spinal stenosis but your healthcare provider can help you manage the condition.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

90,000 diagnostics, rehabilitation treatment at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Sciatica (Sciatica) – back pain, spreading along the back-outer surface of the thigh to the lower leg and foot.

6 main causes of sciatica

Various diseases of the lumbar spine can cause sciatica. Sciatica is often described as moderate to intense leg pain. It is caused by compression of one or more of the five pairs of nerve roots in the lumbar spine.Sometimes doctors call sciatica radiculopathy. Radiculopathy is the medical term used to describe pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs caused by nerve root problems. If there is a nerve problem in the cervical region, then this condition is called cervical radiculopathy. Since sciatica affects the lumbar region, it is also called lumbar radiculopathy.

Causes of pain

5 pairs of nerve roots in the lumbosacral region are combined to create the sciatic nerve.Starting at the back of the pelvis (sacrum), the sciatic nerve runs behind the buttocks and down through the hip joint to the lower extremities. Nerve roots are not separate structures, but part of the general nervous system of the body, capable of transmitting pain and sensations to other parts of the body. Radiculopathy is caused by nerve root compression, a ruptured disc, or bone overgrowth before it joins the sciatic nerve.

Compression of the sciatic nerve

Certain types of spinal disorders can cause spinal nerve compression and sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy.The 6 most common ones are listed below:

• disc herniation;
• stenosis of the lumbar spine;
• spondylolisthesis;

90,017 trauma;

• piriformis syndrome;
• spinal tumors.

Protrusion or herniated disc

Disc protrusion is a condition when the central gel-like part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) protrudes towards the spinal canal, while the integrity of the outer wall of the disc (annulus fibrosus) is not compromised.A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus extends beyond the annulus fibrosus. When a disc protrudes or is herniated, the bulging portion of the disc can compress the adjacent nerve root and cause sciatica. The consequences of a herniated disc are worse. In this case, the prolapsed nucleus of the disc not only causes direct compression of the nerve root, but at the same time the substance of the disc contains acid, a chemical irritant (hyaluronic acid), which causes inflammation of the nerve. Nerve compression and irritation causes inflammation and pain, often leading to numbness in the limbs, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Stenosis of the lumbar spine

Spinal stenosis is manifested by nerve compression and most often affects adults. Sciatica-like pain in the lower extremities may result from stenosis of the lumbar spine. The pain is usually positional, manifested when changing position of the body, standing up or walking and relieved by sitting. Nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord and exit through the foraminal foramen, bounded by bones and ligaments.Nerve roots emerge from these openings and innervate other parts of the body. When these holes become narrow and cause compression of the nerve, the term foraminal stenosis is used.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis most commonly affects the lumbar spine. In this case, the overlying vertebra is displaced in relation to the underlying one. When the vertebra slides and shifts, the nerve root is pinched, causing sciatica pain in the legs.Spondylolisthesis is divided into congenital and acquired (due to degenerative changes, trauma, exercise, or heavy lifting.

Injury

Sciatica can result from direct compression of the nerve root caused by external forces on the lumbosacral spine. For example, in the event of a road traffic injury, falling, etc. This effect can damage nerves when fragments of broken bone cause compression of the nerves.

Piriformis syndrome

This syndrome is named for the piriformis muscle and pain is caused when this muscle irritates the sciatic nerve.The piriformis muscle is located in the pelvic region, connects the femur and participates in the rotation of the thigh. The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle. Piriformis syndrome develops when this muscle spasms, thus compressing the sciatic nerve. Due to the lack of information content of X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis of this pathology is difficult.

Spinal tumors

Tumors of the spine are characterized by abnormal tissue growth and are divided into benign and malignant.The incidence of spinal tumors is quite rare. However, with the development of a tumor of the lumbar spine, there is a risk of sciatica due to compression of the nerve root.

Treatment of sciatica

To create a treatment plan, diagnostics are required, including a neurological examination, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging. There are several treatment options available, depending on the cause of sciatica. Conservative therapy includes changes in activity, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory therapy and various types of blockade to relieve inflammation of the nerve root.Surgical treatment includes removal of a herniated disc through a small incision (microdiscectomy), and for stenosis, decompression surgery with partial or complete removal of the vertebral arch (laminectomy).

90,000 Prof. Dr. Erkan Kaptanoğlu

Narrow canal in the lower back (lumbar stenosis)

Definition

A fairly common stenotic disease occurs when the structure of the discs, joints of the spine and ligaments between the vertebrae deteriorates over time.With age, discs harden, bones and joints gradually become thicker and wider. The spinal canal narrows as the discs and facet joints grow. This channel, which contains the spinal cord and nerve roots that allow our legs to move and feel, narrows and symptoms occur when nerve structures are crushed. This condition is called a narrow canal in the lower back (lumbar stenosis).

In this condition, also known as calcification of the waist, complaints begin with walking.Among the most important symptoms of narrow canal disease are numbness, tingling and pain that begins in the legs and feet, and patients who have to rest on the road. Narrow canal disease, which is more common in women with severe weight problems, can lead to injuries such as difficulty walking and paralysis if left untreated.

Stenosis can be seen in three different parts of the spine, including the neck, lower back and back, and it occurs as a result of aging of the spine.It usually occurs in old age and is especially common in overweight women. Symptoms of lower back disease can usually be confused with a herniated disc. Patients with complaints of numbness, tingling and burning, pain and weakness in the legs and feet should consult a doctor.

Symptoms

Low back pain is often the initial complaint. Leg pain that has occurred recently is often added to lower back pain that lasts for many years.Lower back and leg pains begin and get worse when walking. These pains include numbness, cramps, numbness, and weakness in the legs. Results usually increase after prolonged standing or walking.

Results may fluctuate over time, but gradually deteriorate over time. This deterioration can occur over many years, or it can happen quickly over a period of months. The distances traveled are reduced due to discomfort in the lower back and legs. The patient must stop to relieve pain.Fecal and urinary incontinence is rare. Lumbar stenosis can sometimes be asymptomatic. Some patients do not complain despite severe low back stenosis. Sometimes it can occur with very serious complaints.

Diagnostics

1. Patient complaints, medical history and examination are very important from a diagnostic point of view.
2. Narrowed intervertebral spaces and enlarged facet joints can be seen on x-rays.Facet joints, deformities in the bones of the spine, displacement and scoliosis are visible.
3. Tomography of the lumbar spine can provide detailed information on the structures of the bones of the spine.
4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed information about soft tissues such as cartilage, nerve tissue, and ligaments between vertebral structures.
5. All of these examinations provide information on the degree and level of nerve root stenosis and compression.

Treatment options

Treatment of patients with stenosis without complaints

The disease of the narrow spinal canal progresses slowly and manifests itself in old age. Depending on the results, patients are treated with surgical or conservative treatments. We can summarize this stage as follows: after complaints, the patient goes to the doctor, is examined, and then radiological studies are carried out. If the results of MRI, tomography and X-ray also confirm clinical data, the patient is diagnosed with a narrow channel.Preventive treatment or surgery is decided depending on the stage of the disease. In fact, a small proportion of patients with a narrow canal need surgery.

If the patient does not have symptoms that reduce the quality of daily life, there are no complaints such as pain, numbness, and the patient can walk long distances, surgery is not recommended for such patients. In this case, medical treatment is applied. Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used.Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the waist muscles, increasing the movement ability of the waist and reducing complaints. Spinal injections can be helpful. Nonsurgical treatments cannot correct only the narrowing of the spinal canal, but can provide pain control.

Surgery possible with microsurgical management

Due to advancing technology, a variety of techniques can be used in narrow channel operations. The goal of surgical treatment is to open the bone structure of the canal, to provide the necessary space for the spinal cord and nerves.This technique is called lumbar decompression or laminectomy. In classical surgery, the posterior spine is removed and removed. However, in some cases, screws can also be used to prevent slipping of the spine.

In microsurgery, a technique that has attracted attention in recent years, the spine is usually released through a small opening. In the microsurgery method, with a small incision in the skin, the nerves relax by entering the spinal canal from one side.Patients operated on with this method usually overcome the recovery process more easily. However, this method cannot be applied to every narrow channel patient.

90,000 identifying causes and purposes. Which doctor to contact – Dobrobut clinic

Causes of leg pain, their types and treatment

Most often, leg pain occurs when blood circulation is impaired, and this can occur in diseases of the vascular system.Also, the causes of leg pain can be associated with neurological disorders, injuries, flat feet or problems in the spine. It is believed that the syndrome in question is not an independent disease, but one of the signs of any pathology. Such pain sensations can be different – depending on the violations that provoked their appearance.

Varieties of leg pain

Based on the patient’s description of pain, the doctor can make an initial conclusion about the nature of the pathology.The types of pain in the legs are as follows:

• pulling, dull, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and tension – evidence of the initial stage of varicose veins or venous stasis;
• acute, pulsating, lingering, localized in the calf muscles – a sign of the development of thrombophlebitis;
• pulsating, often occurring at night or after walking even for short distances – most likely, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities will be diagnosed;
• pulling from the buttocks down to the heel, in the form of “lumbago” along the calf muscles – the problems lie in the spine;
• dull, arising from prolonged walking or running, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness – an examination should be made for the presence of flat feet.

If a closed fracture occurs without displacement of the fragments, the pain may be dull and aching, sometimes pulsating. With open fractures, as well as those accompanied by displacement of bone fragments, extremely intense pain appears, which can lead to painful shock.

Where to go

For any pain in the lower extremities, consult a doctor. Often, with unexpressed persistent or recurring pain in the legs, patients do not rush to the clinic, and this is a big mistake.Due to the early diagnosis of diseases, they can be cured by therapeutic methods, while in advanced cases, it will be necessary to resort to surgical intervention.

Which doctor should I go to for pain in my legs? If the patient does not know the cause of the pain syndrome, then it is necessary to contact a therapist, who, after examination, will refer to the necessary specialist – a phlebologist, surgeon, and so on.

Treatment for pain in the legs

You should not treat pain in the legs with folk methods – they do not treat pain, but the disease that provoked it.Even if with the help of any method it was possible to eliminate pain, this does not mean that the problem itself has been solved. Treatment for leg pain can be very different, and it is prescribed only by a doctor. Prescriptions for relieving pain can be as follows:

• blockade – anesthetics are used for it;
• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• topical application of ointments or gels;
• injections of antispasmodics – for muscle spasm, which could cause pain.

Patients often have a question: “If pain in the legs worries, what to do?” Only a doctor can answer this question after examining the patient and making a diagnosis. The listed manipulations can only relieve pain, therefore, treatment of the disease should be carried out, against the background of which pain in the legs arose.

On our website Dobrobut.com you can make an appointment with a therapist and get more detailed advice from him – why there is pain in the legs, what are its causes, what measures should be taken to relieve the pain syndrome.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve | orto.lv

Reflected pain in the back of one or both legs and in the center of the buttocks – why do they occur ? How long does it last? And what to do?

Reflected pain in the back of the legs and in the center of the buttocks caused by a pinched nerve (sciatic nerve) or irritation of the nerve root. They start in the lower back, branch in two, and travel down through the gluteus muscles along each leg.Sciatic nerve inflammation can be caused by disc hernias, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. With these spinal problems, the sciatic nerve may become pinched or irritated, resulting in nerve inflammation.

What indicates inflammation of the sciatic nerve ?

• Constant pain in the legs and buttocks on one side.
• The pain is worse when you sit down and has a burning, stabbing character.
• Weakness or numbness in the legs that impede normal movement.
• Acute pain that can make it difficult to walk or get up from a sitting position.

How to help yourself ?

You can alleviate your condition:

• Reduce the load.
• Do back stretches – sometimes they help release a pinched nerve and also ease pain. Each exercise should be done for at least 30 seconds.Hanging on a horizontal bar with complete relaxation of the whole body can be effective.
• Try (orally or as an ointment) anti-inflammatory medicines, such as those containing ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

When is a doctor’s help needed?

A doctor who is consulted for inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a vertebrologist.You can turn to him for help in the first days after you are faced with inflammation of the sciatic nerve. However, this should definitely be done if the inflammation has not gone away within two weeks. Depending on the results of the examinations carried out by the doctor and your complaints, the vertebrologist:

• will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs;
• will recommend physical therapy – exercises that will help correct posture and strengthen the deep muscles of the back, as well as physiotherapy to reduce pain and swelling;
• , depending on the duration of treatment, your well-being and the results of examinations, may offer you an epidural injection of steroids into the sciatic nerve root, which acts almost instantly, reducing pain, and gradually – and inflammation;
• surgery is one of the medical methods for eliminating sciatic nerve problems, used if all other methods have failed or if the pinched nerve causes unbearable pain, severe weakness in the legs and / or inability to control the activity of the intestines and bladder.

What causes sciatic nerve inflammation ?

• Sedentary work and sedentary lifestyle. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a common condition among professional drivers.
• Overweight.
• Work associated with lifting and moving weights.
• Diabetes can indirectly cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
• Aging – over time, both we and the spine age.As a result, the likelihood of developing back problems, which can lead to inflammation of the sciatic nerve, increases.

Prevention

● Do exercises to strengthen your back muscles regularly (a physical therapist can recommend and demonstrate).

● Warm up before starting physical exercise, and stretch when finished. This will benefit the muscles and tendons, increasing their flexibility and endurance.

● Take good care of your body and only move weights within reasonable limits.Do not lift what seems too heavy to you!

● Pay attention to always sit up straight with your backrest supported.

● Make sure you maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and age.

On Thursday, July 2, we will publish a small set of exercises for stretching the back, which is also useful for preventing inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and in case signs of inflammation have already appeared.

90,000 Facts and symptoms of spinal hernia

Herniated disc or spinal hernia refers to a problem that occurs with one of the rubber discs that sit between the vertebrae of the human bones responsible for laying and shaping the spine. As we know, the spinal disc has a soft, enclosed center, which is sometimes called a slipping disc or a ruptured disc. A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus is pushed out of the rupture into the annulus using physical therapy, exercise, stretching, and conservative techniques such as heating and icing.

What is a hernia of the spine?

A spinal hernia is an injury to the connective tissue between the vertebrae and usually causes excessive stress and injury to the spinal cord. This leads to back pain, a sensation of pain in various parts of the person’s body. The problem of a hernia of the spine is associated with the age and aging of a person. The final diagnosis of a spinal hernia is an MRI, and treatment ranges from taking painkillers to surgery. The best defense against a hernia of the spine is maintaining correct posture and core strength, as well as awareness of its mechanism.

Symptoms of a spinal hernia

Signs and symptoms of a hernia of the spine may vary depending on the location of the hernia and the type of tissue. Symptoms include changes such as numbness, tingling, paresthesias, and changes such as muscle. When a herniated disc is in the lumbar region, a person may experience sciatica due to irritation of one or more of the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve. Hernia pain is not like throbbing pain or pain that comes and goes.The problem usually continues and sometimes continues in certain parts and positions of the body. A spinal hernia in the lumbar spine can cause nerve pain that radiates to the lower extremities or groin and can sometimes be associated with bowel and bladder incontinence. Symptoms usually appear on one side of the body. In the event that the hernia is large and presses on the nerves on both sides, both sides of the body will be affected. The main complaint of patients was usually sharp, cutting pain, and in some cases there may be a history of localized pain.It should be noted that the quality of pain can be dull, aching, and even difficult to localize.

Other symptoms may include pain in the arms and legs, numbness, tingling, and weakness causing the person to stumble.

Causes

Internal pressure is equalized on parts of the discs when the spine is on a straight model, for example, lying or standing. The internal pressure of the disc can move when a person is sitting or bending over to lift anything from 17 psi to 300 psi.A hernia of the spine or disc can be the result of general wear and tear such as sitting, driving, squatting, and even a secondary lifestyle. In addition, a hernia of the spine can occur as a result of lifting heavy loads. Athletes, especially those who play contact games such as rugby, college football, ice hockey and wrestling, are more prone to spinal hernia. A spinal hernia can occur in the back, especially in the lower back, and can occur in the vertebrae of a person’s neck. As a person ages, the spinal disc loses some of its water content, and this decrease makes the discs less elastic.

Risks

The aging process and general wear and tear of the spine can increase the chances of developing a hernia of the spine. A spinal hernia can be caused by repetitive activity and spinal cord injury. People who have physically demanding jobs have a significant risk of back pain and problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, and bending can increase the risk of a herniated disc, and in some people, these problems are related to their genetics.

Diagnosis

A spinal hernia can be diagnosed with appropriate diagnostic tests.A person may have a spinal hernia but not experience pain at all. Here are some tests that can help diagnose a herniated disc:

X-rays: This test uses small doses of radiation to produce images of the body. A back x-ray is done to understand and determine the cause of a person’s back or neck pain.

MRI or computed tomography: MRI or magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography can show more detailed images and help the doctor find back pain.

Myelogram: is an injection of a dye injected into a patient’s spinal canal before undergoing a computed tomography test. The myelogram helps to pinpoint the actual size of the hernia along with its location.

EMG: An electromyelogram is a process that involves placing small needles in various muscles and measuring electrical activity. This test can help determine which nerve root, or rather, roots, are affected by a spinal hernia.

Treatment of spinal hernia

Herniated disc or spinal hernia is mostly self-resolving with conservative treatments that include rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. For some people, applying ice packs or moist heat to the affected area provided relief from back pain and muscle spasm. In cases where conservative treatment does not match the problem, injections or surgery are recommended.Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and stiffness and keep a person moving. Spine surgery may be required for those who do not respond to nonsurgical treatments and symptoms gradually worsen. The most common surgical options include microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and foraminotomy. A spinal injection is an injection of a drug, such as cortisone, into the lower back that can reduce swelling of the nerve roots and provide mobility.These injections are called epidurals and also nerve blocks.

Complications

The spinal cord ends above the waist and the expanded group of nerves continues through the spinal canal. A spinal hernia can rarely compress the entire spinal canal. Emergency surgery is rarely required to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis of a person. Medical attention should be provided if you experience problems such as worsening symptoms such as pain, numbness and weakness, loss of bowel and bladder control.Saddle anesthesia is a type of progressive loss of sensation that affects areas that touch the saddle, such as the inner thighs, the back of the legs, and the area around a person’s rectum.

Prevention

Prevention is not always possible, but there are several steps a person can take to reduce the risk of a spinal hernia or herniated disc.

• Use the correct techniques when lifting.The waist should not be open, but instead the knees should be open as long as the back is straight and the leg muscles should be used for lifting.
• Being overweight puts pressure on your lower back, so it’s better to maintain a healthy weight.
• Good posture should be practiced when walking, sitting, standing and sleeping.
• Sit with your feet flat on the floor and sleep on a firm mattress, not on your stomach.
• High-heeled shoes should be avoided.
• Stop smoking.
• Eat healthy and balanced food daily.
• To keep your back and leg muscles healthy, you must exercise daily. Exercises like aerobics are a good idea.
• If you are sitting for a long time, stretch.

As mentioned above, we have read about herniated disc and herniated spine. Prevention was convenient and the person must be conscientious when it comes to the spinal cord and disc, as any serious problem or injury could leave the person paralyzed for the rest of their life.

A spinal hernia surgery is performed at the end when all non-surgical treatments cannot relieve the person’s pain and the patient still complains of back pain. If you have back pain and you are worried about it, see your doctor and have tests like MRI and X-rays to see the real problem causing your back pain. The best exercise for someone with a herniated disc may be yoga, which improves flexibility and offers relief from leg or lower back pain.A herniated disc can heal within a few days and completely resolve in 5-7 weeks. Keep in mind that during your recovery session, make sure you have the correct posture, whether you are sleeping, standing, or sitting.

90,000 Back pain and sciatica

Living with a painful back? Physical therapy can help

PT services can help with back pain and sciatica

If you wake up in the morning with back pain or a pulling pain in your back, buttocks, or hips, physiotherapy in Hallandale Beach can help you find relief.

According to the American Physiotherapy Association , back pain is the most common pain in the country, with one in four Americans experiencing back pain in the past three months.

Although back pain and sciatica are similar, they differ and are often confused with each other. Back pain occurs especially in the upper, middle, or lower back. Sciatica is a more diffuse, radiating pain in the buttocks, thighs and even legs.

Radiculopathy is also possible, which is numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in a specific part of the leg.It is often associated with a herniated disc or pinched nerve in that area as it leaves the spine.

If you suffer from back pain or sciatica, do not rely on medications to help you mask the pain. At Sobe Innovative Rehabilitation, our physical therapists in Hallandale Beach will understand the root of the problem and provide long-term relief.

In many cases, our treatments can even eliminate the need for harmful pain relievers such as opioids or invasive surgical procedures.

How can physical therapy help with back pain or sciatica?

Although back pain can come and go, it is always important to treat it right away. Otherwise, it can lead to poor joint mobility, core weakness and poor muscle coordination, which can lead to unwanted future injuries.

Back pain and sciatica are completely treatable with physiotherapy. Our physiotherapist in Hallandale Beach will create a specific treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis.

In the early stages of physical therapy, the focus is on rapid pain relief. Our physiotherapist will then expand your treatment to include strengthening the core muscle group with specific therapeutic exercises and stretching.

It helps to improve your strength and range of motion to prevent re-injury to your spine. Our physiotherapist will also provide you with ergonomic spine care techniques during daily activities such as sitting at a table or driving.

For sciatica, our physiotherapists will include special leg stretches in your treatment plan to weaken the sciatic nerve. This restores the natural health of the nerve and quickly relieves symptoms.

What caused my back pain / sciatica?

Generalized back pain usually results from trauma. It can be due to repetitive stretching movements, such as bending over several times during the day to lift your baby, or from a more serious sudden injury, such as a car accident.

Major conditions, such as a herniated disc, can also cause severe pain and radiculopathic pain in the hip, leg, or foot. Degenerative disc disease is a common condition as we age and can lead to back pain. People with this condition usually report dull, aching lower back pain and have difficulty standing or walking for long periods of time.

The technical name for radiculitis is lumbar radiculopathy. People who develop this condition are usually between the ages of 30 and 50.Many types of injuries can cause sciatica, including arthritis, bone spurs, or any other injury that affects the sciatic nerve.

Most often, we find that people lose flexibility in the hips and pelvis, which leads to tension in the gluteus and femur muscles. This, in turn, alters the mechanics of the spine and compresses the sciatic nerve as it travels through these tissues.

Understanding the difference between back pain and sciatica

Radiculitis

Sciatica is a special type of back pain that is considered very unpleasant.Fortunately, however, this is very easy to diagnose. People with sciatica experience pain along the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body.

The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back, then splits at the base of the spine, extends further down to the buttocks, legs, and finally ends at the base of each foot.

The sciatic nerve may be compressed or irritated, causing a shooting, tingling, or burning sensation in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.

Back pain

Back pain is a term that can be caused by many different conditions. For example, you may experience back pain from poor posture, a car accident, or an injury while lifting heavy weights.

The treatment plan that our Hallandale Beach physiotherapist will develop for you will depend on how you got your back pain, its exact location and your medical history.

Back pain can be described as acute, that is, short-term, or chronic, that is, long-term (usually lasting three months or longer).

Ready to make your first appointment?

If you are experiencing symptoms of back pain or sciatica, find relief with the innovative Sobe rehabilitation today. Make an appointment to start taking your first steps towards recovery and living a comfortable life.

Treatment of pinched sciatic nerve in Yekaterinburg

The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human nervous system. It is responsible for the muscle function of the legs and their sensitivity.Therefore, if the sciatic nerve is pinched and inflamed ( sciatica ), pain can affect the lower back, the back of the thigh, and the entire length of the leg to the heel and toes.

In advanced stages, infringement can provoke problems with potency and a complete loss of sensitivity in the legs below the knee.

Features and symptoms of entrapment

The main reason for the appearance of pain is the deterioration of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.They shift and begin to press on the nerve roots. The risk group includes people over 40 years old. However, pinching of the sciatic nerve also occurs in young patients from 25 years of age.

Commentary of the vertebrologist

“Pinching” (compression) of the sciatic nerve is more common in men, which is associated with increased physical exertion, prolonged sitting (drivers and representatives of other professions), improper performance of movements, especially when lifting weights.In women, the disease usually manifests itself in the delivery and postpartum period and is associated with a shift in the center of gravity, an increase in pressure inside the pelvic cavity, as well as a change in metabolism during this period.

Lapaev Sergey Vladimirovich

Depending on the degree of pinching of the nerve, the pain can be either acute, unbearable, or dull, aching.

Not in Yekaterinburg?

Symptoms of a pinched nerve

• Pain in the back of the leg, aggravated by movement and walking
• Difficulty walking
• leg weakness, numbness, tingling
• acute pain when transferring body weight on one leg
• pain in the buttocks + sometimes in the lumbar region
• Decreased muscle tone

If inflammation joins the pinched nerve, symptoms such as:

• edema
• redness
• increase in body temperature
• pain when urinating

A characteristic feature of pain when a nerve is pinched is its disappearance at rest and appearance at any stress.

Treatment of pinched sciatic nerve in Yekaterinburg

In the acute phase of the disease, physical activity and stress are prohibited. The complex of therapy measures is selected individually, based on the patient’s condition.

As a rule, treatment is long-term and affects not only the acute period, but also the period after the removal of the pain syndrome. During treatment, the patient must be at rest and, as directed, wear a special fixation belt. Only this approach allows you to achieve stable positive results.

Treatment of a pinched sciatic nerve can be done at the Evolife Prevention and Rehabilitation Center. Our specialists will do everything to help you get rid of pain and restore the normal functioning of the sciatic nerve.