Oh, My Aching…Leg?
September 11, 2009
Certain low back conditions give rise to more than just low back pain. For example, leg pain can be more intense than low back pain, even though the cause of the leg pain is coming from the low back. When this happens, many patients complain that they have “sciatica,” which refers to radiating pain that starts in the low back and extends down into the leg. When the intensity of leg pain is worse than the low back, it can make patients wonder, “…where is my problem really coming from?”
To understand this better, a short “anatomy lesson” is appropriate. The spine can be divided into two halves, front and back. The structures in the front half include the larger, heavier bones called vertebral bodies and the shock absorbing cushions that lie between the vertebral bodies called the intervertebral disks. The disk is like a jelly donut where the center is liquid-like and the outer portion is a tough, criss-cross pattern cartilage arranged like the rings on a tree stump. There are also ligaments that hold the vertebrae and disks tightly together. The back half of the spine includes the spinal cord, nerve roots, as well as the small joints of the back called facet joints. Every movable joint has a joint capsule that helps lubricate the joint and limits the amount of movement, along with surrounding ligaments. The larger, heavier vertebral bodies and shock absorbing disks carry the majority of the weight (approximately 80%) while the smaller facet joints carry much less weight (only 20%) but are more responsible for guiding the movements of our back.
When leg pain is present, it can be caused by either a pinched nerve, or, an inflamed facet joint.
When a nerve is pinched, the cause is usually from the intervertebral disk where the jelly-like center leaks out and presses on the nerve that goes down the leg, commonly referred to as a “herniated disk with sciatica.” This type of pain is quite specific, easy to describe and often extends below the knee to the ankle or foot. It can include muscle weakness, numbness in certain areas of the leg, and bending forward increases low back and leg pain while bending backwards reduces the leg pain (and sometimes the LBP).
When a facet joint capsule tears (technically, called a “sprain”), the pain is “referred” down the leg in a generalized, non-specific manner, usually described as a “deep ache,” often hard to describe and usually does not go below the level of the knee. Here, it feels better to bend forward and worse to bend backwards, of which neither movement changes or affects the leg in a specific way. Disk related leg pain carries a potential for surgery if all non-surgical approaches fail, while facet joint referred leg pain rarely requires invasive treatments or surgery.
To learn more about Leg and Lower Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Eric Chludzinski services both Hudson County as well as Union County, both in New Jersey.
Do You Have Pain Radiating Down Your Leg?
July 8, 2009
I see many patients come through my office with pain related to “Sciatica”. Sciatica is actually a symptom consisting of leg pain which can be a shooting pain, a burning sensation, a tingling feeling, and/or general weakness in the leg. The most common condition that causes sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc that causes pressure on the nerves. The sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in the body and it branches off to the lower spinal nerve roots and spinal nerves. It runs down the back of the leg.
Most commonly I see a disc irritating these nerves which causes the pain (or numbness and tingling or weakness) down the leg. Essentially patients have trouble standing or walking on the leg because when they stand they put more loading from the disc onto the nerve and that causes heightened irritation. If it’s a disc issue and you qualify for spinal decompression, in my opinion that is the best form of treatment.
The other key to long-term success is proper alignment through Chiropractic care. We make sure we’re addressing any type of abnormal loading on the spine, in other words any poor alignment. If there is additional pressure on the nerves from poor posture, that can contribute to recurring injuries. We make sure everything is balanced by utilizing specific postural adjustments by means of a low force spinal adjusting instrument know as the IMPULSE. For more information, visit www.neuromechanical.com. Additionally, we always follow up with physical rehab and stretching of the muscles to aid in stabilizing the spine.
But whatever you do, make sure you fully understand the risks associated with any procedure to treat your sciatica. I’m always so surprised with how few people know about spinal decompression technology and its proven success. Nearly all the patients that HAVE been through a spinal surgery wished they knew about spinal decompression first.
Take a look at this video for more information:
Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?
June 10, 2009
Often times there is a lot of confusion around patients who come into my office and think that their back pain warrants a treatment like spinal decompression. Many times, spinal decompression is not needed, and a comprehensive adjustment will relieve the pain. However, in cases that are more chronic, spinal decompression may be needed. I have a report that I wrote that clarifies in more depth some of the requirements for candidacy, you can find it at http://www.NewChronicBackPainRelief.com
Most of the patients that we have in our office for spinal decompression have severe lower back pain, pain that radiates from their lower back to their leg (also known as sciatica), extreme numbness or tingling in their legs as well as herniated discs, bulging discs, and believe it or not, a lot of our patients have had back surgery already. Since the failure rate of back surgery is so high, they are amazed at the results that come from the use of the DRX 9000 decompression machine.
You don’t have to take it from me, see what some of my patients say:
“…TREATMENTS HAVE HELPED ME GET BACK TO A PAIN FREE LIFE…”
For the last 4 years I have suffered from a degenerative disc in my lower back. I have been through a gamut of therapy or therapeutic treatment, even 4 rounds of epidural injections. Just before setting up the appointment for round #5 my wife found and add for a new treatment for lower back problems; the DRX 9000. We sent our information for more on this treatment and met Dr. Chludzinski whose treatments have helped me get back to a pain free life, which started after the second week. Before treatment I would work my 8 hr. shift, go home and recoup the entire night just to be able to return to work the next day. Now I have been able to continue my normal activities both at work and with my family. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who suffers from back pain instead of drugs or surgery.
Richard Yuditsky ~ Jersey City Radio Repair Supervisor
Connect With Us!
