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Chiropractic

It’s Not Sciatica Every Time! 

Sciatica

While sciatic nerve impingement/pain is the leading cause of lower back pain, it is not always the case of backache. Your back is a supportive structure comprising numerous bones, muscles, and soft tissues. Several times, deformity or disorder of any of this working armamentarium puts you in perpetual agony. So, in this article, we discuss conditions that are like sciatica and how you can manage them! 

Conditions Which Mimic Sciatica 

Joint Misalignment  

The sacroiliac joint (SI) is an important joint whose misalignment contributes to 10-25% of cases with low back and leg pain. Malignment of the joint mimics sciatic pain as patients experience radiating pain into the groin (or even lower extremity) with localized tenderness. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common disorder that gives sciatica-like symptoms. Therefore, experts advise clinicians to thoroughly examine the SI joint, hips, and spine when diagnosing radiating pain in the low back.  

Iliotibial Band Syndrome 

An unusual cause of low back pain is iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The IT band is a tendon present in the knee, and its swelling contributes greatly to knee pain. However, in some instances, the tightness of the tendon may contribute to lower back pain as well. Iliotibial band tightness and hip adductor weakness may be weakly linked to backache. So, getting your ITBS fixed can relieve you of back and knee pain. 

Piriformis Syndrome 

One of the most common conditions mistaken for sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Therefore, it is often referred to as pseudo sciatica. The piriformis muscle is a major muscle located in the buttocks region that allows you to move your legs. Inflammation of the muscle can press on the sciatic nerve and induce pain, numbness, and tingling like what we see in sciatica. 

With advancements in diagnosis, clinicians now identify deep gluteal syndrome as a significant cause of sciatica-like pain and hip discomfort. The non-discogenic pelvic conditions (mimicking sciatica) that fall under this syndrome include: 

  • Piriformis syndrome  
  • Ishchiofemoral impingement syndrome  
  • Gemelli-obturator internus syndrome  
  • Proximal hamstring syndrome
Paraspinal Muscle Spasm 

An overlooked cause of low back discomfort is muscle spasm of the paraspinal muscles. The group of muscles runs along the back of the spine and plays a crucial role in stabilizing it. Desk workers who spend long hours sitting on a chair often experience muscle spasms, which manifest as back pain, reduced range of motion. Quick diagnosis and management with modalities like foam rolling can evidently alleviate pain. 

How To Manage Sciatica-Like Conditions? 

The answer to this question is “chiropractic management”. The realignment of your spine and muscles not only resets the anatomical structures but also improves blood flow (which is needed for quick healing). Studies show that a combination of chiropractic manipulation and exercises works best for SI joint dysfunction. Professional stretching of a tight IT band (with trigger point therapy and chiropractic manipulation) can successfully relegate low back pain. This non-invasive treatment modality is great at releasing tight paraspinal muscles, too.  

Chiropractic Treatment at The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic  

The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic has, for years, helped diagnose and treat patients with spinal problems. Our experts not only heal you but also help identify tricky conditions. This helps provide the exact, custom-tailored therapy for you. So, if conventional therapy for sciatica isn’t working for you, visit us, as it might be a disorder similar to sciatica! 

References  

  1. Thawrani, D. P., Agabegi, S. S., & Asghar, F. (2019). Diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 27(3), 85-93. 
  2. Visser, L. H., Nijssen, P. G. N., Tijssen, C. C., Van Middendorp, J. J., & Schieving, J. (2013). Sciatica-like symptoms and the sacroiliac joint: clinical features and differential diagnosis. European Spine Journal, 22, 1657-1664. 
  3. Arab, A. M., & Nourbakhsh, M. R. (2010). The relationship between hip abductor muscle strength and iliotibial band tightness in individuals with low back pain. Chiropractic & osteopathy, 18, 1-5. 
  4. Park, J. W., Lee, Y. K., Lee, Y. J., Shin, S., Kang, Y., & Koo, K. H. (2020). Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain. The bone & joint journal, 102(5), 556-567. 
  5. Lankepillewar, S., Sapkale, S., & Nagulkar, J. (2024). The immediate effect of foam rolling in Paraspinal Muscle spasm, pain and range of motion in desk job workers. 
  6. Hatık, S. H., Tekin, D., & Bayram, K. B. (2022). Comparing the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation and muscle energy technique in sacroiliac joint dysfunction treatment. International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research, 3(1), 8-17. 
  7. Kasunich, N. J. (2003). Changes in low back pain in a long distance runner after stretching the iliotibial band. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 2(1), 37-40. 

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Shockwave Therapy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band syndrome most frequently arises in individuals performing repetitive hectic activities. The sharp pain caused by the iliotibial band syndrome can cause significant disruptions in daily life. The iliotibial band is a crucial tendon in the leg and knee region that helps you move. Victims of the IBS include athletes and players like basketball players, runners, soccer players, skiers, cyclers, etc. As it is a disorder of the players, pain means days off from practice and precious time lost. So, most patients want quick and permanent relief.

Every year doctors adopt multiple strategies to cure ITBS. However, in the recent past, there has been a shift toward shockwave therapy to effectively treat iliotibial band syndrome. So, let’s find out how shockwaves can bring down your leg/knee tendon pain and help you return to the practice field with a new energy!

Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

Knee pain: The most common complaint of patients with ITBS is knee pain. Athletes encounter severe pain after exercise/working out. A lot of runners report lateral knee pain due to ITBS which aggravates on running downhill. Some patients experience exacerbation of symptoms while exercising while others feel aches during rest.

Hip pain: Iliotibial band friction is recognized as a cause of lateral hip pain in athletic adults. This symptom may be accompanied by other manifestations.

Snapping/clicking sounds: A number of patients are concerned about the loud clicking sounds in their hip/knee heard during movement.

Patients also experience redness and warmth on the skin overlying the iliotibial band. Prolonged, untreated ITBS may even lead to muscle weakness and gait changes.

Shockwave Therapy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) aka shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality administered to heal soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, muscles, etc. There are two types of ESWT:

  • Focal
  • Radial

The introduction of high-energy shockwaves into the affected site has gained wide popularity in the recent past. Modern studies conclude that conservative treatment options like shockwaves and rest/ice can lower the symptoms of ITBS. This method of healing brings positive changes in the following ways:

Reduces Inflammation

Extracorporeal shockwaves improve the blood supply of the affected region. This helps reduce inflammation in tendinopathies like ITBS. The reduction of inflammation brings down pain and aids in promoting recovery.

Alleviates Pain

This therapy reduces inflammation and pain signals which ultimately leads to alleviation of hip and knee pain. According to a 2024 study, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and strengthening exercises mitigate pain and significantly enhance function.

Kickstarts Natural Healing

The greatest therapeutic benefit of shockwaves in ITBS is the promotion of natural healing. Shockwave therapy lays the foundation of tissue repair by assisting cell proliferation and collagen formation. Therefore, it is regarded as an effective regenerative medicine technique (especially in sports medicine).

Strengthens The Tendon

Studies show that, in addition to inflammation/pain reduction, it plays a part in neovascularization which is the process of forming new blood vessels. This allows the tendons to become stronger and more resistant to damage.

Shockwave Therapy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome At The Legacy Clinic

The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic offers shockwave therapy for iliotibial band syndrome. The professionals at the facility very carefully apply shockwaves to flush out pain and inflammation from your tendon making your tendon “as good as new”. So, don’t let your knee pain keep you from your sports practice, and contact us ASAP!

References

  1. https://legacyclinicofchiropractic.com/what-is-iliotibial-or-it-band-syndrome/
  2. https://legacyclinicofchiropractic.com/services/shockwave-therapy/
  3. Hutchinson, L. A., Lichtwark, G. A., Willy, R. W., & Kelly, L. A. (2022). The iliotibial band: a complex structure with versatile functions. Sports Medicine, 52(5), 995-1008.
  4. Chamberlain, R. (2021). Hip pain in adults: evaluation and differential diagnosis. American family physician, 103(2), 81-89.
  5. Miccio, S., Berardi, A., Tofani, M., & Galeoto, G. (2021). Conservative Rehabilitation Treatments of Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ), 11(1).
  6. Chen, Y., Lyu, K., Lu, J., Jiang, L., Zhu, B., Liu, X., … & Li, S. (2022). Biological response of extracorporeal shock wave therapy to tendinopathy in vivo. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 851894.
  7. Sanchez-Alvarado, A., Bokil, C., Cassel, M., & Engel, T. (2024). Effects of conservative treatment strategies for iliotibial band syndrome on pain and function in runners: a systematic review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1386456.
  8. Crevenna, R., Mickel, M., Schuhfried, O., Gesslbauer, C., Zdravkovic, A., & Keilani, M. (2021). Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 9, 1-10.
  9. Poenaru, D., Sandulescu, M. I., & Cinteza, D. (2022). Biological effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in tendons: A systematic review. Biomedical Reports, 18(2), 15.
  10. https://legacyclinicofchiropractic.com/services/shockwave-therapy/

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Chiropractic

Chiropractic Treatment In The Villages For Sciatica

Chiropractic Treatment In The Villages For Sciatica

Chronic low back pain is a medical dilemma in many countries. According to WHO, in 2020, more than 619 million people were affected with backache. The numbers have only increased through the years, thanks to poor postures and excessive smartphone usage.

The gnawing discomfort in the lower back can take away your physical and mental peace. There can be multiple causes of underlying back pain, the most prevalent being sciatica.

What Is Sciatica?

“Sciatica” means inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest sensory nerve of the lower back and the legs. Irritation and inflammation of the nerve leads to multiple symptoms including:

  • Pain radiating from the lower back to the feet
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Paresthesias
  • Burning sensations

The underlying causes of sciatica can be multiple. The most common causes include disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, and spinal stenosis (in the case of chronic sciatica).

Sciatica In The United States

Every year 10% of US adults suffer from sciatica. It has been estimated that 40% of Americans develop sciatica throughout their lifetime. This percentage poses great difficulties as sciatica is the leading cause of absence from work. According to reports, sciatica has a significant health burden on medical care in the USA (Medicare). It is also associated with poor quality of life and multiple comorbidities.

Chiropractors can impart appreciable pain relief to aching patients. There are different strategies offered by chiropractors that target pain points.

Chiropractic Treatment Success

Spinal manipulation is a proven way of alleviating sciatic nerve symptoms. Patients who do not respond to conventional therapies have been shown to benefit greatly from spinal manipulation.

Your chiropractor can combine chiropractic adjustment with epidural steroid injections to obtain better and quicker outcomes. Patients across the globe admire chiropractic therapy and consider it their go-to treatment for acute and chronic sciatica.

Legacy Clinic Of Chiropractic In The Villages

Keeping in mind the sciatica prevalence in the USA, residents of the Villages, Florida should keep their back health in check. Radiating pain accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation can be indicative of sciatica. You should ignore your sciatica and visit a chiropractor ASAP

The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic is a renowned health service provider in the Villages. The expert staff is experienced in helping relieve sciatic nerve pain by providing specialized, targeted therapy. So, don’t let your back pain keep you from enjoying a healthy life. Visit today and say goodbye to sciatica!

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Chiropractic

Sciatica Treatment With Chiropractic Care

Sciatica Treatment

Nerve pain is regarded as one of the worst types of chronic pain. Sciatic nerve pain sucks out life from your body and renders you useless, moaning in gnawing pain.

According to reports, sciatica has an annual incidence of 1 to 5%. Low back pain and sciatica are major contributors to leaves from work. Therefore, the debilitating disease not only harms your health but also negatively impacts your work productivity.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica arises due to the inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Causes include:

Disc Herniation

Protrusion of intervertebral discs leads to nerve impingement. When a disc bulging or herniation occurs in the lumbar spine, the sciatic nerve is likely to get impinged. A herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica in adults.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal vertebrae. Lumbar spinal stenosis forces the sciatic nerve to pass through the confined canal leading to pressure on the nerve. This ultimately leads to sciatic nerve pain.

Piriformis Syndrome

The sciatic nerve lies just beneath the piriformis muscle, which gets swollen in piriformis syndrome leading to pressure on the nerve.

According to studies, piriformis syndrome is a common diagnosis of non-discogenic (without disc herniation) sciatica pain.

Injury/Trauma

Direct trauma or injury to the lumbar spine can also trigger sciatica. In such cases, nerve pain is acute and can be attributed to inflammation and swelling of the vertebral structures.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help In Treating Sciatica?

There are multiple ways in which a chiropractor can ameliorate sciatica pain:

Realigns Spine

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is an effective way of realigning the spine and alleviating sciatica. According to a study, a 38-year-old male suffering from disc herniation (and sciatica) reached functional stability within 15 weeks, thanks to effective chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation.

In a study, 102 disc protrusion and sciatica patients reported significant improvements in pain intensity with spinal manipulations.

The touch of a chiropractor allows the spine to physically return to its normal position, thereby, curing the condition without the need for medicines and surgery.

Improves Mobility And Range Of Motion

Reduced mobility of the joint (out of fear of pain) further deteriorates the condition. Chronic loss of mobility is evidently improved with chiropractic management.

It was revealed in a study that acute chiropractic adjustment leads to appreciable reductions in pain and improvement in range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments also improve your quality of life

Promotes Natural Healing

Persistent pain takes a toll on the mental health of the patients too. Many clinicians believe that the “healing touch” of a chiropractor/physical therapist can promote internal healing and enhance well-being.

Thus, it can safely be concluded that a  chiropractor can reposition your spine, reduce sciatica pain, and improve your physical and mental health. 

Get Sciatica Help from Chiropractor in The Villages

If your sciatica is keeping you up all night and interfering with your daily activities visit the Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic for quick and complete relief. Don’t delay, book your chiropractic appointment today!

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Chiropractic

How we Help: Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

The-villages-chiropractor
Sciatica in the villages

Every year, more than 3 million people in the United States are affected by this widespread illness. Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that starts in the spine and runs down the back of the leg. Sciatica pain may be terrible and devastating for many people, making standing or sitting difficult or impossible.

The Sciatic Nerve

The longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve is actually a bundle of five nerves that exit from the lumbar spine and sacral foramen. These nerves group together at the piriformis muscle in the buttocks to form the one large sciatic nerve, which then travels down the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve provides strength and sensation to the legs and connects major muscles with the spinal cord. An impairment or issue with the sciatic nerve can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and pain.

A Set of Symptoms, Not a Diagnosis

Often misunderstood, sciatica is not the cause of the irritation at the nerve root, rather it is a set of symptoms. Some of the conditions that cause sciatic pain:

  • Herniated or slipped disc (most common cause)
  • Piriformis syndrome (muscle in the buttocks becomes tight or spasms)
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal creates pressure on nerves)
  • Spondylolisthesis (slippage of a vertebra, narrowing the nerve exit)
  • General wear and tear on the lower spine
sciatica treatment villages

Risk Factors for Sciatic Pain and Damage

As the body ages, the risk increases for sciatic nerve issues due to age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs. (Another important reason why continuous and preventative chiropractic care is essential to spinal and overall health.) Obesity also can increase risk, as excess weight can contribute to spinal changes. Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage and is another risk factor for sciatica. Other lifestyle factors such as occupation and prolonged sitting can play a role in the development of sciatica.

Supporting Research for Chiropractic and Sciatica

Whenever possible, opt for conservative treatments over more invasive and drastic measures, such as surgery. Chiropractic care and adjustments are viable options for treating the pain and symptoms associated with sciatic nerve issues. A 2006 study published in Spine found that manipulations (adjustments) helped relieve pain due to acute back pain and sciatica. Another study published in 2010 found that sixty percent of sciatica patients (who hadn’t found relief from other therapies) experienced the same level of relief from chiropractic adjustments as patients who eventually had surgery.

Make an appointment to talk to a chiropractic doctor about chiropractic and sciatica.