Posts

sciatica

Sciatica

/in /by

Low back and leg pain:

Low back pain and leg pain can commonly occur together. All of our Newport chiropractors deal with patients suffering from sciatica. Sciatica by definition is any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

There are a number of complaints and conditions which can cause sciatica:

Disc Herniation

A lumbar spine disc herniation causing pressure on lumbar or sacral nerve roots is the most common cause of sciatica. Disc herniations occur when you get small tears within the fibrous part of the disc (the annulus fibrosus) allowing the viscous material (nucleus pulposus) to gradually migrate outwards. Disc herniations generally occur gradually over time due to age related changes within the disc. However, traumas, lifting injuries and even sneezing have been implicated as a cause.

Piriformis Syndrome

This occurs in certain individuals (approximately 10%) where the musculature in the buttocks, namely the piriformis muscle, compresses the sciatic nerve. In these cases it is important to release the piriformis muscle to help alleviate and ease the sciatic pain.

Spondylolisthesis (slippage of vertebrae)

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a spinal vertebra slips forwards or backwards out of position. When this movement is severe enough it can generate pain in the form of sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis is most commonly caused by degenerative wear and tear of the spinal joints. However, it can occur in younger people especially if their activities include excessive bending of the spine, for example trampolining or gymnastics.

Signs and symptoms of sciatica:

– Leg pain which radiates from your lower back and travels down one of your legs to your foot and toes

– Numbness and tingling along the same region

– Pain may be aggravated by coughing, sneezing or sitting/standing for long periods

– Occasionally muscle weakness on the affected side

They may present with general back pain accompanying the sciatica, although the sciatic pain most commonly affects the buttocks and legs much more than the back. Here at our Ridgeway Chiropractic Clinic in Newport we see patients regularly who are suffering from sciatica and use a wide variety of treatment techniques, which may including soft tissue work and dry needling.

knee-pain

Hip Pain, Knee Pain and Ankle Pain

/in , /by

About Hip Pain, Knee Pain and Ankle Pain

Injury to the hip joint or muscle strain around the hip can lead to pain. Osteoarthritis, commonly resulting from wear and tear of the joints or referred pain from the spine may also cause hip pain.

The knee joint is one that is under continuous use and this joint is susceptible to wear and tear issues as a result, particularly due to the knee cap as a result of muscular imbalances. Nonetheless, complaints with the knee or leg causing pain may also be caused as a result of ‘referred pain’ from the foot, hip or lower back. This joint is one that can suffer from muscle strains, injury to the meniscus (cartilage pads) and ligament sprains.

Any direct injury to the joints, ligaments or muscles in the foot and ankle pain may cause discomfort or pain. Pain within the foot and ankle is commonly caused as a result of fallen arches (flat feet) this puts the foot under abnormal strain, which causes the complaint. Although, pain from the lower back which can travel through the nerves in the legs may also cause pain and discomfort to the foot or ankle, this is also known as ‘referred pain’.

All of our treatment plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of the patients and it is our team of professional chiropractors who draw up the plan. Our chiropractors use a wide range of techniques when drawing up the patients individual treatment plan, some of which include manipulation, soft tissue therapy, mobilisation, ultrasound therapy and also providing exercise advice. All of these when coupled together, result in a speedy recovery and can help to prevent a reoccurrence of the injury.

Arthritic Pain

/in , /by

The term ‘arthritis’ is used to describe inflammation which occurs within a joint. Arthritis itself is not a diagnosis, but describes the condition of the joint. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Often patients experiencing arthritis will report: pain, stiffness, swelling, redness and warmth within the joint.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis in the UK. Unfortunately, many people do not realise the benefits that chiropractic treatment can have, especially on hip and knee osteoarthritis. Research has shown that chiropractic treatment (often including mobilisation, soft tissue massage, dry needling and exercises) can be an effective and helpful solution to pain relief.

At our Newport chiropractic clinic we help many of our patients who are suffering from osteoarthritis. Our team of highly trained and skilled chiropractors will be able to design an individual treatment programme to help you. They are also able, if appropriate, to refer you to see other specialists including rheumatology or orthopaedic consultants.