Which is it...Piriformis Syndrome or Lumbar Disc Herniation

The low back can be a Great-Masker of pain symptoms. Is there Nerve Compression, Disc Bulging, Muscular Sprain/Strains, or simply a Joint that is out of place?

A neurogical, orthopedic, and physical exam can determine the cause of low back pain, sciatica, or other types of radiating back pain. Doctors of Chiropractic are well trained to detect such dysfunctions in the low back.

The most serious situation affecting the low back is a lumbar disc herniation or disc bulging, often called a "slipped disc". Although a disc can't actually "slip", it can certainly place pressure on nerve roots exiting the spinal cord, causing a wide array of symptoms, such as buttock pain, thigh pain, calf pain, or just foot pain. There is no apparent discrimination as to "where" the pain will occur, and at times the pain can radiate from the back to the entire leg and foot. Sitting is usually difficult and pain is often increased by coughing or sneezing.

A condition called Piriformis Syndrome can also cause radiating leg pain which mimics Disc Bulging or Disc Herniation. In this condition, the sciatic nerve is pinched or compromised where it passes through the Piriformis muscle as it courses to the lower leg. The muscle can be in a stretched or shortened position, resulting in buttock and leg symptoms. Sitting cross-legged and driving in a car often will exacerbate these symptoms.

The typical treatment offered by a Chiropractor is a series of 8-10 visits over 2-4 weeks. With Piriformis Syndrome, symptoms normally reduce greatly after the first several visits, yet the imbalance will persist until the underlying mechanical imbalances in the muscles and pelvis are resolved, which is toward the end of the treatment plan. Exercises and lifestyle modifications are suggested.

For more information or to speak with a musculoskeletal specialist about a specific condition, contact the Chapel Hill Chiropractic Centre to speak with one of our health professionals.

Do I have a Pinched Nerve

Low Back pain is the most frequently treated symptom in a chiropractic office. In fact, most patients consult a chiropractic Physician because they feel that they are experiencing a pinched nerve in their back or neck.

This is rarely the case. The occurrence of a pinched nerve where there is DIRECT pressure on a nerve or the spinal cord only occurs in only about 10% of spinal pain cases, research suggests. Symptoms of a pinched nerve typically are characterized by shooting pain, burning, feelings of "pins and needles", or numbness. In many instances, there isn't even any pain in the spine at all, yet it still may manifest in the hands, feet, shoulders, or other regions not in the direct proximity of the spine.

So if it isn't a pinched nerve, what is it...

True, there may not always be direct pressure causing a pinching, which is what we have pictured in our minds, but other factors that affect the nerve tissue such as rubbing, scraping, or pulling by loss of spinal curve also causes pain that feels like "pinching", and it can be severe. Inflammation, or swelling, in the area of the irritated nerve is also enough to cause a severe pain, yet once again, there is no direct pressure.

Self diagnosis for a pinched nerve or potentially pinched nerve is no safe game to play. In either instance of direct or indirect nerve pressure, the safe step to take is to seek the advice of a Chiropractor or another health care professional. Typical symptoms of nerve compression, when acted up soon enough, respond to conservative Chiropractic care within 2-4 weeks.

Chiropractic has gained great notoriety for relieving pain from irritated nerve roots and/or pinched nerves. Serious cases of low back or neck pain often require 2-3 weeks of consistent care to relieve the pain, followed by several months of supportive care to strengthen muscles, heal damaged ligaments and tendons, and provide specific home instructions/exercise.