Lumbar Disc - Sciatica - pinched nerve - leg pain

Signs or Symptoms

The symptoms can run from mild to severe pain in the low back and the leg. When this condition lasts it will lead to weakness and atrophy or wasting of the muscles.

Description

In the lumbar spine, neck, there are a number of problems that can cause irritation and inflammation of the nerves that go to the arm. The bones, vertebra can become jammed together, there can be swelling or tearing of the disc or narrowing of the space where the nerve exits the spine. In addition, there can be problems caused by contraction of the small and large muscles of the back.

Causes

The causes of these conditions can vary from the results of a lifting injury, to improper posture, to minor repeated trauma or even the results of aging. The discs, shock absorbers between the bones of the spine, change as we age. When we are young, they are like sponges filled with Jell-O. Later in life, the Jell-O dries up and the walls of the sponge become thinner and easily torn. Long-term changes in the disc cause stress to the ligaments of the spine and the end result is arthritic changes.

Standard treatment

Ice, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications and possibly cortisone injections and surgery. An MRI or CAT scan is needed to see the disc. Regular x-rays are inadequate for viewing soft tissue damage.

AK Approach

Using muscle testing, the nerves of the low back are evaluated to find out which are involved in your problem. It is similar to checking the wiring system of your house. Then, your overall posture and muscle support of your neck is evaluated. Tests are done to determine which muscles are under working and which are over working.

One of the problems is that there are a couple of conditions that cause symptoms very similar to disc injuries. Two of the common problems are a jamming together of the bones in the back and the other is a spasm of a muscle in the pelvis that can trap the sciatic nerve. Each of these conditions needs special tests that uncover their involvement.

Corrective measures are then taken to correct the muscle imbalances that affect the posture and alignment of your low back. Procedures to correct imbalances in the alignment of the bones, lumbar vertebrae, are performed to ensure normal motion and function. Finally, exercises and special procedures designed to coordinate proper muscle functioning of the low back and pelvic muscles are done.

Low back problems are frequently aggravated by other problems like pelvic imbalances, different leg lengths and even dropped arches in your feet, All of these structures are evaluated to make sure that they are not contributing to your problems.

This is followed by an analysis of how the person walks, moves and their occupational positions. Nutritional therapies aimed at increasing factors that would speed healing and reduce any inflammation are considered.

Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the condition. A specific program for your needs is created.

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