West Midlands Back Pain, 3D animated videos for various Back Pain injuries and conditions such as (1) Sciatica, (2) Degenerative disc, (3) Herniated disc, (4) Facet Joints, (5) Scoliosis, (6) Kyphosis and Posture, (7) Back Neck and Pain Decompression, (they can be found under the listing “Types of Pain” in our “Back Pain” Section, 3d animated models are also available for Neck,(TMJ. Whiplash) Shoulder,(Rotator Cuff Injury) Wrist, (Carpal Tunnel and RSI ) Hip and Heel Pain (Plantar fasciitis) and Injuries in their various named pain sections).
For the management of Pain, here at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”
Lower Back Pain.
Sciatica
Sciatica which is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is large and longest nerve in the human body and it is as thick as a finger where it exits in the lower spine. It then descends from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down the leg where it divides into two at the knee.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
The pain from sciatica is felt along the sciatic nerve and into the buttock, with pain that descends down the back of the leg, and on occasions into the feet or foot. The pain can be accompanied by tingling, pins and needles, or numbness, and sometimes by muscular weakness in the leg or legs.
Sciatica is normally only felt in one leg at a time. Sometimes, a pain like an electric shock can be felt along the nerve. The pain will range from no more than a ache to severe or chronic pain. Sciatica pain is often felt when sneezing, coughing, going to the toilet, or when sitting,
In case of loss of bladder or bowels control or severe pain, weakness of the muscles of the legs or numbness in the saddle area, seek medical attention immediately.
What is the cause of the pain?
Herniated disc.
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc. To herniate means to bulge or stick out. Intervertebral discs are the soft disks that form a cushion between the vertebrae of the spine. The discs have a though outer layer made of cartilage, with a soft gelatinous centre that acts as a shock absorber. If the outer layer of the disc becomes weak through wear and tear, age or injury, the soft gelatinous centre can bulge out this is what’s known as a herniated or ruptured disc. Should any of the 5 pairs of nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve become compressed in the spine by a ruptured disc it can cause pain down the sciatic nerve. Not only does a herniated disc presses on the nerve root, but fluid leaking from the soft centre of the disc will irritate the nerve root, results inflammation.
Other, less common, causes of sciatica include:
Lumbar spinal stenosis, i.e. narrowing of the spinal canal due to anatomical variations, thickening of the yellow ligament, tumors of the spinal cord or boe tumors, osteophytes or bone sours due to degenerative changes.
Piriformis syndrome, i.e. spasm of the piriformis muscle resulting in direct compression of the sciatic nerve s it passes through the buttock.
Pregnancy when the centre of gravity shifts forward causing the excessive stress on the disc and tightening of the piriformis muscle.
Spondylolisthesis, i.e. shift of one vertebra forward I relation to another causing narrowing of spinal canal.
Sciatica can be caused by tumours impinging on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Severe back pain extending to the hips and feet or loss of bladder or bowel control and muscle weakness.
