Sciatica can be a very uncomfortable experience for many individuals. Characterized as a series of symptoms rather than a single condition, sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, the largest single nerve in the human body extending from the lower back through deep in the buttock and down into the back of each leg. It’s been reported that the immense and debilitating pain in the back and legs from sciatica can make going through your regular day difficult.
Table of Contents
Fortunately for many individuals experiencing sciatica symptoms, there are numerous remedies to treat it, however, in order to begin treatment, its essential to first diagnose the possible causes behind their sciatica. Properly identifying the source of your symptoms is the best way to manage this lower back complication and its symptoms.
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc. Spinal discs are made of a soft, gel-like substance that forms the nucleus with a hard, tire-like outer wall surrounding the nucleus. A direct injury to the spine or wear and tear from repeated movement over time can often cause the spinal disc to rupture, protruding through the outer wall. This gel then exerts strain or may compress the sciatic nerve, leading to irritation and inflammation that eventually develops into sciatica.
Lumbar stenosis is also a known cause for sciatica. Most commonly caused by age-related changes in the body, lumbar stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal gradually degenerates over time, narrowing down where it eventually begins to compress the spinal nerves. These compressed nerves can be section of the sciatic nerve which can result in sciatica.
The piriformis muscle found on the buttocks region could also be another source for the development of sciatica symptoms. This important muscle is responsible for providing movement to the hip joints, but if the piriformis muscle becomes too tight, it can irritate the sciatic nerve, a condition known as piriformis syndrome. The piriformis can in turn apply unwanted pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica.
Spondylolysthesis is also a frequent cause for sciatica. In this situation, a single vertebra slides above the other adjacent vertebra. The slipping of a vertebra above the other can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort that eventually creates sciatica symptoms. Its important to note that if for individuals experiencing sciatica, the source of their pain is due to spondylolisthesis, the legs may be the most affected. Individuals with this condition generally suffer from tremendous pain on their legs.
In some cases, people may experience sciatica as a result of physical trauma. Certain incidents can leave the body in a state of shock, creating an abrupt irritation on the sciatic nerve. Some individuals suffer from sciatica as a result of accidents or injuries caused due to specific sports, such as football and rugby.
In rare circumstances, spinal tumors may also develop sciatica symptoms. Malignant or not, the altered growth of these kinds of tumors, especially in the lumbar regions of the spine, result in the firmness of the sciatic nerve, most commonly causing pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica.
These are only several of the most common factors behind sciatica. Nevertheless, the presence of any of the above conditions or injuries do not necessarily suggest the development of sciatica symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any painful symptoms and suspect a possible underlying condition or injury may be causing your discomfort, its crucial for you to seek a proper diagnosis for sciatica and follow through with an appropriate treatment regimen.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.elpasochiropractorblog.com
A number of individuals often seek medical attention to treat the symptoms of sciatica, commonly characterized as low back pain that radiates down into the legs. Fortunately, there are many different types of treatments for sciatica but, while being aware of your options, its also essential to know the cause of the symptoms. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Articles
General Disclaimer, Licenses and Board Certifications *
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Prevalent Causes Behind Sciatica Symptoms" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those on this site and on our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on naturally restoring health for patients of all ages.
Our areas of multidisciplinary practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is multidisciplinary, focusing on musculoskeletal and physical medicine; wellness; contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations; associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics; subluxation complexes; sensitive health issues; and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist follows their professional scope of practice and licensure jurisdiction. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.
Our videos, posts, topics, and insights address clinical matters and issues that directly or indirectly relate to our clinical scope of practice.
Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
For further discussion on how this information relates to specific care plans or treatment protocols, please ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Chiropractic Licenses:
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182
Nurse Practitioner Licenses:
Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
New Mexico CNP License #: 90560, Verified 90560
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
Georgia APRN License #: GAA-NP005701
Multi-State Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN*) Texas & Multi-States
Multi-state Compact APRN License by Endorsement (43 States)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 43 States*
Nursing Licensure Compact: Updated Here
DEA Registration: (Drug Enforcement Agency Registered)
All medical (MDs) and family practice providers (FNP-APRN) are registered and licensed to offer various levels of medication.
Verify Providers Here
License Verification Link: Nursys License Verifier
* Prescriptive Authority Authorized (DEA Registered Providers). Call if Required
Board Certification:
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Education:
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice, MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
DC & FNP License (Review Above)
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933
Licenses and Board Certifications:
MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
FNP-BC: Family Practice Across Life Span (Neonatal to Geriatrics)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics
Family with Primary Care Focus (Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP)
Memberships & Associations:
TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
TNP: Texas Nurse Practitioner Association ID: 2025091511
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurses Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)
| Primary Taxonomy | Selected Taxonomy | State | License Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | NM | DC2182 |
| Yes | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | TX | DC5807 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | TX | 1191402 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | FL | 11043890 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | CO | C-APN.0105610-C-NP |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | NY | N25929 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | NM | 90560 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | GA | GAA-NP005701 |
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Primary Care Across Lifespan—Neonatal / Pediatric / Adult / Geriatrics)
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933
📆 Schedule Appointment: Schedule 24/7 (Click Here)
Beyond Burnout: Functional Medicine Clues Behind Fatigue, Brain Fog, Poor Sleep, and Metabolic Strain in… Read More
By Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST Read More
Subcutaneous Testosterone Injections and Androgen Physiology in Women Abstract Testosterone is often described as a… Read More
By Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST Read More
Understanding and Treating Occipital Neuritis: An Integrative Approach Abstract Welcome to our educational series. I'm… Read More
SubQ Testosterone for Women’s Hormone Support Abstract Testosterone is an important hormone in women's health,… Read More