Chiropractic Glen Burnie, MD
As a Glen Burnie, MD chiropractic doctor can explain, sciatica is one of the most common forms of chronic pain among men and women alike. Sciatica might start as an irritating discomfort or ache in the lower back. However, if left untreated, it can become a disabling pain that radiates down the leg into the calf and the foot. A chiropractor Glen, Burnie, MD patients trust is available to help.
Many people can expect to develop sciatica at some point in their lives, and if it isn’t treated promptly and adequately, it can become a chronic and debilitating condition. The Glen Burnie, MD chiropractic team at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic wants to help you understand this condition and inform you about how to avoid it or prevent it from returning.
What is sciatica?
Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, occurs when compression or impingement is applied to the sciatic nerve, usually at the point where it’s rooted in the lumbar spine (lower backbone). This nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It extends from the lower back through both hips and buttocks, then down each leg. It helps provide feeling and control of the lower body.
Sciatica often becomes a source of radiating pain and ongoing discomfort. It can also cause sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness anywhere along the nerve’s path. To provide long-term relief for sciatica symptoms, it’s crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause of the issue. If you suspect your lower back, hip, buttock, leg pain may be due to a sciatic nerve problem, you will most likely want to know what disorders cause or contribute to it. A doctor of chiropractic Glen Burnie, MD residents rely on can help make that determination.
What are the common causes of sciatica?
As a chiropractor Glen Burnie, MD families trust can explain, most sciatica cases result from lower back conditions characterized by irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve root. Common causes of sciatic nerve impingement include:
► Disc problems in the lumbar spine
When an intervertebral disc in the lumbar spine slips or bulges outside its designated space in the spinal canal even slightly, it can cause sciatic nerve impairment. If left untreated, a bulging disc may herniate (rupture), and leak some of its soft interior gel cushioning, creating further issues. Herniated lumbar discs that affect the sciatic nerve may cause the feeling of burning pain from your lower back down the leg to the foot.
► Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease common age-related condition where the spinal discs become stiff, rigid, and less flexible from normal wear and tear. A degenerated lumbar disc may have tears in its tough, fibrous exterior that allow its gel-like cushioning fluid to leak out. Degenerating spinal discs can continue to progress in severity if left untreated.
► Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal space within the spine. It is typically caused by degenerative changes related to arthritis. When the spinal canal narrows in the lower back (lumbar stenosis), pressure may be placed on the sciatic nerve, leading to a variety of symptoms.
► Piriformis syndrome
The sciatic nerve passes through an opening in the pelvis. It’s well-protected within that opening, but it’s also situated directly under the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis cramps or spasms, it can irritate the sciatic nerve.
► Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the pelvic bone to the small triangular bone located at the base of the lumbar spine that is connected to the pelvis. If SI dysfunction irritates the surrounding nerves, it can lead to sciatica-like pain.
Sciatica responds favorably to chiropractic care
Fortunately, sciatica frequently responds well to treatment by a doctor of chiropractic Glen Burnie, MD patients as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you want to get to the root of your sciatica symptoms and find relief, contact the Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today.
What is Tech Neck?
Tech neck is a specific condition that comes from focusing the gaze downward at mobile devices. If you spend a lot of time viewing digital screens, you may be suffering the consequences. You are well-advised to seek a Glen Burnie, Maryland chiropractic care to alleviate pain, correct poor alignment of your spine, and work to restore the proper posture.
Staring at a screen for several hours a day causes a forward head posture that often leads to aches and discomfort. The neck serves to support the head, but every inch the head is tilted forward adds another 10 pounds of pressure on the structures of the neck. This can bring about the signs and symptoms of tech neck, also sometimes referred to as tech neck.
Neck stress grows more intense with every inch the head is tilted forward. Putting that kind of pressure on your neck day-in and day-out will likely lead to problems. The sustained strain from tilting the head forward causes the neck muscles to tighten and puts the back at risk for injury. The spine, neck, and head must be in the correct alignment to ensure the entire body is adequately supported.
What are the Symptoms of Tech Neck?
Tech neck can lead to a wide range of issues, including:
- Neck pain, tenderness, or discomfort
- Herniated discs
- Stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Lost mobility and function
- Poor posture
- Headaches and migraines
- Numbness and tingling in the neck and shoulders
- Prickling, “pins and needles,” numbness, or burning sensations in the arms, hands, and fingers
- Tension in the arms and hands
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- And more
Chiropractic Care in Glen Burnie, Maryland Can Help Tech Neck
Fortunately, chiropractic adjustments can work to correct the structural issues and alleviate the painful symptoms of tech neck. Chiropractic care can help to relieve your tech neck problems before they begin to cause more severe, long-term structural issues. But the best way to treat it is to prevent it altogether. However, working with a chiropractic doctor to avoid tech neck and it’s uncomfortable symptoms entirely is a wise option.
Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic offers personalized chiropractic treatments and postural rehabilitation programs designed to restore your neck function, fix your postural issues, and reduce your risk of future pain. Schedule an appointment for a consultation today with our trusted chiropractic team in Glen Burnie, Maryland!