Stenosis Advisor » spinal canal

What Is Sciatica and What Causes It?

admin — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Free Back Pain Relief Guide and Videos

Sciatica is that nerve pain that runs down your leg and is not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of a condition. It is caused by pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve, but yours is probably being caused by one of the following four conditions:

Causes of Sciatica

1) Piriformis Syndrome-This is the most common cause of sciatic pain and is created when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Muscle imbalances pull the hip joints and pelvis out of place and this change of position typically shortens and tightens the piriformis muscle, which then places pressure on the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle the majority of the time. However, it occasionally will run through or around the piriformis muscle. Whatever the case, muscle imbalances will cause major problems and are the underlying cause of piriformis syndrome.

Muscle Imbalance–When a muscle overpowers the opposing muscle, you have a muscle imbalance that pulls them out of theirnormal alignment.When your muscles are out of balance they pull your bones and joints out of their normal position and this places your muscles, bones and joints under constant stress and uneven pressure. For example, the position and curvature of your spine is determined by numerous muscles and whether they are balanced or not… There are over 600 muscles in the human body, nearly all of which have someimpacy on your spine.If just one of these muscles are out of balance you could end up with a sore back or sciatica.

2) Herrniated or Bulging Discs. Sciatica can also be caused by pressure on the nerve due to a herniated or bulging disc.

A herniation is when a disc protrudes out from between the vertebrae and this can either be caused by an event like a car accident or a football injury, or by months or years of uneven pressure due to muscle imbalances.

Unfortunately, no amount of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, medications, cortisone injections, general exercises or chiropractic adjustments can correct the muscles imbalances that have created your back pain or sciatica.

Herniated discs is probably one of the most common diagnoses for sciatica and often is often used when a doctor can’t find an explanation for the person’s pain… similar to a doctor explaining away various aches and pains as arthritis.

In addition,research indicates that in many cases, some people live with herniated discs yet never have any back pain or symptoms. The point is, if you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc, it may not be what’s really causing your back pain. Even if you’ve had x-rays and MRI’s done that show a herniated disc, chances are still very good that it’s not the problem. The real "problem" is what caused your herniated or bulging disc. Unless your successful in answering this question, odds are your sciatica will remain.And nearly every herniated disc problem is the result of muscle imbalances.

3) Spinal Stenosis. Sciatica can also be caused by pressure on the nerve due to a narrowing of the spinal canal. There are
several possible conditions that lead to spinal stenosis:

Aging–With age, the body’s ligaments (tough connective tissues between the bones in the spine)can thicken. Spurs (small growths) may develop on the bones and into the spinal canal. The facet joints(flat surfaces on each vertebra that form the spinal column) also may begin to thicken.

Trauma—Accidents and injuries may either dislocate the spine and the spinal canal or cause burst. Fractures that produce fragments of bone that penetrate the canal.

Heredity—If the spinal canal is too small at birth, symptoms of spinal stenosis may show up in a relatively young person. Structural deformities of the involved vertebrae can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.

Fluorosis—Fluorosis is an excessive level of fluoride in the body. It may result from chronicinhalation of industrial dusts or gases contaminated with fluorides, prolonged ingestion of water containing large amounts of fluorides, or accidental ingestion of fluoride-containing insecticides. The condition may lead to calcified spinal ligaments or softened bones and to degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis.

The most important thing you can do if you are certain you have spinal stenosis is to ensure that you maintain as close to normal curvature in the spine. The more your spine is pulled out of place the tighter the space gets in the spinal canal. Again, identifying and addressing muscle imbalances is crucial.

4) Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. Sciatica can also be caused by Isthmic spondylolisthesis, yet is much less common. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebrae slips forward and places pressure on the adjacent vertebrae. This condition
will produce both a gradual deterioration of the vertebrae in the lower spine and can also cause a narrowing of the spinal canal.

If abnormal motion allows this vertebrae to move back and forth nerves in the spinal canal may be affected causing pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. Many individuals who have this condition may not have symptoms while others may experience long term back pain and or sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis is most common in the lower spine. The most common cause is degenerative disease (like arthritis) and the slip usually occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae where there is the most curvature in the spine. Muscle imbalances play a major role in two ways:

1. Degenerative diseases like arthritis are much more common in areas of the body where there is uneven pressure and wear and tear.

2. Muscle imbalances increase the amount of curvature in the lower spine making this condition much more likely to come about.

Other causes of spondylolisthesis include stress fractures (which are often caused by repetitive hyper-extension of the back, commonly seen in gymnasts), and traumatic fractures. Spondylolisthesis may also occasionally be associated with bone diseases. As with the other three conditions, muscle
imbalances have a lot to do with spondylolisthesis.

Click Here For Free Back Pain Guide

Published by Stenosis Advisor

Other Relevant Posts:

What Causes Sciatica?

These herniated discs then compress the nerves and cause pain. In most cases, sciatic pain only occurs on one side of the leg. Besides herniated discs, there are other causes of which include the following: sciatica…

Uncover Sciatica Causes

Sciatica Causes Many different sciatica causes exist. Sciatica, a symptom of a diagnosed condition, can stem from a number of ailments. Though sciatica leg pain is the most common complaint, not all individuals will experience it.

Sciatica Causes

Did you know that t fef he sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body. Sciatica causes pain when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or irritated in some manner. A herniated disc is perhaps the most common cause of sciatic …

Sciatica Causes And Identification

It is not always clear just why and how your sciatic nerve pain may have come about. In fact, even a complete medical exam may not reveal the cause. Oftentimes MRI, xrays and other scans are needed to determine the cause or causes.

Sciatica Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment

Sciatica (Sciatic Nerve Pain) Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment Read about sciatica pain causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Sciatic nerve irritation causes pain that radiates down the leg from the low back or buttocks.

More Info On Spinal Stenosis Causes

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Free Back Pain eBook and Videos

Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves both the bony structures and the nerves of the spine.

The bony structures of the spine are the vertebrae. They provide structure for our bodies and protect the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and body. There are about 33 interlocking vertebrae and they are articulated in a way that provides support for the chest and abdomen while allowing us the flexibility to twist and bend.

The spine has two forward curvescervical and lumbarand vertebrae and two backward curvesthoracic and sacral, which help it absorb mechanical stress.

The spinal cord travels through the spinal canal from the head to the lower back. The posterior longitudinal ligament lines the canal between the spinal cord and the back of the vertebrae, providing additional support and protection for the spinal cord. All messages between the brain and body are carried by the spinal cord in a top-down fashion. If the spinal cord is severed, you lose all sensation and function below the injury.

A pair of spinal nerves leaves the spine between each pair of vertebrae. They split off of the spinal cord and innervate the structures parallel to that vertebra. The nerves pass out of the spinal canal through the neural canal and exit the spine through the space between vertebrae.

Whenever the spinal canal or one of the neural canals is narrowed or obstructed, you have spinal stenosis. The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on which nerve or nerves are being affected.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs in the neck and can involve either the cord or spinal nerves. If spinal nerves are involved, cervical stenosis symptoms involve pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness of the neck, shoulders and/or arms. If the cord is involved, you may also have symptoms affecting your legs, usually uncoordinated movement and difficulty walking.

Thoracic stenosis is rare because there is less curvature in the thoracic spine, and therefore less stress on the joints between vertebrae. The spinal canal is normally narrower in the thoracic spine, however, so it takes less obstruction to cause symptoms.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is common, and involves the lower back. Lumbar stenosis causes pain in the lower back and leg and may also cause weakness in one or both legs.

Spinal stenosis can be caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, narrowing or obstruction of the neural canal or narrowing or obstruction of the space between vertebrae. Stenosis can be congenital or it can be caused by injury, tumor, medical conditions or degenerative changes due to aging.

In the early stages, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and other medical measures take care of the symptoms. Ultimately, the only way to correct spinal stenosis is with surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.

Published by Stenosis Advisor

Uncover Sciatica Causes

Spinal stenosis, refers to a narrowing within the spinal canal. Usually brought on by age and arthritic conditions, the ligaments can begin to calcify and thicken and bones within the spine can also enlarge.

Five Main Causes of Neck and Back Pain

Spinal stenosis patients generally find that extension – prolonged extension in particular – aggravates their back problem. In general, spinal stenosis causes chronic rather than acute pain.

Spinal Stenosis Social Security Disability SSI

Spinal stenosis is characterized by spinal canal narrowing, which compresses the spinal cord and nerves. Generally, normal degenerative processes in the spine cause spinal stenosis, however there may be other causes such as a herniated …

Low Back Pain

Spinal stenosis causes back pain in the aging population. Stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal and is typically caused by arthritis or other conditions. Spinal stenosis is more difficult to treat using chiropractic care and …

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – Cause

The most common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis is age-related changes of the spine. These changes include thickening of soft tissues and a gradual deterioration of spinal discs and joints that connect the spine’s vertebrae.

By: gle

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

David Betz is a consultant doing work for Laser Spine Surgery www.laserspineinstitute.com and Houston Web Site Design www.novatexsolutions.com

Spinal Stenosis Information

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Free Back Pain Relief eBook and Videos

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves both the bony structures and the nerves of the spine.

Whenever the spinal canal or one of the neural canals is narrowed or obstructed, you have spinal stenosis. The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on which nerve or nerves are being affected.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs in the neck and can involve either the cord or spinal nerves. If spinal nerves are involved, you will have pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness of the neck, shoulders and/or arms. If the cord is involved, you may also have symptoms affecting your legs, usually uncoordinated movement and difficulty walking.

Lumbar stenosis is common, and involves the lower back. Lumbar stenosis causes pain in the lower back and leg and may also cause weakness in one or both legs.

What Other Blogs Are Saying:

Spinal Pain

Spinal stenosis: narrowing of spinal cord. Ix: MRI, spinal end L1/L2 so never MNL of lesion below L11/L2 increasing leg pain with walking relieved by rest (claudication) often assc w numbness, tingling heaviness, buttock pain, … .

What’s The Difference Between Chronic Back Pain And Sciatica …

Try going to a neurosurgeon, getting an MRI to see if there’s moregoing on (spinal stenosis, for example). Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be taken seriously. Do you feel like being disabled the …

Identification and Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis …

Spinal stenosis occurs with the spinal canal narrows to the point that it begins to press on the spinal nerves. This can cause pain and nerve problems, such as weakness in the area below the nerve level. …

Causes Of Lower Back Pain

Examples are scoliosis, a curvate of the spine (spine deformity), arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. It matters not how much you think you are aware regarding Back Pain information like …

By: gle

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

David Betz is a consultant doing work for Laser Spine Surgery www.laserspineinstitute.com and Houston Web Site Design www.novatexsolutions.com

Spinal Stenosis Causes

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Free Back Pain Relief eBook and Videos

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of any of the vertebral openings that nerves go through. The narrowing compresses the nerve, and symptoms appear due to impaired nerve function. The spine is composed of approximately 33 interlocking bones, called vertebrae. It has two major functions: structural and functional. Structurally, the spine allows us to stand upright, provides a place for muscles, tendons and other bones to attach to, and gives us the flexibility to turn, bend and twist. Functionally, the spine provides protection for the spinal cord and distribution of spinal nerves.

The spinal cord carries all the messages between our brains and our bodies. Some of the fibers carry motor (movement) instructions to the body, and some carry sensation information to the brain. A pair of spinal nerves branch off of the cord and exit the spine between each pair of vertebrae, carrying messages to and from the body in that area. Nerves from the cervical spine go to the face, neck and diaphragm. Thoracic nerves go to the arms and chest. Lumbar nerves go to the hips, legs, rectum, urethra and sexual organs.

Each vertebra has a total of five openings that nerves pass through: the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord, two neural foramina, or openings in the bone for the nerve root, and two intervertebral spaces. Spinal stenosis occurs when any of these openings is narrowed enough to compress a nerve.

Some people are born with spinal stenosis, or a congenital narrowing of the spinal canal or other openings. Spinal stenosis can be secondary to other congenital abnormalities, such as scoliosis or achondroplasia.

Most of the time, people acquire spinal stenosis as they age; it’s rare in people younger than 50. Calcium deposits develop in the ligaments between vertebrae, we grow bone spurs, the vertebra don’t fit together like they once did and they slip out of alignmentthese are normal changes that occur as we get older, but they can cause spinal stenosis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the discs and facet joints contribute to spinal stenosis, too.

There are a few conditions that cause spinal stenosis that are neither congenital nor the result of aging. Tumors can invade any of the spinal spaces and compress nerves. Paget’s disease is a bone disorder that causes the vertebrae to thicken, obstructing the openings. Fluorosis, or excessive exposure to fluoride, causes calcification of the ligaments around the spinal openings. The posterior longitudinal ligament, which runs down the back behind the spinal cord, may turn to bone and put pressure on nerves.

Although there are several causes of spinal stenosis, the mechanism is always the same: a narrowed opening compresses a nerve, and that causes sensory and functional symptoms

Related Blog Posts On Spinal Stenosis

Causes Of Lower Back Pain

How Spine Diseases Can Be Debilitating
Spinal stenosis is a type of spine disease and can take two forms; lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical stenosis. In the former, the lower back gives trouble since the nerve roots over there get compressed or choked and this radiates pain….

Uncover Sciatica Causes
Spinal stenosis, refers to a narrowing within the spinal canal. Usually brought on by age and arthritic conditions, the ligaments can begin to calcify and thicken and bones within the spine can also enlarge.

Five Main Causes of Neck and Back Pain
Honest & Understandable Info on Causes of Spinal Stenosis written by a back pain sufferer.

Back Pain Causes
This, coupled with disease in joints of the low back, causes spinal canal narrowing. These changes in the disc and the joints produce symptoms and can be seen on an x-ray.

By: gle

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

David Betz is a consultant doing work for Laser Spine Surgery www.laserspineinstitute.com and Houston Web Site Design www.novatexsolutions.com

Stenosis Advisor » spinal canal

What Is Sciatica and What Causes It?

Related Blogs

More Info On Spinal Stenosis Causes

Related Blogs

Spinal Stenosis Information

Related Blogs

Spinal Stenosis Causes

Related Blogs