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Leg Numbness, Tingling, And Pain: Part 1

Leg Numbness, Tingling, And Pain: Part 1

By Dr. Virginia Nsitem
Pride Health Columnist 

Do you experience numbness, tingling, or sharp shooting pains down your legs? Have you suffered from a low back injury recently? This article will discuss some of the causes of leg numbness and pain. 

Spinal discs and nerves

The discs between the spinal bones, called vertebral discs, are jelly-like structures that work to cushion the spine and connect the spinal bones to one another. The disc is primarily composed of water. The spinal nerves exit through a “canal” that is formed between two spinal bones. 

Disc Degeneration

The spinal discs begin to lose their water content as we age. This loss of water causes the disc to become stiffer, harder, and thinner, and eventually weaker. This is termed degenerative disc disease – a form of arthritis or “wear and tear” on the disc. As the disc thins, the canal for the nerve can get smaller, eventually “pinching” the nerve and causing pain, numbness, and tingling down the leg. A common term for this is sciatica. There can also be inflammation at the disc which can also cause numbness and tingling down the leg to the knee. 

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

The most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine include:

  • Numbness and tingling in the legs
  • Back, hip, buttock, and leg pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Difficulty walking
  • Low back pain that increased with activities such as bending, lifting, and twisting
  • Increased low back pain with sitting and relief with standing
  • Frequent episodes of back pain

What treatments are helpful?

The first step to stopping the pain is getting a proper diagnosis. It is important to see your chiropractor or physician for a full evaluation. You may be referred for follow-up tests such as an x-ray, to determine if the extent of disc degeneration.

Your therapy program may include pain control (ice and pain medication), Laser therapy for pain relief and healing, traction to reduce the pressure on the nerves, chiropractic adjustments, and a specific exercise program (stretches, strengthening, and core exercises), and advice on proper posture. The good news is that most cases of degenerative disc disease symptoms can be treated conservatively.

Dr. Virginia Nsitem is a chiropractor specializing in laser therapy for muscle, joint, and nerve injuries, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences in Canada. She may be reached at (905) 275-4993, or by email at totalhealth@bellnet.ca.

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