Chiropractic Treatment for Leg Pain at Monmouth Spine and Rehabilitation Center

Leg pain can be caused by many different factors. Depending on the source of pain, chiropractic care can be an extremely helpful treatment option. It can assist with restoring range of motion and improving overall leg functioning. Some of the most common origins of leg pain include injury, arthritis, and nerve irritation.

Nerve irritation/Sciatica

Leg pain may be the result of tight muscles, tendons, or ligaments that put pressure on the nerves leading to the legs. Sciatica is a good example of leg pain caused by nerve irritation. Sciatica is the term used to describe the symptoms associated with the compression, irritation, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or of the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve.

The symptoms related to nerve irritation or compression include not only leg pain, but also muscle weakness, numbness, and the sensation of pins and needles. It is often the result of a misalignment in the lower spine. When the spine is not properly aligned, the nerves can become pinched and cause pressure and pain. Chiropractic treatment works to align the spine and correct postural problems, therefore relieving the pressure on the nerves. When the nerves are free to work as intended, leg pain can be eliminated.

Trauma

Trauma to the leg can lead to muscle strain and tears, as well as tendonitis (among other injuries). The main concerns experienced after any type of trauma to the leg are pain and inflammation. This inflammation can lead to multiple conditions not only in the leg but throughout the body.

Chiropractic uses a hands-on approach to address inflammation. Spinal adjustments are used to realign the spine and reduce the long term, low grade inflammation that is often present after an injury. Chiropractic treatment can also help to increase motion by applying a controlled force to joints that have become restricted in movement. This not only improves the functioning of the leg, but also serves to reduce pain and inflammation.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder of pain and inflammation in the joints of the body. Depending on the type of arthritis, pain may be experienced while actively using the affected joint or while at rest. For example, degenerative arthritis will mainly cause symptoms while the joint is in use; rheumatoid arthritis can lead to pain even when joints are not being used.

Arthritis is often caused by mechanical stress placed on the joints because of an abnormal loading in the weight-bearing joints. When the spine is not properly aligned, abnormal loading in the back, neck, and spine may occur. Chiropractic treatment addresses this cause of arthritis-related leg pain by realigning the spine.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Leg Pain

Leg pain should never be ignored. It is extremely important to have a full orthopedic and neurological exam upon the onset of symptoms. At Monmouth Spine and Rehabilitation Center, we complete a full examination with the inclusion of x-ray and MRI technology.

Most causes of leg pain can be treated with a conservative, drug-free, and healthy approach. We incorporate a full range of services to treat leg pain - chiropractic adjustments work to remove any interference leading to pain and inflammation; physical therapy is implemented to help patients regain movement and reduce pain; and massage therapy reduces muscles spasms and helps prepare the body for chiropractic treatment.