Much like in the upper back region, the nerves exit the spinal cord through the openings between your spinal bones and then regulate function to the tissues that are innervated by those nerves. In other words, all the cells, tissues and organs in your body need the nerves to send their messages and regulation to function properly. Without proper nerve communication, your body will not function at 100% and your health will suffer.

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Now, if the affected nerves (subluxations) interfere with the function of your legs, you may notice cramping, low back pain or tingling and numbness.  If this progresses, you may even notice a weakness and inability to move your leg and feet properly.  Sometimes, this shows up as frequent tripping, falls or a type of slapping of your foot on the ground as you walk. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to get it checked out! Like, yesterday!!

These are serious indications that your body is shutting down. It is also imperative to make sure that your nerves are functioning at their best because it is these SAME NERVES that coordinate function among the organs in your abdomen and sexual function.

Recently, the main stream media channels were running stories about how chiropractic care can help women with infertility and other conception issues. How can this be, you may be wondering.  Again, once you understand that the nerves relay messages between your body and your spinal cord and brain, it just makes sense that you need to keep these messages flowing freely throughout.

Other issues in the gastrointestinal system, like irritable bowl syndrome and Crohn’s disease, are also highly affected by stress and how well your body is communicating by way of your nerve system. Chiropractor’s don’t treat these conditions, per se, we address your spine for subluxations that are signs that your body is trying it’s best to adapt to the situations you are experiencing in life.

Subluxations in the spine is the term we use to describe the interference with this innate ability that we are born with.  A variety of physical, mental, emotional or biochemical stressors can affect your body’s ability to adapt effectively. In the short term, you may get muscle spasms, changes to your posture and signals such as pain.

These are all changes that take place as your body attempts to keep you ‘safe and protected’ from what you could not effectively adapt to at the time the stressors happened.  However, if you do not correct these underlying issues and subluxations, your health will suffer and you will end up with more chronic pain and long term consequences you certainly don’t want to entertain.

Dr. Mike is a chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ and helps many people living with a variety of conditions and health concerns. If you’d like to talk with him regarding your health concern, please feel free to contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and exam. We look forward to helping you get your life back soon.

My reason for beginning Network Care was…

“My shoulders were so tight from stress and were curving in towards my chest.  I had constant low back pain and pain and numbness in my legs.”

Since beginning Network Care (about 1 year ago), I’ve noticed these changes in my symptoms, my body and my life…

“I stand straighter.  My shoulders are not as tight and are back.  I have less pain in my back and legs.”

What I enjoy most and what I would like someone to know about Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center is…

“Dr. Mike is great to work with.  I leave from his office very relaxed and feel good.”

~C.S., Queen Creek

One thing that typically classifies the symptoms of a herniated disc is the presence of radiating pain. If we are looking at the lower back area, then often there is pain radiating into the buttock or leg. This can also be confused with another condition, called piriformis syndrome. This is when the sciatic nerve is compressed form the piriformis muscle in the buttock area. Sciatica treatment may consist of similar approaches in both cases, with muscle stretching and flexibility being emphasized with the piriformis syndrome presentation.

Further, depending on the location of that bulge or herniation in the lumbar spine, the presenting symptoms will be in different areas. Some common findings include tingling, numbness, altered sensation, lighting-type pain, pain that can be traced down the leg and muscle weakness or fatigue. In severe cases, one may lose control of the bladder or bowel function. This is actually a medical emergency and is something to be taken very seriously.

In the neck area, a herniated disc can present with similar symptoms as in the lower back, though the arm, hand and fingers will be affected. Your health care practitioner can determine where the likely source of your herniation is but will ultimately rely on an X-ray and MRI for conclusive proof.

Before you are diagnosed by your local health care provider, there are some signs that you can look for yourself. If you have pain when defocating, sneezing or coughing, these are all further classic symptoms of a herniated disc. Very often, pain will be lessened when lying down and may even improve with standing. Because of the amount of pressure caused by sitting, this position can increase the symptoms of a disc bulge.

When your health care provider does her or her consultation, what you reveal will often lead them to a diagnosis that is simply confirmed with the examination. For example, doing certain orthopedic tests will further clarify to your practitioner how to go about treating you or referring you to someone who can. Herniated disc treatment consists of both conservative and more radical procedures.

Conservative management may consist of medicines like corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories. Ice and rest may also be recommended, followed by physical therapy and home exercises. These are all the classic Western medical treatment options.

If you are looking for an alternative to the medical path, then consider acupuncture, chiropractic and even home care or nutritional support. These should all be attempted only after consulting with your local practitioner of any of these techniques mentioned. Gilbert chiropractor, Dr. Michael J. Funicello, has been helping people with concerns ranging from herniated disc symptoms to daily headaches since 1998. We would be happy to help you as well. Contact us today to schedule your initial visit.