Degenerative Disc Disease Can Cause Nerve Pain in the Feet

Q: Dr. Jimenez, I have a question about degenerative disc disease, and that is, can it cause nerve pain in the feet? El Paso, TX.

A: Yes, in certain cases, degenerative disc disease (DDD) can cause nerve problems with the feet.

Degenerative disc disease, specifically of the lower spine, can cause nerve pain to radiate and spread into the feet from the spine.

Degenerative disc disease

It is a spine condition caused by everyday wear and tear and can lead to significant loss of disc height.

 

A disc can also herniate and push on the nerves that flow into the feet and cause:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness

The wear and tear of the spine combined with a herniated disc can pinch the nerves that go to the feet.

There is a condition known as foraminal spinal stenosis when the spinal foramen, or the small opening between the spine’s bones, begins to narrow and tighten, so the nerves get compressed. They do not allow signals and chemicals to flow properly.

This could explain the pain or other symptoms in the foot.

DDD can cause nerve problems in the feet and back, and chronic back pain is the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease.

Common degenerative disc disease symptoms

The pain increases when:

1. Sit down for a long time
2. Bending
3. Lifting
4. Twisting

The pain decreases with the following:

1. Walking
2. Running
3. Lying down
4. Continually changing body positions

It’s important to remember that spinal conditions do not always cause nerve issues with the feet; this could include

• Infections like discitis
• Injuries like a spinal fracture

 

Treatment

Depending on how severe the nerve problem is, there are several treatment options. These range from:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter medication

Talk to a doctor or a chiropractor about the right treatment option for foot nerve pain, whether it is caused by degenerative disc disease or some other condition.

Does degenerative disc disease go away

Degenerative disc disease symptoms can be managed by making small lifestyle changes.

Healthy diet

Begin with:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Lean meats
• Beans
• Healthy fats like fish and olive oil

These can help maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight puts extra pressure on the spine, which leads to increased back pain. Consult with a registered dietitian or health coach to discuss the best foods for your diet.

Exercise

• A training regimen that incorporates aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises that can help manage degenerative disc symptoms.
• A personal trainer or sports chiropractor that has experience rehabilitating patients with spine conditions. They can teach exercises that can help relieve pain and other symptoms.

Physical/Chiropractic

Chiropractic or physical therapy can offer stretches and exercises to improve:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Range of motion
• They can develop a custom physical therapy program

Regular chiropractic and physical therapy can help restore proper body mechanics and proper posture and avoid positions that cause pain.

Surgery

Surgery is considered a last resort if the condition progresses and worsens. If surgery is needed, your doctor will discuss the best treatment option for your condition.

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NCBI Resources

Chiropractic focuses on restoring and maintaining overall health and wellness. A chiropractor can re-align the spine and improve a patient’s strength, mobility, and flexibility through spinal adjustments and manual manipulations.