The lumbosacral joint is the first place chiropractors start their investigation with individuals presenting with low back pain and possible sciatica. Because of the importance of the sciatic nerve, almost any lumbar condition has the potential to disturb the nerve, which can lead to chronic nerve pain. For many low-back conditions, the best way to start is from the bottom and work up.

Starting at the lumbosacral joint L5-S1, the chiropractor will palpate and massage the area. This is because the lumbosacral joint is a central nerve center with all kinds of possible sciatic nerve interference because of the proximity to the various nerve bundles and vertebral discs.

When sciatic nerve issues begin to develop, the problem will often be in this spine region. Beginning at the lumbosacral joint can generate vast insight into the root cause of radiating pain in the lower back and legs.

The Lumbosacral Joint

This pain typically presents when the nerve is inflamed, compressed, or irritated. Numbness or chronic weakness can also happen in the lower extremities and cause unbearable discomfort. Some of the reasons that make the joint a prime suspect for sciatic pain include:

• The L5 vertebrae are vulnerable to slipping forward over the connecting S1 vertebrae. The sciatic nerve goes through this area, leaving it open to compression.
• A disc herniation and/or inflammation can also stress the sciatic nerves.
• Deterioration of the lumbosacral facet joints is common in older individuals. This can lead to nerve compression and sciatic nerve irritation.
• Piriformis syndrome can affect the area around the lumbosacral joint, causing nerve compression and inflammation.

The lumbosacral joint is frequently used, making it a consistently stressed joint. Overuse, poor posture, and improper body mechanics affect this lumbar spine region. And, because of the closeness to the sciatic nerve, it is commonly affected.

Other Spinal Conditions

The lumbosacral joint also experiences problems stemming from chronic conditions, which can involve sciatic pain as a symptom. They include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar stenosis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Spondylolisthesis

Sciatica is a condition that represents a series of symptoms. But it is often a symptom of other condition/s that affect the sciatic nerve. If spinal conditions progress, it can bring undue stress and strain to the lumbosacral joint and the sciatic nerve.

Knowing Where To Begin

The key to a proper and successful treatment plan is an accurate diagnosis. Knowing and understanding the symptoms and spinal conditions and having an idea of the origin of these types of pain promotes a rapid diagnosis. Our chiropractic and physical therapy team thoroughly investigates the pain source using imaging, palpation, observation, and other diagnostic tools to help get individuals back on track and healthy.

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Facet Syndrome Chiropractic Treatment

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References

Grgi?, Vjekoslav. “Lumbosakralni fasetni sindrom: funkcijski i organski poreme?aji lumbosakralnih fasetnih zglobova” [Lumbosacral facet syndrome: functional and organic disorders of lumbosacral facet joints]. Lijecnicki vjesnik vol. 133,9-10 (2011): 330-6.