Dr. Alex Jimenez, El Paso's Chiropractor
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

The Lumbosacral Joint and Possible Cause For Sciatica

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.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 The Lumbosacral Joint and Possible Cause For Sciatic Nerve Pain

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.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 The Lumbosacral Joint and Possible Cause For Sciatic Nerve Pain

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.


Facet Syndrome Chiropractic Treatment


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.

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "The Lumbosacral Joint and Possible Cause For Sciatica" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card