Many people suffer from lower back pain and sciatica. Sometimes, a visit to the chiropractor can help ease the pain. But in some cases, there might be more serious health issues at play. In this blog, we'll discuss a case where chiropractic care alone wasn't enough and explain when it’s important to seek help from a specialist.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of pain that starts in the lower back and shoots down the leg. It happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, gets pinched or irritated. Common causes include a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine).
Most people with sciatica can find relief with chiropractic care, stretches, or physical therapy. However, sometimes the pain could be a sign of something more serious.
The Case: 55-Year-Old Man with Severe Lower Back Pain
Recently, I saw a 55-year-old man with severe lower back pain and sciatica. He described the pain as sharp, burning, and aching. It had been going on for months and was especially bad at night. He also felt weakness in his legs, which is a sign that something might be pressing on his nerves.
He had a complex medical history, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and a kidney transplant. Because of his transplant, he was taking medications to keep his immune system in check.
Why This Case Wasn’t Just About Chiropractic
While I was able to perform a basic exam, this patient needed more advanced testing, like imaging (an MRI) or nerve studies. Since I do house calls and don't have access to these tools, I couldn’t fully diagnose the problem. However, based on his symptoms and history, I suspected that his pain might not be something chiropractic care alone could fix.
Here are some reasons why:
1. Long-Term Use of Medications
The patient was on medications like prednisone, which can lead to bone problems like fractures. If there’s a vertebral fracture in the spine, this could be causing his severe pain.
2. Risk of Infection
Because of his kidney transplant, he was taking drugs to suppress his immune system. This made him more likely to develop an infection, even in the spine. An infection could be causing his back pain and sciatica.
3. Diabetes Complications
Diabetes can damage nerves, and this might be why he was feeling weak and had burning pain in his legs. This type of nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, may need special treatment from a medical doctor.
When to See a Specialist
If you have lower back pain or sciatica, chiropractic care can help. But if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor or specialist:
Severe or constant pain that doesn’t get better
Pain that wakes you up at night
Weakness in your legs or trouble walking
Unexplained weight loss or fever
In this case, I referred the patient to a specialist for further testing and treatment. It’s always important to get the right care, especially when you have other health issues, like diabetes or a history of surgery.
Conclusion
Lower back pain and sciatica can usually be managed with chiropractic care. But sometimes, they are a sign of a more serious problem. If you have pain that doesn’t improve, it’s important to see a specialist for further evaluation.
If you have any questions about your lower back pain, feel free to contact me, and I’ll be happy to help.
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