Symptoms of Sciatica

How can you tell if you have Sciatica?

The hallmark symptom of Sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the leg
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Difficulty moving the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements

The pain itself can vary – it can be a constant throbbing pain that doesn’t let up, or it can be mild. It can flare up for a short period of time and go away, then return days, weeks, or months later. You may notice your pain improve with a change of position, such as laying down or leaning to one side. For some, the pain can be so bad that sitting, standing, bending over, and lying down are nearly impossible. 

In most cases, Sciatica resolves with conservative treatments like rest, chiropractic therapy, and pain management, though very severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Learn more in our Sciatica article.

Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor

If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.

Causes of Sciatica

You may have heard of a spine condition called “Sciatica,” but what actually causes it?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg. Other causes can include injury, tumors pressing on the nerve, or even prolonged sitting.

It is estimated that 40% of people will experience Sciatica pain at some point in their lifetime. Often the pain can be disabling; Sciatica accounts for more work loss than low back pain alone.

Learn more in our Sciatica article.

Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor

If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.

Long-Term Effects of Tech Neck

Anterior Head Syndrome, also known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) and “tech neck,” is a condition
where the head leans forward, sitting in front of the body’s midline instead of in line with it. 

If left uncorrected, Anterior Head Syndrome can have significant effects on your overall health. These include: 

• Chronic Pain in Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Respiratory Issues (restricted chest expansion, making it harder to take full breaths)

Read more about Anterior Head Syndrome in our latest article.

Living Near Ann Arbor and Having Tech Neck Pain?

An Ann Arbor chiropractor can help with neck pain and tech neck! By adjusting spine and reducing the strain caused by forward head posture, Dr. Gessert can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function. To make an appointment or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Causes and Symptoms of Tech Neck

Anterior Head Syndrome, also known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) and “tech neck,” is a condition where the head leans forward, sitting in front of the body’s midline instead of in line with it.

Causes

• Tech Dependence (Tech Neck): Using electronics like smartphones and laptops encourages a downward head tilt, reinforcing poor posture habits over time. This is referred to as both “tech neck” and “text neck.”
• Weak Neck and Upper Back Muscles: Unbalanced muscles in the neck and upper back can cause the head to lean forward. Weakness in these muscles may result from lack of exercise or poor posture.
• Injury: Injuries such as whiplash or head trauma can cause your muscles to try to compensate for the injury by leaning the head forward for stability.
• Occupational Factors: People working in environments that require sitting for long periods of time, such as desk jobs, can develop poor postural habits.

Symptoms

• Neck Pain/Tension 
• Shoulder/Upper Back Pain
• Headaches
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
• Neurological Symptoms (numbness/tingling in the arms or hands, dizziness, or balance issues)
• Postural Imbalance (rounded shoulders or hunched upper back)

Read more about Anterior Head Syndrome in our latest article.

Living Near Ann Arbor and Having Tech Neck Pain?

An Ann Arbor chiropractor can help with neck pain and tech neck! By adjusting spine and reducing the strain caused by forward head posture, Dr. Gessert can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function. To make an appointment or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?

In our last blog, we discussed the characteristics of DDD. Now, here is a list of the symptoms that emerge from it:

• Chronic Pain: Prolonged pain in the lower back, neck, or buttocks is common. Pain may worsen with activities like bending, lifting, or twisting.

• Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates down the arms (cervical spine) or legs (lumbar spine), known as radiculopathy, if nerves are compressed.

• Numbness and Tingling: These sensations might occur in the extremities if nerve compression is involved.

• Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can develop in severe DDD cases, affecting mobility and strength in the arms or legs.

• Pain Relief with Movement: Interestingly, pain may decrease with certain movements, like walking or changing positions, as these activities relieve pressure on the affected discs.

Looking in Ann Arbor for Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. For help with back pain in Ann Arbor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Characteristics of Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition where the discs in your spine start to break down. This process is a natural part of aging, but it can also be accelerated by things like injury, repeated stress, or genetics.

The following are characteristics of DDD:

• Disc Dehydration: As we age, our spinal discs lose water content, which makes them thinner and less flexible. This reduces their ability to absorb shocks.

• Disc Herniation: The disc’s outer layer may weaken, leading to bulging or herniation, where the inner gel-like core pushes out. Get more detail in our bulging disc/disc herniation article.

• Bone Spurs: As discs deteriorate, the body may produce bone spurs (osteophytes) to stabilize the spine, which can cause pain if they press on nerves.

Looking in Ann Arbor for Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. For help with back pain in Ann Arbor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

How Bulging and Herniated Discs Affect Your Spine

How do bulging discs and disc herniations affect your spine?

Both bulging and herniated discs can cause pain, but the severity and location can differ. Bulging discs might cause a dull ache, while herniated discs can produce sharp, radiating pain. Herniated discs are also more likely to cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the herniation.

While bulging and herniated discs affect the spine, they represent different stages of disc degeneration. Bulging discs are generally less serious, and symptoms may not even be present. Herniated discs, on the other hand, can cause significant pain and nerve issues. If you experience back pain that radiates down your leg or arm, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Get Help for Bulging Discs in Ann Arbor

Chiropractic care can go a long way towards helping you recover from spinal issues. Pivotal Chiropractic can help provide treatment for disc herniations and bulging discs in Ann Arbor. To reach out with questions or schedule an appointment, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.