Most people associate chiropractic care with a range of treatments that focus on the spine. However, chiropractors are actually capable of treating many different musculoskeletal conditions including problems affecting the extremities.
At Motionback Chiropractic Clinic our London chiropractors often help patients who are suffering from muscular pain, joint dysfunction, and stiffness in their feet, legs, hands, shoulders and arms. We work closely with these patients to develop a treatment plan that is effective and provides the relief they are seeking.
In this post, our chiropractor share the most common extremity problems which chiropractic may help and chiropractic techniques that are often used.
What conditions can chiropractors help with?
Several conditions affecting the extremities which are seen regularly in our London chiropractic clinic include:
Leg pain
Running from the lumbar region of the back through to the heels, the sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body. If the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or irritated, it causes pain anywhere along its pathway, including the legs and feet
Chiropractic care can be used to address several of the issues which can cause sciatica, including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (where vertebrae slip over another one), piriformis syndrome (a muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve).
By addressing any underlying issues, the irritation of the nerve is decreased and pain levels in the lower extremities are reduced. However, in order for it to be treated effectively a correct diagnosis needs to be ascertained.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a piece of connective tissue located on the bottom of the foot. Its primary role is to support the foot’s arch.
If a person is suffering weakness in the calves which cause a weight imbalance, it can place more pressure on one foot. This can cause the plantar fascia to become irritated and inflamed.
People with this condition often experience foot or heel pain, with their pain levels being higher in the morning. If allowed to progress, this condition can begin to impact the health of other joints including the ankle, knee, and hip joints.
Although plantar fasciitis pain is isolated to the foot, its root cause may be related to other musculoskeletal problems. Visiting our London chiropractor can help you identify the precise cause of the issue and receive the appropriate treatment.
Hip and knee arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that cause painful inflammation of the joints. In severe cases, it can lead to fusing of the bones, which negatively impacts a person’s mobility and causes significant pain.
Chiropractic may be used to reduce the symptoms of arthritis in the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and other joins in the extremities. However, prior to any action the first important step is to determine how much ‘wear and tear’ is present and whether the bones have fused.
A range of treatments may be used to alleviate arthritis symptoms, if appropriate, including soft tissue therapy, range of motion exercises, and joint adjustments.
Extremity joint pain and inflammation
There are many potential causes of joint pain and inflammation including sprains, overuse injuries, and autoimmune diseases. A chiropractor can help by making gentle and precise adjustments to the affected joint. These adjustments ensure the joint is well aligned, which can improve the healing process, restore mobility and relieve pain.
A chiropractor can also perform massage therapy to restore full range of motion, relieve soft tissue pain, and limit inflammation. They may even recommend additional treatment options including hydrotherapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.
Leg pain related to lumbar disc injury
The spine’s vertebrae are separated by fluid-filled discs, which provide shock absorption and prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against one another. Unfortunately, these discs can be damaged or displaced through injury.
If a disc injury occurs, the fluid it contains can escape and irritate the nerves in the back. In addition to causing lower back pain, it can lead to leg pain, muscle spasms, and muscular tension. Chiropractors can perform adjustments to re-align the spine and reduce the pressure being placed on the nerves.
If you are suffering from a problem that affects your extremities, the first step to resolving your pain is to get a diagnosis of the cause of the problem. Our team of chiropractors at MotionBack Chiropractic Clinic in Central London are here to help you. You can book an appointment with one of our team by calling 0207 112 5408 or you can book on line on our website here.