The purpose of this blog post is to shed light on the fact that there are many spinal conditions that may lead to leg pain, foot pain, and other lower extremity symptoms. The treatment plan for these conditions are often based upon an the correct anatomic diagnosis. Spine care professionals are capable of overseeing the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
One lower back condition that is a common cause of leg pain and/or foot pain is Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. As we age, our intervertebral discs lose water (dehydtrate), lose their flexibility, degenerate, and allow small movements, leading to pain from the disc that can radiate down the extremity. The primary symptom of lumbar degenerative disc disease is often lower back pain, leg pain, or foot pain.
When leg pain and/or foot pain is presented with lumbar degenerative disc disease it is called “referred pain.” Another occurrence of referred pain can include the neck/arm or shoulder pain caused by heart attacks. The brain does not always distinguish exactly where the pain is actually coming from, and so the pain is felt in multiple areas. Referred pain often described as dull, achy, and poorly localized.
To read more about referred pain, such as the type felt during lumbar degenerative disc disease, click here!
To read about the services at your Vancouver WA Chiropractic Clinic, click here! A Family and Sports Chiropractic Clinic can help you manage your pain.