Q: Dr. Jimenez, I have a question about degenerative disc disease, and that is can it cause nerve pain in the feet? El Paso, TX.
A: Yes in certain cases, degenerative disc disease (DDD) can cause nerve problems with the feet.
Degenerative disc disease, specifically of the lower spine, can cause nerve pain to radiate and spread into the feet from the spine.
Degenerative disc disease
Is a spine condition that's caused by everyday wear and tear of the spine can lead to significant loss of disc height.A disc can also herniate and push on the nerves that flow into the feet, and cause:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
There is a condition known as foraminal spinal stenosis when the spinal foramen or the small opening between the bones of the spine begins to narrow and tighten so the nerves get compressed and do not allow signals and chemicals to flow properly.
This could explain the pain or other symptoms in the foot.
DDD can cause nerve problems in the feet, back and chronic back pain is the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease.
Common degenerative disc disease symptoms
The pain increases when:- Sit down for a long time
- Bending
- Lifting
- Twisting
- Walking
- Running
- Lying down
- Continually changing body positions
- Infections like discitis
- Injuries like a spinal fracture
Treatment
Depending on how severe the nerve problem is, there are a number of treatment options. These range from:- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Over-the-counter medication
Does degenerative disc disease go away
Degenerative disc disease symptoms can be managed by making small lifestyle changes.Healthy diet
Begin with:- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fish
- Lean meats
- Beans
- Healthy fats like fish and olive oil
Exercise
- A training regimen that incorporates aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises that can help manage degenerative disc symptoms.
- A personal trainer or sports chiropractor that has experience rehabilitating patients with spine conditions. They can teach exercises that can help relieve pain and other symptoms.
Physical/Chiropractic
Chiropractic or physical therapy can offer stretches and exercises to improve:- Strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- They can develop a custom physical therapy program