get the help you need to enjoy the holidays

By Christian Milioto DC

Many patients I see tell me they’ve all but given up, after having undergone injections, trials of various medications, and even surgery for the pain they are experiencing. They often describe their symptoms as including muscle weakness, and feeling pins and needles in their legs, feet, arms, or hands. They also tell me about numbness, heaviness, cramping, and burning. Sometimes their symptoms come and go, some are more noticeable in the morning or late at night, and others say their symptoms are constant. They tell me that it is difficult or impossible to manage their daily tasks, or sleep through the night.

Spinal conditions that cause this type of pain include spinal stenosis, disc bulges, disc herniations, degeneration due to aging and arthritis, chronic conditions, and more.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. It occurs most often in the lower back and the neck, and is simply a result of body wear and tear, but can respond to treatment other than surgery.

A bulging disc occurs when the nucleus of the disc shifts, causing it to press against its outer ring, resulting in the disc flattening and protruding into the spinal canal. Again, age-related wear and tear on the spine is the most common cause of a bulging disc. However, a traumatic accident such as a car crash or sports accident can also damage spinal discs.

A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions called discs, that sit between the individual vertebrae that stack to make the spinal column. A herniated disk can occur in any part of the spine, and irritate a nearby nerve. Depending on where it occurs, the result is most often numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. Most occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck, and usually affect one side of the body.

People can also experience neuropathy due to diabetes, chemotherapy, radiation, circulatory issues, or nerve damage. Fortunately, many of these conditions can also be treated conservatively. To learn about our state-of-the-art treatments at WNY Pain and Integrative Medicine, call 716-650-PAIN today to schedule a free consultation. To reserve a seat at the next upcoming seminar, and view actual patient stories and results visit www.buffalopainrelief.com.


Christian Milioto is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and co-founder of WNY Pain Relief and Integrative Medicine, located on Union Road in Cheektowaga. Call 716-650-PAIN.