Is Your Foot Pain Caused by a Spine Problem

spine problem hurting feet

The human body is a complex system of muscles, bones, nerves, and tissue – which is why diagnosing pain can be so challenging. All the different parts of the human body are so interconnected that it can become difficult to diagnose the source of the problem.

One typical example of that can be foot pain. Did you know that certain problems in your back could be the cause of pain in your foot? So if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet and you can’t seem to find a solution, you may be trying to treat the wrong area of the body.

The article below will explain how your foot pain could be related to a spine problem.

Introducing – The Spine

Learning the anatomy of the spine can help you understand the relationship between your spine and your feet. The spine has 33 bones called vertebrae. Together, the vertebrae make up the spinal column. The spinal column base is the sacrum and coccyx, which are attached and cannot move like the other vertebrae. 

The spinal cord is located within the spinal column (more specifically in the spinal canal). The spinal cord starts at the base of the brain and ends at the first vertebra of the lumbar spine (lower back). From the lower back, there are a series of nerves. These nerves travel all the way down your legs and end in your feet.

The nerve root is the part of the nerve that branches off the spinal cord. When the nerve root is irritated, it can cause foot pain. Compression or pressure of the nerve root can also cause foot pain.

If you have any kind of back pain, visit a back doctor in central Florida and get the care you need. These specialists have experience working with spine injuries and all related conditions.

Foot Pain Caused by a Spine Problem

So, what spinal problems can cause foot pain? How do you know that your spine is the culprit of the issue and not something else? Well, your first option is to search back doctors near me and locate a professional for a consultation.

But you should also take a look at this list of common spinal problems that could lead to foot pain. If you think you have one of these conditions, visit a back doctor or a chiropractor.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. When the nerve is pinched or pressed, the pressure causes pain. Sciatica pain is often felt in the lower back, glutes, legs, and feet. People often refer to the pain as “radiating” from the lower back down to the feet.

If you are experiencing sciatica symptoms and were recently in a car accident, look for car accident doctors near me or auto accident doctors near me. These medical professionals can help you confirm the problem and offer solutions.

Herniated Disc

herniated lumbar disc can cause pain in the lower back and put pressure on the nerves. Pressure on the nerves can cause pain in the feet.

Spinal discs are located between the vertebrae. They provide a soft cushion between bones and allow the spine to move freely. When a disc is herniated, it means that the buffer is damaged. The damage to the disc is painful and can put pressure on the nerves located in the lower back.

Lumbar Stenosis

If the spinal canal narrows, it can put pressure on the spinal cord. The nerves attached to the spinal cord are compressed, which causes pain in the lower back. The pain can also radiate down to the feet.

Spondylolisthesis 

Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra slips out of place. It can cause lower back pain and affect the nerves. The irritated nerves can then cause pain down the leg or in the feet.

Spinal Curvature Disorders

Your spine has a natural curvature. However, if the curvature is abnormal, it could cause pain in the back and the feet. Lordosis and scoliosis are two of the most common spinal curvature disorders. These conditions can cause compression of the spinal roots, which causes pain in the lower body, including the feet.

Symptoms of Foot Pain From Spine Problem

Specific symptoms indicate that your foot pain is actually a spine problem. While the back and foot might seem unrelated, they have connected nerves. They both support the weight of the body and therefore are essential to bodily movement.

If you have numbness, tingling, or pain through your leg and foot, it’s probably a spine problem. Radiating symptoms between the back and foot are a sign of nerve compression.

Try walking on your tiptoes. Does it seem more complicated than you remember? This test can show that your problem could be another symptom of a spine problem. The nerve root is irritated, affecting the calf muscle (which you use when walking on your tiptoes).

Another symptom of foot pain from a spine problem is weakness through the ankle. Try flexing your ankle and bringing the front of your foot towards you. Does it feel weak or heavy? That could be a symptom of a foot drop which is a sign of nerve root problems.

Foot drop also causes pain on the outside of the calf and the top of the foot to the big toe. If you are experiencing this type of pain, talk to a back doctor or chiropractor.

If you are having trouble bringing your foot upward when you walk and have numbness in the calf and foot, you could have a spine problem. This issue is caused by compression or irritation of your nerves.

Find a Back Specialist

Don’t live with back or foot pain. There is a whole network of doctors – from car accident doctors in Naples, Florida, to a chiropractor in Tampa Florida, that can diagnose and treat your condition. The sooner you seek help for your spine problem, the sooner you can start living pain-free.

Whether you’ve been in a car accident or are experiencing the symptoms described above, our network of providers can help you. Contact us today to get started.