Sciatica Specialist

What is sciatica?

Sciatica, also known as lumbosacral radiculitis or radiculopathy, is a common cause of pain in the lower back. It occurs with pressure on the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back down the buttocks into each leg. Sciatica may develop for a variety of reasons.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Common signs and symptoms of sciatica include:

• Radiating pain down your leg
• Sharp pain
• Shooting discomfort
• Burning sensations
• Excruciating pain
• Aching pain
• Electric shocks or jolts
• Numbness
• Tingling 
• Muscle weakness
• Bladder or bowel problems

Sciatica pain may get worse if you sneeze, cough, or sit or stand for prolonged periods. It often affects just one leg. Sciatica could lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. 

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

Sciatica pain can happen to anyone, but the following factors increase your risk of experiencing it:

• Pinched nerves
• Herniated discs
• Bone spurs
• Spinal stenosis
• Tumors
• Obesity
• Older age
• Physically demanding job
• Diabetes
• Prolonged sitting
• Heaving lifting
• Facet hypertrophy
• Piriformis syndrome 

To reduce your risk of sciatica, use proper lifting techniques, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. 

How does my doctor diagnose sciatica?

Your doctor can diagnose sciatica after checking your vital signs, discussing your symptoms and medical history, and completing a physical exam that includes a neurological exam. They may suggest you complete blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, other imaging procedures, or nerve function tests.

How is sciatica treated?

Common treatments for sciatica include:

Home remedies

Home remedies that may relieve sciatica pain include cold packs, heat packs, and targeted stretching.

Medications

Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications can reduce symptoms associated with sciatica. 

Injections

Steroid injections help reduce inflammation and sciatica pain associated with it. 

Physical therapy 

Strength and stretching exercises with a highly trained physical therapist can relieve sciatica pain naturally and reduce the risk of future problems. Your specialist could also recommend chiropractic manipulation or acupuncture. 

Surgery

Innovative Pain Specialists might suggest surgery to remove a bone spur or part of a herniated disc responsible for pinched nerves if other treatments don't work. They might implant a spinal cord stimulator or use Vertiflex™ Superion to reduce spinal stenosis.

Call the Innovative Pain Specialists office for sciatica treatment, or schedule an appointment online today.