Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is in the lower back region and runs down one or sometimes both legs. Sciatica is common and often among individuals, is self-diagnosed.
Have you ever experienced what feels like radiating pain from your lower back, into your buttock and down your leg? The pain can be debilitating. Triggered by irritation of the root or roots of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine, sciatica can be caused by spinal stenosis which is narrowing of the spine canal in the lower back, degenerative disc disease (no cushion between the vertebrae) or even a herniated disc or bone spur in the spine, pressing on the nerve.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Pain areas: in the back, buttocks, hip, or lower extremities
Pain types: can be mild, severe, radiating, or sharp
Pain circumstances: can occur due to injury or while sitting
Muscular: difficulty walking or muscle weakness
Sensory: leg numbness or pins and needles
Additionally, a burning sensation, foot numbness, or weakness may be felt when experiencing sciatica.
The pain from sciatica begins in the spine and then shoots down the back of the leg. Typically, it affects only one side of the body. It is treatable by medical professional and “routinely” prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and pain medication are recommended whenever over-the-counter pain relief isn’t enough.
At Acute Pain Therapies we have science-based modalities to treat sciatica such as:
• Spinal Cord Stimulation
• Targeted Epidural Steroid Injections
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
• Regenerative Medicine, including Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma
If you think you have sciatica, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Julian. She can help you identify the root of the pain you are experiencing and recommend an approach that will get you feeling better, sooner!
