Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, or tingling along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and legs. This condition often results from irritation, inflammation, or compression of the nerve, leading to discomfort that can significantly affect your daily activities and quality of life.
At Piedmont Interventional Pain Care in Salisbury, NC, our team, led by Medical Director Robert B. Wilson, II, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating sciatica with a compassionate and patient-centered approach. Dr. Wilson, a Board-Certified Pain Physician, combines advanced treatments with personalized care to help patients find relief and restore their mobility.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica typically develops when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Common causes include:
- Herniated Disc: A bulging or ruptured disc in the lower spine can press against the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the nerve roots.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to sciatica.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Tightening or spasms in the piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve.
- Injury or Trauma: A fall or accident can damage the lower back and trigger sciatica.
Lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, poor posture, obesity, and inadequate physical activity can also increase your risk of developing sciatica.
Symptoms of Sciatica
The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. While the intensity and location of the pain may vary, common symptoms include:
- Radiating Pain: Pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one leg.
- Numbness or Tingling: A pins-and-needles sensation or loss of feeling in the leg or foot.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
- Worsened Pain: Symptoms that intensify with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements.
For some individuals, sciatica symptoms are mild and resolve on their own. However, chronic or severe cases require professional evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosing Sciatica
At Piedmont Interventional Pain Care, we take a thorough approach to diagnosing sciatica. Dr. Wilson will begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination to identify the source of your symptoms. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, may be recommended to pinpoint the cause of nerve compression and rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Our goal at Piedmont Interventional Pain Care is to relieve your pain, improve your function, and enhance your quality of life. Treatment options for sciatica include:
1. Medications
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: To reduce inflammation around the nerve.
- Muscle Relaxants: To ease muscle spasms.
- Pain Relievers: To manage discomfort during flare-ups.
2. Physical Therapy
A tailored physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. Dr. Wilson works closely with physical therapists to ensure your treatment plan addresses your specific needs.
3. Epidural Steroid Injections
For more severe cases, epidural steroid injections can provide significant relief. This minimally invasive procedure delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, reducing swelling and irritation around the sciatic nerve. We frequently treat patients who suffer from sciatica and may recommend different treatment options, from NSAIDS to physical therapy and procedures like an epidural steroid injection. This injection procedure is performed in our office to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. Steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting healthier habits, such as regular exercise, ergonomic adjustments, and weight management, can help prevent future flare-ups.
5. Advanced Interventional Techniques
For patients with persistent sciatica, advanced options like nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation may provide long-term relief. Dr. Wilson specializes in these cutting-edge treatments, ensuring you have access to the best care available.
When to See a Specialist
If your sciatica symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, worsen over time, or significantly impact your daily life, it’s time to consult an expert. At Piedmont Interventional Pain Care, Dr. Wilson and his team are here to help you get back to the activities you love, pain-free.
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