Sciatica treatment includes various approaches aimed at alleviating pain and promoting healing in the sciatic nerve, typically caused by compression or irritation. Dr. Kakoulides offers comprehensive treatments for sciatica, including medications, physical therapy, exercise regimens, epidural injections, and, when absolutely necessary, minimally invasive spine surgery. Contact us to identify and treat the root cause of sciatica in New York.
Get Relief from Sciatica
The term “sciatica” refers to a form of radiculopathy caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, one of the largest nerves in the human body. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and travels past the hip joint and buttocks and down the back of each leg, eventually ending at each foot. The sciatic nerve essentially starts at the lower back and splits into two parts, down both the legs.
The sciatic nerve also has nerve roots that provide sensations and mobility to other parts of the buttocks and legs. When the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots are pinched or compressed while leaving the spinal canal, you experience the symptoms of sciatica. The pain originates at the lower back and radiates down one or both legs, depending on the affected nerves. Sciatica may occur because of bone spurs, fractures, disc herniation, and other spinal problems. Dr. Kakoulides curates a personalized sciatica treatment on Long Island plan based on your underlying medical conditions and the root cause.
Sciatica: Symptoms
Since sciatica is a form of radiculopathy focused on the lumbar region, the symptoms are similar to those of lumbar radiculopathy. In most cases, the symptoms of sciatica appear on one leg, depending on the affected sciatic nerve roots, but some patients may also experience sciatica pains on both legs. Most patients describe sciatica as burning or shooting pains that spread down the back of the buttocks and thighs.
The following are common symptoms of sciatica:
- Pain originating in the lower back, ranging from mild to severe
- Numbness and tingling sensations on the lower extremities
- Loss of sensation in the lower back or legs
- Pins and needles sensations on the legs
- Radiating electrical pains from the lower back to the legs
- Muscle weakness on the legs and buttocks
- Symptoms worsen when squatting, sitting, or coughing
- Tingling sensations on a linear path down one or both legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (indicates a medical emergency)
Sciatica: Causes
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots exiting the spinal canal are pinched, irritated, or compressed. This is a painful condition caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve and its roots, and it can be caused by numerous underlying conditions, such as age-related wear and tear of the spinal structures, disc herniation, infections, tumors, and injuries. Identifying the root cause of sciatica is an essential component of sciatica treatment on Long Island.
Sciatica: Treatments
Dr. Kakoulides curates a personalized sciatica treatment plan based on your underlying medical conditions and the root cause. The sciatica treatment plan starts with conservative solutions, such as physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural injections. The spine surgeon only recommends minimally invasive spine surgery, such as microscopic discectomy or neurologic decompression, when deemed absolutely necessary and unavoidable.
Sciatica Treatment FAQs
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Sciatica is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These help identify the root cause of nerve compression or irritation, confirming the presence of sciatica.
How can I tell if back pain is sciatica?
Sciatica pain often radiates from the lower back down one leg, accompanied by sensations like numbness, tingling, or weakness. Pain may worsen with movement, especially when sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
What helps sciatica?
Treatment for sciatica may include medications for pain relief and inflammation, physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, and epidural injections.
When should I see a doctor for sciatica?
If you have sciatica, it’s a good idea to consult a neurosurgeon like Dr. Kakoulides to identify the root cause and prevent it from worsening. However, if your sciatica pain is accompanied by severe symptoms like loss of bladder or bowel control, you must contact a doctor immediately.
Is surgery necessary for sciatica?
Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms and severe nerve compression or structural issues are identified. However, most cases of sciatica can be effectively managed with non-surgical interventions like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Contact Dr. George Kakoulides
Dr. George Kakoulides is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. He diagnoses the root cause of sciatica using the latest diagnostic technologies, following which he curates a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Kakoulides is an extremely friendly spine surgeon, and he stays with you through every step of your sciatica treatment and recovery. Please schedule an appointment to explore your sciatica treatment options in New York.