Sciatica Treatment
Long Island

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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 in Long Island plan based on your underlying medical conditions and the root cause.

woman needing sciatica treatment in long island

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 in 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.

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.

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