Sciatica Specialist

What is sciatica?

Typically affecting one side of your body, sciatica refers to the pain that exists along your sciatic nerve that branches from your lower back, through your hip, and down your leg. Sciatica primarily occurs when compression on the part of your sciatic nerve takes place. This can be from a herniated disc, bone spur on your spine, or narrowing of the spine, called spinal stenosis. 

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Because your sciatic nerve runs along your lower spine to just above your knee, sciatica pain usually occurs in your lower back, buttocks, and reaches throughout your leg. 

Sciatica symptoms include:

• Numbness or weakness in the affected leg and back
• Burning sensation 
• Sharp pain
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Loss of movement

In more severe cases, you may experience difficulty controlling bowel and bladder function due to loss of sensation in the legs and bladder. 

What are the risk factors of sciatica?

If you have a herniated or slipped disk, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, causing bone spurs, you’re at risk of developing sciatica. Most of these conditions diminish the cushion between your vertebrae and spine, causing pressure on your nerve root and leading to the development of sciatica pain. 

Additional risk factors include:

• Having a lower back injury
• Being overweight 
• Participating in frequent heavy lifting
• Having diabetes
• Smoking

You can also increase your risk of sciatica by leading an inactive lifestyle. You should avoid sitting for long periods of time and not exercising. It’s important to keep your muscles moving and flexible to prevent developing nerve and tissue decay. 

How do you treat sciatica?

At Pain Management of North Dallas, PA, Dr. Haq reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms. He then may have you complete a physical exam to assess your sciatic nerve condition, followed by X-rays to identify disk problems, bone spurs, or spinal fractures. 

Depending on the cause of your pain and swelling, Dr. Haq may prescribe medication to help relieve your pain or suggest physical therapy to reduce the pressure on your nerve. He also specializes in administering spinal injections, such as radiculopathy epidural injections. 

If you suffer from sciatica pain, call Pain Management of North Dallas, PA, or schedule an appointment online today.