Sciatica Specialist

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain condition that develops due to irritation or pinching of your sciatic nerve. This pencil-thick nerve runs from your lumbar spine down through your buttocks and into your leg on both sides of your body. 

Sciatica most often develops when a herniated disc or bone spur compresses the nerve, which causes inflammation and pain. You may be at greater risk of developing sciatica if you’re obese or your occupation requires you to carry heavy loads. Your risk of sciatica also increases as you get older.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Pain that radiates down your back into your leg on only one side of your body is the most common symptom of sciatica. The degree of your pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp shooting sensation, and you may notice that your pain worsens after a sneeze or cough, or when you sit for a long period of time.

In addition to pain, you may also experience tingling and numbness in the affected leg, as well as muscle weakness.

It’s possible for your sciatica symptoms to resolve on their own within a few weeks of at-home care, but if your sciatica pain is severe or getting worse the pain management specialists at Palm Beach Pain, LLC, can help. 

What can I expect during an evaluation for sciatica?

You can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation when you come to Palm Beach Pain, LLC, looking for help for your sciatica. Your provider takes their time getting to know you and your health concerns so they can create the most effective treatment plan. 

During your evaluation, they review your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical evaluation. They may also request diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, to further evaluate your spine and better understand the underlying cause of your sciatica. 

What are the treatments for sciatica?

Palm Beach Pain, LLC, creates a personalized treatment plan for the management of your sciatica based on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history. They may initially recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-seizure medication for nerve pain
• Physical therapy

If conservative measures fail to improve your sciatica, the pain specialists at Palm Beach Pain, LLC, may recommend an epidural injection to reduce inflammation and pain. They conduct epidural injections at the office using X-ray guided imagery. 

For comprehensive care of your sciatica from a pain management specialist, call Palm Beach Pain, LLC, or request an appointment online.