When Should I Visit a Sciatica Pain Doctor?

The main and most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the spine. The disc then exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve, which results in sciatica. Sciatica can also be caused by a variety of other conditions, including:

– Trauma or injury of the spine
– Spinal tumor
– Spinal stenosis
– Spondylolisthesis
– Degenerative disc disease
– Spinal infection or inflammation

There are several risk factors which may contribute to the development of sciatica, including:

– Old age
– Obesity
– Occupations that require heavy lifting
– Pre-existing conditions which affect the spine

Sciatica can be treated with a variety of remedies which will depend on the intensity of the condition. Treatments for sciatica include:

Pain medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen are used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by sciatica.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy is highly effective in treating sciatica and reducing discomfort.

Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections are administered directly into the affected area to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Surgery: With chronic or severe sciatica, surgery may be needed to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Surgical intervention is used to correct the herniated disc in cases where more conservative treatments have not been effective.

Alternative therapies: Treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can provide relief for pain caused by sciatica.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

Pain: The most reported symptom of sciatica is pain which occurs along the path of the sciatic nerve. The affected areas include the lower back, the hips, the buttocks and down one or both legs. Sciatic nerve pain ranges from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain. The pain is also often described as a burning sensation.

Numbness or tingling: Along with pain, those with sciatica commonly report experiencing numbness or tingling feeling in the affected leg or foot.

Muscle spasms: Muscle spasms in the lower back or leg often accompany sciatica.

Limited mobility: Sciatica makes it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as walking, sitting and standing.

Weakness: Patients with sciatica experience weakness in the affected leg. This can make it hard to move or bear weight on that leg. In some cases, it may also be difficult to sit for a prolonged period of time, and doing so may result in increased discomfort.

Bowel or bladder problems: In rare instances, sciatica may cause bowel or bladder dysfunction, such as incontinence. If experiencing such symptoms, it is highly advised to seek medical attention immediately, as this may indicate a serious complication or underlying condition.

Sciatica is a painful condition which can severely impact your quality of life if left untreated. Seeing a doctor for sciatica is especially recommended if you experience the following symptoms:

Severe pain: If you have severe pain in your lower back or leg that is interfering with your daily life, you should see a physician to learn what treatment options are available to relieve your discomfort.

Prolonged symptoms: If your symptoms persist for several weeks or months, despite self-care measures, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause of your condition.

Intensifying symptoms: If you notice your sciatica symptoms becoming worse, it is advised to consult a medical professional to alleviate your discomfort and rule out serious complications.

Uncommon symptoms: If you have symptoms which are uncommon, such as numbness in the groin and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to have a physician observe your condition and determine the cause of your discomfort. Visiting a doctor promptly will minimize the risk of serious complications.

Overall, it is advised to consult a medical specialist if your symptoms interfere with your day-to-day life and negatively impact you. Sciatica symptoms can also be a sign of other underlying conditions, so it is important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan established as quickly as possible.

Sciatica treatment is available at Pain Specialists of Frisco. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Frisco, TX, and Denton, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, Little Elm TX, Celina TX, The Colony TX, Prosper TX, McKinney TX, Corinth, TX, Highland Village, TX, Plano TX, Allen TX, Dallas, TX, Fortworth TX, and surrounding areas.