What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to a condition that develops when your sciatic nerve is put under pressure, or pinched, usually due to a herniated disc. The sciatic nerve is a major nerve that extends from the lower part of your spinal cord, runs down the back of each thigh and divides above the knee joint.
What are the symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve?
The sensation from a pinched sciatic nerve is distinctive and unforgettable. It usually causes a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from the lower back, through your buttocks and hips, and down each leg. In addition to pain, you may also have symptoms like:
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Burning
- Tingling
- Pins and needles
The smallest amount of pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause pain, which gets worse when you move and affects your ability to move and function in daily life.
How do you diagnose sciatica?
Before starting your treatment, your provider performs a detailed physical exam to assess your pain level and reviews your medical history. In addition to a physical exam, your provider may also use spinal injections to confirm a suspected diagnosis when determining the cause of your pinched nerve.
What are the treatments for sciatic pain?
At Piedmont Interventional Spine & Pain Center also uses spinal injection therapy as a treatment for sciatic pain. For severe pain that is interfering with your daily life, your provider may recommend:
Epidural injections
Epidural steroid injections deliver medication directly to the epidural space surrounding your sciatic nerve roots. The medication reduces inflammation that may be causing pressure to develop and compress your sciatic nerve. The injection can also be used to flush out inflammatory proteins that may be exacerbating the inflammation.
Facet joint injections
Targeted facet joint injections deliver anesthetic and steroid medication to facet joints in the area around the sciatic nerve, to relieve pain. If you get enough pain relief for a sufficient amount of time, your provider may perform repeated injections until your pain completely subsides.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
If your SI joint is causing your lower back or sciatica pain, SI joint injections deliver a combined dose of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Each type of spinal injection therapy Dr. Nandurakr recommends is combined with physical therapy to rehabilitate your body, further reduce pain, and get you back to your regular activities. The practice can refer you to physical therapists in your area that will teach you gentle exercises that improve your condition without aggravating it further.
To learn more about how to manage your sciatic pain, call the office, or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
