Sciatica Pain Relief – A Full Range of Treatment Options Available in Freehold, NJ

Reviewed by AOSMI’s Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Ali Valimahomed

If you are struggling with sciatica pain and looking for effective treatment options, consider visiting an AOSMI clinic in New Jersey. Our team of experienced and specialized physicians is dedicated to helping patients find relief from sciatica pain through a combination of advanced treatment options and personalized care.

Sciatica pain can be debilitating and affect your day-to-day life, but with the right treatment plan, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. Our clinics offer a comprehensive approach to treating sciatica pain, including physical therapy, medication management, and minimally invasive procedures.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica is a common condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the legs, becomes irritated or compressed. This can result in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet. 

The most common symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg. This pain may be constant or intermittent and can be worsened by sitting or standing for long periods of time. Other sciatica symptoms may include numbness or weakness in the affected leg, a tingling sensation, or a burning feeling in the leg or foot.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Ignoring symptoms of sciatica can lead to further complications and decreased quality of life.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc in the spine, which puts pressure on the nerve and causes the symptoms associated with this condition.

Other possible causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, or even muscle spasms. In some cases, pressure on the sciatic nerve from surrounding muscles or tissues can also cause sciatica.

Sciatica Pain Management Treatment Options at AOSMI

Non-Surgical Treatment for Sciatic Pain

If you need relief from sciatica pain that is severe or debilitating, the orthopedic spine specialists at  AOSMI can work with you to develop a conservative treatment plan designed to help you manage your discomfort. Some options include:

  • Physical therapy : Physical therapy for sciatica focuses on strengthening lower back and hip muscles. Physical therapy and exercise help strengthen and mobilize tissues in the lower back, pelvis, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
  • Prescription medications : Some types of prescription medications that may be used to treat sciatica pain include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Opioids, Muscle relaxants, Antidepressants.
  • Corticosteroid injections : Corticosteroid injections, also known as epidural steroid injections (ESIs), can help relieve sciatica pain by reducing inflammation and pain signals in the spinal nerves.
  • Ultrasound therapy : Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for managing sciatica. It uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues without the need for surgery or injections. This approach reduces pain, inflammation, and promotes healing without disrupting the skin or underlying structures.

Sciatica Surgery Options

If your sciatica pain continues without relief after approximately four to six weeks of nonsurgical treatment, our pain management doctors may recommend a surgical procedure. If you elect to proceed, you can feel confident that you are in good hands. The board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons at AOSMI are highly skilled and experienced in performing many advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive outpatient procedures.

Surgery is a very effective way to relieve sciatica pain. Procedures include microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, and laminectomy, among others. In some cases, artificial disc replacement or spinal fusion may be required to effectively treat sciatica pain.

Find Relief From Sciatica Pain at AOSMI Located in New Jersey

To learn more about the sciatica treatments available at AOSMI, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our state-of-the-art facilities located in New Jersey. We can assess your diagnosis and symptoms, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate approach for your particular condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Pain

What is the best way to relieve sciatica pain at home?

When sciatica pain flares, home remedies can sometimes provide effective relief. For instance, some people find that taking a brief rest from physical activity, applying a heating pad or ice pack to the painful area, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever is all that is needed to get through a painful episode.

When should I see a doctor for sciatica pain?

You should see a doctor for sciatica pain if you experience any of the following: 
  • Severe pain: You have severe pain that’s worse when you lie down, wakes you up at night, or you can’t get comfortable 
  • Numbness or weakness: You have weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis 
  • Urinary or bowel issues: You have burning with urination, blood in your urine, or loss of control of urine or stool 
  • Pain after an injury: You have back pain after a severe blow or fall 
  • Pain on both sides: You have sciatica on both sides 
  • Pain that lasts longer than a week: Your pain lasts longer than a week, gets worse, or returns after successful treatment 
  • Pain in children or the elderly: You have a child or elderly person with back pain 

What are the best exercises and stretches to relieve sciatica pain?

Some exercises and stretches that may help relieve sciatica pain include: 
  • Lying knee-to-chest stretch: While lying on your back, gently pull one knee toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower spine and hip.
  • Cat-cow : While on your hands and knees, lift your chest and round your back like a cat, then lower yourself into a downward dog position.
  • Kneeling hip stretch : While kneeling on all fours, bring one knee forward toward the opposite hand until you feel a stretch in your thigh.

Can sciatica pain go away on its own?

Yes, sciatica pain can often go away on its own with time and self-care. Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, and it usually improves within 4 to 6 weeks.

When is surgery required for sciatica pain?

Surgery may be recommended if sciatica is causing severe pain, numbness, and weakness in one leg. It is also considered when nonsurgical treatments have not achieved a satisfactory outcome. Finally, if sciatica symptoms are interfering with daily activities, surgery may be the best solution.

How long does sciatica pain last?

Sciatica pain typically lasts 4–6 weeks, but it can vary from person to person and can last much longer: 
  • Acute sciatica: Usually improves within a few days to a few weeks, even without treatment. 
  • Chronic sciatica: If the pain lasts longer than 6 weeks and doesn’t improve, it’s considered chronic. Chronic sciatica can last several months or even over a year. 
  • Severe cases: More severe cases may take weeks or months to improve.