SCIATIC NERVE PAIN TREATMENT IN FREEHOLD AND MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ

Reviewed by AOSMI’s Fellowship-Trained, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Justin Elkrief.

Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in the legs that is caused by irritation/compression of the sciatic nerve, which branches away from the spinal cord in the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down the back of each leg.  Common symptoms of sciatic nerve compression is pain that radiates down this nerve pathway, usually on one side, that can range in intensity from mild to excruciating. Sciatica symptoms can also include numbness, tingling, or weakness in an affected leg or foot, or pain in one part of a leg and weakness in another.

Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a set of symptoms that are caused by an underlying condition. The most common sources of sciatic nerve compression are a herniated disc, spinal bone spur, or a narrowing within the spine (spinal stenosis). Less commonly, sciatica can be attributed to a tumor that is pressing on the sciatic nerve.

SCIATICA NERVE PAIN TREATMENT AT AOSMI

If you are searching for relief from sciatica pain, visit the board-certified orthopedic specialists at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute at our state-of-the-art facilities in Freehold and Monroe Township, New Jersey. The highly-trained sciatica nerve pain doctors at AOMSI will give you the attentive and highly specialized care you deserve.

Our sciatica specialists may suggest that you begin treating your sciatica pain with nonsurgical methods, such as:

• Physical therapy
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy for sciatica typically involves targeted exercises and stretches that aim to improve spinal flexibility, strengthen supportive muscles, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. This approach helps enhance mobility, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing, ultimately alleviating pain and restoring function.
• Chiropractic therapy
  • Chiropractic therapy: Chiropractic care may involve spinal adjustments and manipulations that aim to realign the spine, alleviate nerve compression, and improve overall spinal health. By restoring proper spinal alignment, chiropractic therapy can help reduce irritation on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain relief and improved nerve function.
• Massage therapy
  • Massage therapy: Massage therapy for sciatica focuses on relaxing tense muscles, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation around the affected area. By releasing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, massage therapy can provide temporary relief from sciatica pain and contribute to improved comfort and well-being.
• Medications
  • Medications: Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle spasms associated with sciatica. These medications can help provide symptomatic relief and improve your ability to engage in physical therapy and other treatments.
• Therapeutic injections
  • Therapeutic injections: Therapeutic injections, such as epidural steroid injections, can deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area around the sciatic nerve. By reducing inflammation and providing targeted pain relief, these injections can help alleviate sciatica symptoms and create a window of opportunity for other therapies, such as physical therapy, to be more effective

If your sciatica pain continues or worsens after several methods of nonsurgical treatment, or if you are diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome, a tumor, or an infection, our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons may suggest a surgical procedure to address the cause of your sciatica and control your sciatica symptoms, such as sciatic nerve pain and weakness in your legs.

If you would like to learn more about our treatment options for sciatica or schedule an appointment at one of our facilities in Freehold or Monroe Township, NJ, contact Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Pain and Symptoms

What causes sciatica?
Can sciatica go away on its own?
What age does sciatica usually present itself?
What is the best way to relieve sciatica pain at home?
Can severe sciatica pain be treated without surgery?
When does sciatic nerve pain require surgery?

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Pain and Symptoms

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is primarily caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and rarely, tumors. The compression of the nerve leads to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg.

Can sciatica go away on its own?

In many cases, mild sciatica can improve and resolve on its own over time as the body’s natural healing processes reduce inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve. However, more severe or persistent cases may require medical intervention and management to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

What age does sciatica usually present itself?

Sciatica can occur at any age, but it is more commonly observed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It often develops due to degenerative changes in the spine, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which become more prevalent as people age. However, sciatica can also result from injuries, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical conditions.

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

To relieve sciatica pain at home, you can try:

• Rest and gentle activity: Balancing rest with light movement can help reduce discomfort.
• Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area may provide temporary relief.
• Over-the-counter medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Gentle stretches: Engaging in mild stretches that target the lower back and buttock muscles can alleviate tension.
• Proper posture: Maintaining good posture while sitting and standing can reduce strain on the sciatic nerve.

Can severe sciatica pain be treated without surgery?

Yes, severe sciatica pain can often be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical approaches may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain medications, therapeutic injections, and lifestyle modifications. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation, alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, and improve overall spinal health to provide relief from severe sciatica symptoms.

When does sciatic nerve pain require surgery?

Surgery for sciatic nerve pain is typically considered when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, and the pain significantly affects your quality of life. Surgical options may be explored if there are signs of severe nerve compression, loss of muscle function, progressive neurological deficits, or if the pain is associated with certain underlying conditions. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual case and recommend surgery if it is deemed necessary.