Sciatica

Sciatica affects up to 40% of people in the United States at some point in their lives. Though painful, the condition typically isn’t serious and often improves with conservative treatments. At his practice in Dallas and Carrollton, Texas, double board-certified pain management specialist Mohammed Shaikh, MD, and his team offer minimally invasive and integrative treatments for sciatica, including spinal cord stimulation, epidural steroid injections, and physical therapy. Call today to request a sciatica consultation or make your appointment online.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica happens because of injury or inflammation affecting the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, over your buttocks, and down both legs into your feet. Sciatic pain differs from other types of low back and buttock pain in that it usually occurs on only one side of your body.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pins and needles sensations in your legs and feet
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Numbness or weakness in your lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet
• Moderate or severe low back or buttock pain

As the condition worsens, you might have difficulty standing up, exercising, or going to work.

Who is at risk of sciatica?

Anyone can experience sciatica, but several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Smoking
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Having diabetes
• Having weak core muscles
• Being overweight
• Having a physically demanding job

Some people develop sciatica due simply to aging. As you get older, the nerves in your spine are more likely to become pinched or injured.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Dr. Shaikh reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. He gently presses on your lower back, buttocks, and thighs to identify sensitive areas and tests your ability to walk on your toes and heels. 

He might also ask you to lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time. That can help him identify the affected nerves and assess your muscle flexibility and strength. 

Last, Dr. Shaikh orders diagnostic imaging, such as a discogram or X-rays, to rule out other potential problems, like fractures or herniated discs.

How is sciatica treated?

Dr. Shaikh and his team treat sciatica using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They may recommend:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Activity modification
• Chiropractic care
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Selective nerve root blocks
• Indirect decompression
• Minimally invasive interspinous spacers

If your symptoms continue or worsen, Dr. Shaikh might recommend surgery. He regularly performs minimally invasive procedures, including percutaneous discectomy with the Elliquence Disc-FX®  System. 

Call the office near you today to explore the treatments for sciatica, or make your appointment online.