Overview:
Sciatica Pain Treatment Specialists in Austin, TX
SCIATICA OR SCIATICA PAIN REFERS TO BACK PAIN AND LEG PAIN EXPERIENCED AS A RESULT OF PINCHING OR IRRITATION IN THE SCIATIC NERVE.
While sciatica pain is often thought of originating in the back, it can often radiate and effect a vast area. The sciatic nerves are the largest in the human body, extending from the lower portion of the spinal cord, through the thighs, all the way to the soles of the feet.
Those with acute or chronic lower back pain are more prone to developing sciatica pain, with anywhere between 5 to 10% of them developing the condition. Overall, it has been estimated that at least 40% of people develop sciatica pain at some point in their lives, with the prevalence increasing after the age of 45.
Searching for a “sciatica specialist near me” in Austin? Find relief from sciatica pain with our specialized treatment at Advanced Pain Care! Book your consultation today!
Symptoms of Sciatica Nerve Pain
The doctors specializing in sciatica nerve pain at Advanced Pain Care, define the following as common signs you may be suffering from the condition:
- Pain ranges in intensity from mild aches to sharp, burning, and even electrifying sensations
- Constant or intermittent sensations of pain felt more severely in the leg than in the back
- Sensations of numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Sensations of heaviness in the leg
- Increased pain in specific postures and movements
- Loss of function in legs, in extreme and rare cases
- Loss of bladder/bowel movement in extreme and rare cases
The symptoms of sciatica are typically experienced differently, depending on the specific nerve roots that are affected.
For example, the following symptoms may be experienced if the compression is on the L4 nerve root:
- Pain in the thigh, hip, and inner parts of the knee and calves
- Loss of sensation in these regions
- Loss of reflexes in the knee
The following symptoms may be experienced if the compression is on the S1 nerve root:
- Loss of reflexes in the ankle
- Pain in the back of the calves, buttocks, and in the side of the feet
- Difficulty moving the heel
Diagnosis & Treatment of Sciatica Pain
The effectiveness of sciatica pain treatment relies on a proper diagnosis.. To perform an accurate diagnosis, physicians and doctors at Advanced Pain Care assess the pain patterns using the following approach:
- Medical history — The physician may review the following:
- Onset of pain
- Onset of other symptoms
- Type and duration of the pain
- Recent trauma or injuries
- Physical examination — During a physical examination, the physician may check for the following parameters:
- Localized pain experienced in specific regions along the nerve path
- Response to external stimuli
- Response to specific movements such as walking on heels or toes, or transitioning between movements and postures
- Clinical tests — In order to check for sciatic nerve pain, the physician may conduct different clinical tests. These tests are done to isolate mechanical causes leading to sciatica and cannot confirm any other causes such as chemical irritation. Some examples include:
- Slump test — This involves the patient bending forward at the hip to check if the pain is affected by being in this position.
- Straight leg raise test — This involves the doctor manipulating the movement of the patient’s leg to check for different symptoms experienced at different positions of the leg.
- Diagnostic tests — Medical imaging tests can help diagnose the cause of the pain, especially in chronic cases and can also assist in minimally-invasive surgeries, as a part of a sciatic nerve pain treatment plan. Some of the commonly used diagnostic tests include:
- Diagnostic nerve block injections
- Electromyography
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Selective nerve root blocks
- Discogram
- X-ray
Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief
Once an accurate diagnosis is made, a structured plan for sciatica treatment is created, which can include simple self-care treatments, non-surgical treatments, and surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. The treatment for sciatica is primarily focused on treating the underlying causes of the pain and managing the pain itself. Examples of common treatments are below:
- Self-care treatments like hot & cold treatment; medications (prescription and non-prescription) to reduce pain and inflammation; and simple stretching exercises as recommended by the physician.
- Non-surgical treatments at Advanced Pain Care can include the following:
- Diagnostic nerve block injections
- Electromyography
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Selective nerve root blocks
- Discogram
Common Causes of Sciatica Pain
It is crucial to understand that not all types of lower back pain or radiating pain in the lower part of the body can be categorized as sciatica pain. Sciatica refers only to lower back pain or radiating pain that originates from the sciatic nerves.
Sciatica most commonly occurs when an underlying medical condition causes pain, inflammation, or numbness in the affected regions. Common condition that can effect sciatica pain include:
- Inflammation of the pelvic or lumbar muscles
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Herniated lumbar disc
- Piriformis syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Nerve damage from diabetes
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Bone spurs on the spine
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
Several of these medical conditions develop as a result of a trauma or an injury. Some may also be a result of injuries; for example, herniated discs can occur due to weightlifting or prolonged manual labor. It has been estimated that approximately 90% of all sciatica conditions are caused by lumbar herniated discs with nerve root compression. A herniated disc can compress nerves directly or by leaking acidic substances, leading to inflammation near the sciatic nerve.
There are some rare instances where sciatica can occur due to tumors, blood clots, infections, the formation of scar tissue, spinal tuberculosis, or fractures in the spine. An estimated 1% of women also experience sciatica at some time during their pregnancies. In some cases, the cause of sciatica can be attributed to a post-surgical complication
Types of Sciatica
Sciatica back pain (or sciatica leg pain) can be classified into different types based on the duration and affected regions. It can be as follows:
- Acute sciatica — Sudden, persistent pain that lasts anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks.
- Chronic sciatica — Persistent sciatic nerve pain lasts over 8 weeks.
- Alternating sciatica — Pain affecting both legs alternatively. This type of sciatica is extremely rare and is caused primarily by conditions such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- Bilateral sciatica — Pain affecting both legs simultaneously. This type of sciatica is rare and is caused primarily by conditions such as cauda equina syndrome.
Your sciatica pain might fall under any of these categories, depending on your medical condition. Our specialists can help you understand your pain type along with the most appropriate treatment plan.
Patient Testimonial
“Everyone is very professional, caring, and concerned about your health. Tim takes time to explain all of my health issues. The front desk staff makes an awesome impression on the entire practice. I take my hat off to Rebecca, Marissa B., Tim, and Julia. I’m sure Dr. Malon would be happy and satisfied with this staff. They continue to give Dr. Malon a good reputation.“
— Patricia Hosey
“I have been going to Advanced Pain Care for several years to deal with herniated disc pain. I have always received great care. The doctors and PAs provide all of the options and focus on having a holistic approach – from exercise and massage to medications and epidurals. I am so happy with my team at the Central Austin location: Kolhbe and Priscilla are excellent and the office staff is always courteous and efficient.“
— Michelle Breyer
When Should You See Our Doctor for Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica in its milder form usually goes away on its own with simple self-care routines and OTC medication. However, if you have been experiencing persistent and severe pain for over a week with the loss of control over body functions, you should seek immediate consultation with a pain care physician. To receive the best sciatica pain treatment, book an appointment with one of our doctors. Call Advanced Pain Care at 512-244-4272.
Risk Factors & Complications That Can Arise Due to Sciatica Pain
Sciatica nerve pain can occur due to a host of risk factors ranging from aging to obesity. The most common risk factors associated with the condition are as follows:
- Age-related changes in the spine such as bone spurs and degeneration of discs
- Prolonged physical activity and sports
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Anxiety and stress
- Smoking
Sciatica pain, even in a more acute manifestation, can be treated. However, when there is a lack of timely medical intervention, it can lead to nerve damage and loss of functions in the affected regions. Some of the possible complications that can arise include:
- Inability to move specific parts of the affected regions
- Loss of function in affected regions
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Chronic pain
- Loss of feeling in the affected regions
- Muscle weakness of affected areas
Is Surgery Required for Sciatica Pain?
Surgery for sciatic nerve pain relief is considered an option only if no other treatments have helped in relieving the pain. Especially when experiencing the following symptoms:
- Progressively worsening pain
- Severe muscle weakness in the lower body
- Loss of bodily functions such as bowel and bladder control.
If surgery is determined to be the best course of action, one of the following may be performed to remove the pressure on the nerves and stabilize the spine.
- Microdiscectomy to remove fragments of a herniated disc that are pressing on the nerves
- Laminectomy to remove a part of the vertebral bone that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Foraminotomy to enlarge the neuroforamen and give more room for nerve roots
- Facetectomy to relieve pressure on nerves caused by degenerated facet joints
Post-surgery recovery is case-specific; however, the time taken to recover is usually between 6 weeks to 3 months. Before opting for a surgical procedure, talk to your surgeon at Advanced Pain Care to understand the entire recovery process as well as the possible risks involved.
Precautions You Can Take To Prevent Sciatica Pain
As sciatica nerve pain is caused due to varied medical conditions, however, there are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from possible injury, trauma, or irritation that can lead to sciatica. These include:
Get Relief For Your Sciatica With Our Doctors in Austin, TX
Sciatica can be a painful condition and limit your ability to perform even the most routine of daily tasks. Fortunately, managing and treating sciatica pain is possible. If you’re looking for a trusted “sciatica pain doctor near me”, Advanced Pain Care is here to help you.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Malone and our compassionate team have been devoted to easing the pain of numerous patients. With our pain management centers in 13 locations and three surgery centers across Texas, we’re here to support patients throughout the state. Experience the best sciatica pain treatment and get back to living the life you deserve. Schedule your appointment today with our pain management specialist or call 512-244-4272 to take the first step towards a life with less pain.
FAQS
Q: How do You relieve sciatic nerve pain?
A: Most cases of sciatic nerve pain can be treated with rest, the application of ice and hot packs, as well as simple stretching exercises, to relieve the pressure on the nerves. In case of more chronic pain, our pain management specialists at Advanced Pain Care can provide you with a comprehensive plan for sciatica pain treatment.
Q: What causes sciatica to flare up?
A: Sitting for prolonged periods has been known to cause sciatica to flare up. Additionally, improper posture, manual labor, and obesity are also common causes of a flare up. Consult one of our sciatica nerve pain doctors to understand the exact cause and the right treatment plan for your pain.
Q: Is walking good for sciatic nerve pain?
A: Walking is considered to be very effective when it comes to relieving sciatica pain. Regular walking helps to reduce inflammation and also releases pain-fighting endorphins into the bloodstream. However, incorrect posture while walking can lead to further pressure on the sciatica nerves, making the pain even worse. We can help guide the correct physical activities for you, when it comes to the treatment and management of sciatica nerve pain.
Q: Can physical therapy or chiropractic care help with sciatica?
A: Yes, physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves flexibility. And, chiropractic adjustments can reduce nerve irritation and improve spinal alignment, easing the pain. However, the results may vary, so it’s best to talk to one of our experienced doctors to find the right sciatica pain treatment for you.
