Relief-Focused Sciatica Treatment
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hip and down the leg. It's typically caused by pressure on the nerve, often from a herniated or bulging disc or spinal stenosis, and can range from a mild ache to sharp, shooting pain that makes it hard to sit, stand, or walk comfortably.
At HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care, Dr. John Shiau and Dr. John Morrison start by identifying the underlying cause of your sciatica, since effective treatment depends on addressing what's actually pressing on the nerve.
If sciatica pain is affecting your daily life, request a consultation with HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care today.
Understanding and Treating Sciatica
From Diagnosis to Surgical Relief
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms can vary in intensity and location, and commonly include:
- Pain radiating from the lower back into the hip and leg
- Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve's path
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
Non-Surgical Sciatica Pain Treatment
Most sciatica cases improve with conservative treatment before surgery is ever considered, including:
- Physical therapy to relieve pressure on the nerve
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Targeted injections
- Activity modification while the underlying cause heals
Surgical Treatment Options
When sciatica is caused by a herniated disc that hasn't responded to conservative care, a couple of surgical options can relieve pressure on the affected nerve:
- Endoscopic Discectomy: Removes the damaged portion of the disc through a very small incision.
- Laminectomy and Discectomy: Creates more space around the nerve by removing a small amount of bone along with the disc fragment.
Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison will recommend the approach that best addresses your specific cause of sciatica.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is sciatica different from general back pain?
Sciatica specifically involves the sciatic nerve, so it tends to radiate from the lower back into the hip, buttock, and leg, rather than staying localized to the back itself. General back pain can have many other causes, including muscle strain or joint irritation, that don't involve nerve compression at all.
Because the treatment approach differs depending on the cause, a sciatica pain doctor will typically use a physical exam and sometimes imaging to confirm whether nerve compression is behind your symptoms.
When does sciatica require surgery?
Surgery is typically considered only after conservative treatment for sciatica hasn't provided enough relief, or if there's significant weakness or loss of nerve function. Most people with sciatica improve within a few weeks to months using non-surgical approaches.
When surgery is recommended, the goal is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve as directly as possible, which is why identifying the exact cause matters so much before moving forward.
Why should I choose HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care for sciatica treatment near me?
Finding the right sciatica specialist near you means finding a team that looks beyond the symptom to treat the underlying cause. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison bring extensive spine experience to every case, from conservative pain management to surgical treatment when it's truly needed.
Serving patients across New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help you find lasting relief from sciatica pain.