Sciatica Pain – Help from the Best New York Doctor
Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and buttocks and radiates down into the legs. The cause is a problem with the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the buttocks and the back of the thighs, and into the lower legs. Sciatica pain occurs when this nerve is compressed or pinched, sometimes accompanied by tingling and numbness.
What Causes Sciatica Pain?
According to leading sciatica pain doctors, this condition has a number of possible causes. If you have back pain, the only way to understand the cause is to consult an expert pain doctor. NY residents can search for “pain doctor near me” or schedule a consultation at “paintreatmentspecialists.com.
- Herniated Disc: Intervertebral discs sit between the bones of the spine and provide cushioning. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a gelatin-like core. When the outer lining tears, the inner part of the disc can bulge out and press onto a spinal nerve, causing pain that may radiate to other parts of the body. Also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, herniated discs usually affect people aged at least 30.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As you age, the discs in your spine degenerate. This can cause irritation to nerve roots and trigger sciatica pain.
- Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: A tiny stress fracture can cause vertebrae to slide out of position, pinching the sciatic nerve.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: In people aged sixty or over, the spinal canal sometimes narrows, causing nerves to become compressed. This usually happens due to a bulging disc, overgrowth of soft tissue, or swelling in the facet joints. Most people with this condition have spinal arthritis.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Located at the base of the spine, the sacroiliac joint can irritate the L5 nerve, causing pain very similar to sciatica pain.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Sometimes, irritation to the sciatic nerve is caused not by the bones of the spine but by the piriformis muscle in the buttock.
- Muscle Strain: Muscle strains involve inflammation, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Tumor: Cancerous tumors in the spine can cause sciatica pain, but this is an uncommon cause of sciatica.
- Infection: Infection of the lower back is also rare, but can cause sciatic pain.
- Lumbar Vertebra Fracture: If you have recently been in an accident, such as a fall or car accident, you might have fractured a bone in your spine. Lumbar vertebra fractures also occur due to osteoporosis, a serious condition that causes your bones to weaken and lose density. A qualified sciatica pain doctor in NYC can spot the signs of osteoporosis so you can get treatment.
- Pregnancy: Sciatica pain can start during pregnancy as the weight gain and hormonal changes irritate the sciatic nerve.
- Epidural Fibrosis: Occasionally, scar tissue from back surgery can put pressure on the sciatic nerve route, leading to pain.
When Should I See a Pain Doctor Near Me?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should search for a sciatica pain doctor by typing “pain doctor near me” into a search engine. Residents of New York can search “pain doctor NY” or schedule an appointment at paintreatmentspecialists.com.
- Pain that runs from the lumbar spine area to the buttock, back of the thigh, and into the lower leg or foot.
- Pain that affects only one side of the body.
- Pain that is worse when sitting or standing, but better when walking or lying down.
- Sharp, shooting, or searing pain.
- Tingling, prickling, numbness, or weakness in one leg.
- Lower back pain, which is usually milder than the leg pain.
When Should I See a Pain Doctor Near Me?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should search for a sciatica pain doctor by typing “pain doctor near me” into a search engine. Residents of New York can search “pain doctor NY” or schedule an appointment at paintreatmentspecialists.com.
- Pain that runs from the lumbar spine area to the buttock, back of the thigh, and into the lower leg or foot.
- Pain that affects only one side of the body.
- Pain that is worse when sitting or standing, but better when walking or lying down.
- Sharp, shooting, or searing pain.
- Tingling, prickling, numbness, or weakness in one leg.
- Lower back pain, which is usually milder than the leg pain.
Sciatica Pain Treatment Options
When they see a sciatica pain doctor, NY residents receive treatments and advice that can help them manage and overcome their pain. The various sciatica pain treatment options include:
- Heat or Ice Compression Packs: In some people, sciatica pain responds well to heat or ice, or sometimes to an alternating regiment of hot and cold packs. Your pain doctor in NY can let you know which option is most likely to work for you.
- Medication: Pain doctors often recommend taking NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or oral steroids to reduce pain and inflammation. They can also prescribe muscle relaxants and narcotics to provide relief.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: If your pain and inflammation is severe, you might need an epidural steroid injection. When steroids are injected directly into the painful part of the back by a qualified pain doctor, NY residents report feeling relief for anything from one week to one year.
- Exercises: Targeted exercises can strengthen back muscles and relieve the strain on the sciatic nerve. Before you start any exercise program, it is important to search “pain doctor near me” and have your sciatica professionally evaluated to avoid making the pain worse.
Finding a Sciatica Pain Doctor NY
To find a sciatica pain doctor, NY residents can either search “pain doctor near me” or visit paintreatmentspecialists.com. The best pain doctors in NY can use a range of techniques to diagnose and treat sciatica pain, giving you the relief you need to live a full and pain-free life.
Book a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with one of our pain treatment specialists is one of the best ways to determine the proper solution for pain relief.
Meet our Harvard trained team
Dr. George Hanna
Harvard Medical School | NY & NJ Pain Specialist
Dr. Hanna received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed anesthesiology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School and a pain management fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hanna was then appointed Clinical Instructor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School – training new graduates for over 3 years in anesthesiology and pain management techniques at Massachusetts General Hospital.
