What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica

Neurologist

A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the human nervous system. Sciatica is, of course, a nerve issue; a neurologist may be able to diagnose causes of nerve pain and offer solutions that a primary care physician could not offer.

It’s likely that your neurologist will have some kind of diagnostic testing performed on your back; this will allow him to make an accurate diagnosis.

Common tests include:

• X-Ray. This is the most common imaging method–it will produce images that give your neurologist a good look at your anatomy.
• MRI. This is an imaging method that employs magnets and radio frequencies to create an extremely precise image of your body.
• EMG/NCV. These nerve conduction tests record electrical activity in your body and confirm that nerves are working properly.

Orthopedic Doctor

If your sciatica is caused by an issue requiring more aggressive intervention, such as a herniated disk or degenerative disk disease, then you’ll need to visit an orthopedist.

He may determine that you need a surgical procedure to relieve the pressure on your sciatic nerve, such as a microdiscectomy, or disk fusion.

If you visit an orthopedic doctor and receive a recommendation for surgery, it’s critical that you seek at least one more opinion. Advances in medical science may allow for a non-surgical solution to your sciatic pain, and avoiding surgery is always the best tact when possible.

Check your surgeon’s reviews online and ensure that they do not have a reputation for rushing to surgery when another path is viable.

Chiropractor

A chiropractor is not strictly speaking a medical doctor, but he can provide relief for sciatica if the cause is related to muscle weakness or tightness.

One common cause of sciatica is trigger points or knots in your muscles that irritate the sciatic nerve. If this is your issue (commonly caused by sitting too much or over-stimulation), then a chiropractor will be able to do wonders for your health that medication could never manage.

Typically, it will take a chiropractor four visits to fix issues related to the sciatic nerve.

This form of physical rehabilitation does have limitations, so make sure you find a chiropractor who understands these limitations and does not try to tackle medical issues that are beyond his scope.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a type of nerve pain caused by injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve. The pain is just one of the symptoms that may accompany the condition. The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in the body and runs from the hip and buttock downwards. 

Many people asking, “What is sciatica?” often expect it to be a disease. However, it’s merely a second-order symptom pointing to other underlying causes.

Some of the most common causes of sciatica include a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and spinal injury due to blunt force trauma like car accidents. Talk to an accident doctor in NY if you believe you have sciatica after an accident.

Are you experiencing sciatica? You’re not alone. According to a publication in the National Library of Medicine, sciatica affects between 1% and 5% of the population. Yale Medicine also reports that it is responsible for 10% of all cases of lower back pain.

Some common risk factors for the condition include age, height, inactivity, obesity,  and poor posture.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The symptoms of sciatica include the following:

Pain

Sciatica pain occurs due to the sustained pressure on the affected nerve. Most sciatica patients describe the pain as burning or like an electric shock, radiating or shooting down the leg on the affected side. 

The pain might also worsen when you sneeze, cough, bend, or try to lift your legs when lying on your back.

Tingling Sensation

Sciatica causes a sensation of “pins and needles” down the affected leg. The feeling is similar to what you’ll experience after you cross your legs for a long time.

Numbness

You may notice a loss of sensation in the affected leg occasionally. This happens because the signals from that part of your body aren’t reaching your brain because of the truncated nerve function.

Muscle Weakness

Sciatica can also affect the communication between your brain and the muscles in your legs. This can cause your legs to feel weak, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or lift objects.

Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control

Severe cases of sciatica can also affect the nerves controlling your bowel and bladder. This is a rare but serious symptom that requires emergency medical attention.

When to See a Doctor for Sciatica

Now that you know the answer to “What is sciatica?” the next question is, when should you see a doctor?

According to Medical News Today, sciatica can improve on its own or with some self-care measures within four to six weeks. However, severe cases will require seeking medical intervention. You should see a doctor for your sciatica if you’re experiencing:

Severe Pain

Is sciatica causing you intense, debilitating pain that is making sleep and daily living more difficult? You should see a doctor quickly. Severe pain often points to more serious underlying issues such as spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or spinal injury.

Persistent Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms lasting more than six weeks can significantly alter your quality of life. You may need targeted treatment to alleviate the symptoms and avoid other long-term complications.

Progressive Weakness

Are you feeling weakness that affects your ability to stand, walk, or perform daily activities? You need to see a doctor immediately. It often points to severe nerve damage or compression.

Loss of Bladder or Bwel Control

Losing control of your bowel or bladder is a medical emergency, and you must treat it as such. It’s a sign of spinal nerves compressing around the base of the vertebrae. The problem will only worsen and may become irreversible without treatment. 

Conclusion

Losing control of your bowel or bladder is a medical emergency, and you must treat it as such. It’s a sign of spinal nerves compressing around the base of the vertebrae. The problem will only worsen and may become irreversible without treatment. 

The sort of doctor who will ultimately treat your sciatica is determined, of course, by the source of your issue. Begin with a family physician (or a chiropractor) and then move on to another medical specialist from there if necessary.

If you need to find a doctor near you experienced in treating sciatica pain, call 1-800-897-8440 today!

Book an Appointment with a Doctor Today

Have you been dealing with pain accompanied by numbness and tingling for weeks? Do you want further discussions on “What is Sciatica?” or want to learn how to walk with sciatica pain? Call 1-800-897-8440 to find a doctor near you.

Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica pain originates from the lower back and spreads down the back of one leg. It’s the result of compression or irritation along the sciatic nerve.

What Is the Best Treatment for Sciatica?

There is no definitive best treatment for sciatica. Most cases will resolve within a few weeks while others may need chiropractic care or physical therapy. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

What Is the Most Effective Pain Relief for Sciatica?

The most effective pain relief option for sciatica pain depends on your goals. For short-term relief, over-the-counter painkillers can be effective. However, the pain will return if you don’t address the underlying cause.