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Our Services / Sciatica

Sciatica

If you have burning, sharp, or radiating pain, it could be because of sciatica. At Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas in Charlotte, North Carolina, interventional pain medicine specialist Aashish Kumar, MD, D.ABA diagnoses and treats sciatica pain to offer relief and improve your quality of life. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.


What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that stems from sciatic nerve compression. Your sciatic nerve’s pathway extends from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and legs. 

Sciatica can be excruciating. Fortunately, help is within reach at Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

  • Radiating pain
  • Sharp or shooting discomfort
  • Mild aching pain
  • Burning discomfort
  • Excruciating pain
  • Pain that feels like a jolt
  • Electric shock-like pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Muscle weakness

Sciatica pain could get worse when you sneeze, cough, or sit for prolonged periods. The discomfort often affects just one side of your body.

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

Common sciatica risk factors include:

  • Older age
  • Pinched nerves
  • Herniated discs
  • Bone spurs
  • Diabetes
  • Weight challenges
  • Physically demanding job
  • Prolonged sitting

You might have sciatica because of carrying something heavy, twisting your back a certain way, or driving a car for a long time. The cause of sciatica pain isn’t always clear. 

Ways to reduce the risk of sciatica include maintaining a healthy body weight, using proper lifting techniques, using good posture, getting regular exercise, and properly managing diabetes if you have it.

How does my doctor diagnose sciatica?

To find out if you have sciatica and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Kumar checks your vital signs, review your symptoms and medical history, and complete a physical exam. He may recommend blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or nerve testing.

What are common sciatica treatments?

Dr. Kumar might suggest one or more of the following treatments for sciatica discomfort:

 

Home remedies
At-home treatments include ice packs, heat packs, and stretching exercises.


Physical therapy
Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas helps you complete stretches and exercises that strengthen targeted tissues, improve flexibility, diminish sciatica pain, and reduce the risk of future problems.


Medications
Taking medications helps reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with sciatica. 


Injections
Dr. Kumar offers steroids and other injections to reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve.


Surgery 
In some cases, you may need surgery to remove bone spurs or herniated discs that press against your sciatic nerve. 

To get relief from sciatica, call the Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas office or schedule an appointment online today.