Sciatica

There’s sharp, shooting pain in my lower back and buttocks; is it sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve –– which runs from your lower back, down your buttocks, and into your legs –– becomes pinched or compressed by a bone spur or a herniated disc. The excess pressure on your sciatic nerve causes pain, tingling, and numbness, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

Sciatica is different from other types of lower back pain in that it extends into your buttocks, legs, and feet. Without treatment, it can keep you from work, exercise, and other activities.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• Tingling or numbness in your buttocks, legs, and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Pain on one side of your body

Some people with severe sciatica experience urinary and/or bowel incontinence (loss of bladder and bowel control).

Who is at risk of sciatica?

Sciatica can affect anyone, but it’s most common in people recovering from injuries like car accidents or falls. Several things increase your risk of sciatica, including being overweight and having insufficient core strength.

How does an interventional pain management specialist diagnose sciatica?

Dr. Joiner reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and if it’s worse when you stand or exercise.

Dr. Joiner completes a physical exam and asks you to walk around the exam room to observe your gait (how you walk) and posture. He also conducts a straight leg raise test: He asks you to lie on your back on an exam table and slowly raise your legs to the ceiling one at a time. If you start to feel pain or numbness, you have sciatica.

Dr. Joiner also completes a flexibility and strength assessment and orders X-rays.

How does an interventional pain management specialist treat sciatica?

Dr. Joiner treats sciatica by taking an integrative, conservative approach. He could suggest:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication
• Prescription pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Manual therapy, like massage or acupuncture
• Activity changes
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Ultrasound-guided stem cell injections
• Intrathecal pain pump

You might benefit from surgery if your symptoms are severe and have continued for weeks or months. Dr. Joiner specializes in minimally invasive sciatica surgery.

Call the nearest Dr. Murray E. Joiner Jr. & Associates office today to schedule sciatica treatment, or book your appointment online.