What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a condition; rather, it is a symptom that signifies an underlying problem. Sciatica is pain, usually from the spine or sacroiliac joint, that runs down the back of one or both legs. What results is a sensation of pain, tingling, or numbness in the back, buttocks and the legs. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Only sometimes is it due to nerve compression.

The Diagnosis of the Cause of Sciatica

Our Board Certified Physicians offer the most advanced non-surgical methods for both diagnosing and treating all forms of sciatica pain. We recognize that most back pain sufferers would prefer to avoid surgical treatment. The good news is that studies show that surgery is often unnecessary and our minimally invasive treatments are most often highly successful. There are numerous causes of neck and back pain. Not all patients have herniated discs and pinched nerves. Careful diagnostic evaluations and pathology specific treatments are required to identify and treat specific spinal pain problems successfully.

Comprehensive patient work-ups include history evaluations, physical examinations and review of any diagnostic tests that have been performed. Diagnostic fluoroscopic injections are sometimes used to confirm the precise location and the cause of the sciatica.

Treatment of Sciatica

Once the cause of the Sciatica has been determined, specific treatment plans are discussed with each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all. Each patient and each medical problem is different, and diagnosis specific treatments are discussed and tailored for each patient. Sciatica as a symptom has many potential causes. Treatment is determined depending upon the cause and the specific patient condition.