Radiculopathy or its laymen term, Sciatica, is a condition that produces radiating pain that radiates into the extremities. This pain can range from mild and intermittent to chronic and disabling. Our mission at Houston Pain and Spine is to help ease the symptoms of spinal conditions like sciatica and help restore comfort and mobility. Under the guidance of Dr. Asif Chaudhry MD, we dedicate ourselves to providing relief from spinal conditions.
Symptoms And Avenues Of Treatment For Sciatica
When sciatica symptoms first appear, they often present as intermittent pain, tingling, and numbness. These symptoms can appear in our lower back, legs, and feet. However, these symptoms serve a helpful purpose, alerting the patient that something is happening in their nervous system. Some of the potential causes of sciatica include:
- Lumbar Herniated Disc – Within the intervertebral discs is a nucleus filled with a gel-like substance. The outer shell that protects it can rupture or deform, or herniate. This can impact the functioning of the nerve.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – This condition leads to premature degradation of our intervertebral discs. This can lead to inflammation, as well as applying pressure to the spinal cord.
- Spinal Stenosis – If the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, it can lead to this condition. Spinal stenosis can result from either of the above conditions or other factors.
Mild cases of sciatica can resolve themselves with self-care. When the symptoms become severe or chronic, professional intervention is required. Some of the potential treatments available include the following:
- Physical Therapy – This is essential to resolving sciatica symptoms. Consistent physical therapy can improve posture, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility. All of these can produce less pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Medications – Non-invasive approaches to treatment are where your road to healing starts. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are often prescribed, with prescription muscle relaxants being helpful for some patients. Steroid injection is an option for those struggling with severe symptoms.
- Alternative Therapies – Chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, massage, and other alternative treatments have proven effective for some patients.
- Surgery – Surgery may be required when the symptoms of sciatica have proven unresponsive to the above treatments. In rare instances, surgical approaches may be the first step, especially when control of the bladder or bowels has been impaired.
Every patient’s experience with sciatica is unique, and the treatments that work for them also vary. Determining which approach will work for you begins with calling our team for a consultation and exam.
Contact Houston Pain and Spine For Help With Sciatica
Staying proactive about spinal issues is essential to slowing or reversing the condition’s progression. When spinal health concerns like sciatica are caught early enough, it can stop its progression. Even when complete cessation of its advancement is possible, steps can be taken to slow its advance. This can mean years or decades of living a high-quality life with your condition under control. Call Houston Pain and Spine at 832-436-4040 today to be proactive about maintaining your spinal health for years.
