Sciatica
Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida
Sciatica is a term describing pain symptoms involving the lower back and radiating down the leg. The word sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is formed by the bundle of nerves exiting the bottom of the spinal column, and branching to the pelvis, buttocks and down the back of the leg.
Sciatica implies irritation of the sciatic nerve and pain associated with the nerve’s path down the leg. Patients should be aware that the term “sciatica” is not a medical diagnosis, since many conditions can irritate the nerve. At best, it refers to the location of the pain.
Sciatic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Bulging disk
- Herniated, ruptured or “slipped” disks
- Degenerative Disk Disease
- Trauma from a fall causing compression of the nerve
- Constriction of the piriformis muscle which the sciatic nerve passes through
- Spinal stenosis
A through physical examination and appropriate testing by a skilled physician can determine the underlying cause of the sciatic pain.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain that begins in the low back or buttocks and moves down the leg, and may progress into the foot.
- Weakness, tingling or numbness in the leg
- Sitting or standing for a long time, and movements that cause the spine to flex (such as knee-to-chest exercises) may make symptoms worse
- Walking, lying down and movements that extend the spine (such as shoulder lifts) may relieve symptoms.
Treatment for Sciatica
Treatment for sciatic pain depends on the underlying cause of the nerve irritation. Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Injections of medicines such as steroids where a disk presses on the nerve
- Prescription medication to relieve pain as the body heals itself
- In severe cases, surgery may be appropriate
Alternative Treatment fo Sciatica
An alternative treatment for sciatica is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Platelet-rich plasma is derived from the patient’s own blood. The resulting plasma is a concentration of growth and healing factors, and is injected into the affected area. Platelet-rich plasma has been useful in a variety of tendon and ligament injuries that are resistant to normal measures of healing.
If you continue to suffer with sciatica and your current treatment plan leaves you feeling hopeless, perhaps a fresh set of experienced eyes can change your outlook. Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine, cutting-edge regenerative medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients increase their quality of life. Contact us for an appointment at 727-462-5582 or www.drlox.com.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, and the Florida Spine Center serve patients within the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as all of Florida and the US.
All statements, information or opinions provided by this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.
Regarding platelet-rich plasma or stem cell therapy: Neither statements nor treatments have been evaluated by the FDA. We do not claim that these treatments work for any listed or unlisted condition. Patient testimonials offer only the patient’s impression of how a therapy worked for them – individual results will vary; results are not guaranteed nor warranteed. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.
The sciatic nerve is formed by the bundle of nerves exiting the bottom of the spinal column, and branching to the pelvis, buttocks and down the back of the leg.
Sciaticaimplies irritation of the sciatic nerve and pain associated with the nerve’s path down the leg.Patients should be aware that the term “sciatica” is not a medical diagnosis, since many conditions can irritate the nerve.At best, it refers to the location of the pain.
If you continue to suffer with Sciatica and your current treatment plan leaves you feeling hopeless, perhaps a fresh set of experienced eyes can change your outlook.Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients in the Tampa Bay area increase their quality of life by reducing their pain.Contact us for an appointment at 727-462-5582.
