Sciatica Specialist
Tingling, pain, and numbness that originates in your buttock and runs down your leg may indicate you have sciatica, which is a symptom of a possible issue in your lower back. Dr. Faisal Mahmood, practicing at five One Oak Medical locations in New Jersey and Staten Island, and the skilled team of orthopedic and spine specialists help men and women determine the cause of their pain so they can have it managed and treated successfully. If you live in Wayne, Paramus, Middletown, or Point Pleasant, New Jersey, or on Staten Island, call or book a consultation online today.
Sciatica Q & A
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica symptoms occur when the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower portion of your spinal cord down the back of your thigh, is compressed or irritated.
Sciatic pain ranges in severity and intensity; some people find it mildly annoying, while others have symptoms that are completely incapacitating. Sciatica generally only affects one side of your body, with common symptoms including:
- Pain in your buttock or leg and that worsens when you sit
- Tingling, searing, and burning pain in your leg
- An increase in pain when you move from a seated to standing position
- Pain that radiates down your leg and into your foot and toes
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is often caused by an underlying issue in your lower back. Common causes include:
- Herniated lumbar disc, which causes the soft inner part of the disc to leak out and irritate the sciatic nerve
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spondylolisthesis, caused by a fractured or defective vertebra that slips
You may also experience symptoms of sciatica due to a tight piriformis muscle that sits deep in your buttock.
How is the cause of my sciatica pain diagnosed?
Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Debra Ibrahim, who practice at the One Oak Medical offices in Wayne and Paramus, specialize in diagnosing and treating sciatic pain. They do a comprehensive exam, evaluate your medical history, and may order imaging tests to help with your diagnosis.
Dr. Ibrahim performs an electromyography test to measure electrical impulses produced in your nerves to help determine if you have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis that’s responsible for your sciatic pain.
How is sciatica treated?
How your sciatica is treated depends on the cause of your pain. Dr. Mahmood offers conservative and nonsurgical treatments such as epidural spinal injections, physical therapy, pain medications, and heat/ice therapy. In most cases, sciatic pain resolves within six to 12 weeks.
If you don’t respond to conservative treatment, your sciatica becomes chronic, or your sciatica interferes with daily functions such as bladder control, you may need surgery to address the underlying condition.
To find out more about how you can find relief from sciatic pain, call One Oak Medical or book an appointment online today.
