What Kind of Doctor Treats Sciatica?

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, excruciating pain running from your lower back down your leg, you’ve likely experienced sciatica. This condition can cause constant pain that disrupts sleep, work, and daily life. Many patients aren’t sure where to turn for help or what kind of doctor treats sciatica most effectively. So, what kind of doctor is best for sciatica pain? For those seeking sciatica treatment in Indiana, the spine specialists at Goodman Campbell are experts at uncovering the source of sciatica pain and providing appropriate courses of action for healing. 

Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It can result from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column), or a bone spur pressing on the nerve roots in the lower spine. Because sciatica affects the nervous system, the right doctor should have advanced training in diagnosing and treating nerve compression conditions.

Several types of doctors can evaluate or help treat sciatica pain, but they differ in training and expertise.

While chiropractors may provide short-term relief for mild musculoskeletal discomfort, sciatica involving nerve compression or severe back pain requires medical evaluation. Seeing a physician ensures that serious causes, such as lumbar spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or cauda equina syndrome, are properly identified. A thorough evaluation, often including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), helps confirm the cause and guides an effective treatment plan.

Your primary care physician is often the first step for new or moderate sciatica symptoms. They may recommend medication or physical therapy to manage back pain and inflammation. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, referral to a specialist is necessary.

A neurologist specializes in diagnosing disorders of the nervous system, including the spinal cord and nerve roots. They can confirm nerve compression and identify whether the issue originates in the spinal canal or elsewhere. However, while neurologists diagnose sciatica, they do not perform surgical treatment.

Interventional pain management physicians use image-guided techniques to relieve sciatic nerve compression and reduce inflammation. Procedures such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks can offer significant sciatica pain relief and improve mobility. At Goodman Campbell, these specialists collaborate closely with neurosurgeons and physical therapists as part of a personalized, comprehensive care plan.

Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons treat the spine, but their training and focus areas differ significantly. Neurosurgeons complete more extensive training and education than orthopedic surgeons. In fact, recent neurosurgical residents carried out 260% more spine procedures than orthopedic surgery residents.

Neurosurgeons undergo more extensive, specialized training in the nervous system — typically seven to eight years of residency, with about half focused on back surgeries and procedures. They are uniquely qualified to relieve nerve compression and treat both simple and complex spine conditions. In contrast, orthopedic surgeons complete five years of residency with much less emphasis on spinal nerve disorders.

Because sciatica stems from the nerve roots, a neurosurgeon’s advanced training can be vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment. At Goodman Campbell, patients benefit from having access to one of the most accomplished neurosurgery teams in the world — right here in Indiana.

Because sciatica stems from issues with the nerve roots, a neurosurgeon’s expertise is preferred to accurately diagnose and treat the condition. At Goodman Campbell, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons combine this depth of training with minimally invasive techniques to relieve pressure on the nerve, minimize the impact on the affected leg, restore function, and reduce chronic pain. 

The vast majority of patients with sciatic pain begin their journey to relief with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy and interventional pain management procedures. A physical therapist can design exercises that strengthen the lower spine, improve flexibility, and support recovery. These conservative treatments often reduce sciatic pain and help prevent recurrence.

If sciatic nerve pain persists or worsens despite conservative care, or if there is muscle weakness or nerve damage, surgical treatment may be necessary. Procedures such as spinal fusion or decompression surgery can effectively relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, offering lasting relief for patients with severe pain or lumbar spinal stenosis. Goodman Campbell’s neurosurgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.

If you’re wondering what the most successful treatment for sciatica is, discuss your case with our specialists at Goodman Campbell. We are a global leader in brain and spine care at the center of clinical research and neurosurgery training in the United States. Our fellowship-trained neurosurgeons treat both simple and complex spine conditions, from herniated discs to nerve compression and chronic back conditions. Patients and referring physicians have direct access to their expert pain specialist team, with simple scheduling across multiple Indiana locations.

Goodman Campbell’s collaborative approach brings together neurosurgeons, interventional pain management specialists, and physical therapists to ensure every patient receives a comprehensive, compassionate treatment plan. Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine offers expert, compassionate care from specialists to relieve sciatic nerve pain and restore function. With efficient scheduling and convenient locations, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, Avon, and more, patients have access to world-class spine care close to home. With proven outcomes, world-class training, and accessible care, it’s clear why patients across the region trust Goodman Campbell to treat sciatica and get back to better.