Sciatica
Sciatica is the pinching of the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttock, and down the leg.
What’s in this section?
Signs and symptoms
Sciatica pain can be from mild and achy to sharp and burning. It is typically one-sided pain and can worsen from sitting. Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness might be experienced in the affected leg.
Potential causes
Sciatica is often the result of a herniated disc, bone overgrowth (bone spur) on the vertebrae or a narrowing of the spinal column (spinal stenosis).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of sciatica starts with a physical exam and medical history. Other procedures and tests may be needed to diagnose sciatica, including x-rays , computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electromyogram .
Treatment options
There are different treatment options depending on the severity of your symptoms:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections. These are used to inject a steroid and a local anesthetic into the space around your spine to help decrease inflammation and swelling, typically leading to improvement in pain in your neck, arms, back and legs. This procedure is performed in either the office or surgery center setting and typically takes just a few minutes. Most procedures involve a needle that is advanced to the target area using fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance. A small amount of x-ray contrast will be injected to confirm accurate placement. Once the needle has been properly placed, a combination of a local anesthetic and/or injectable steroid will be placed into the targeted area.
- Minimally invasive discectomy. This surgery will remove the disc protrusion that is causing nerve compression. A small tube is placed through the muscles of the back overlying the spine, then the opening is gently enlarged. A small piece of bone is removed, allowing access to the affected nerve. The nerve is moved and the ruptured disc is removed. Because the area is small, a microscope is used during the procedure.
Sciatica Treatment in Indiana FAQs
Living with sciatica can be debilitating, impacting your daily activities and overall quality of life. Searching for reliable solutions can feel overwhelming, which is why this guide will answer your most pressing questions about sciatica symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Whether you’re looking for the best doctor for sciatica pain, exploring non-surgical treatments, or seeking effective sciatica treatment in Indiana, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, a physical examination by specialists such as physical therapists can help determine if the pain caused by herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, or another underlying condition is contributing to your back pain, as these are all risk factors for common sciatica symptoms, including radiating pain and severe pain, and early sciatica pain treatment is key to finding effective sciatica pain relief, particularly when sciatica refers to nerve compression in the spinal cord, which can often be sciatica treated through conservative care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sciatica is a condition characterized by nerve pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. For many patients, this pain can be sharp, burning, or tingling and can vary from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating agony.
Common Sciatica Causes
Sciatica symptoms are typically the result of a condition that compresses the sciatic nerve. Some common causes include:
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc can press on the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves, leading to sciatic pain.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear on spinal discs can inflame nerves near the spine.
Symptoms and Daily Impact
Sciatica symptoms can include shooting pain, numbness, weakness, or a pins-and-needles sensation. These symptoms often worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or lifting. Without proper treatment, sciatica can severely limit mobility and disrupt everyday activities.
Why You Need a Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is vital to determining the best course of treatment. Consulting a spine specialist ensures that the root cause of your pain is identified and you receive targeted care.
When considering treatment options for sciatica, answering the question “Who is the best person to treat sciatica?” should be a top priority. Finding the best doctor for sciatica in Indiana can make all the difference in achieving long-term relief and restoring your quality of life.
Qualities of a Good Sciatica Care Specialist
When choosing a doctor, look for the following qualities:
- Experience in diagnosing and treating sciatica and nerve-related problems
- Board certification and sub-specialization in spine care
- Expertise in neurosurgery or interventional pain management — ideally from a trusted spine specialist in Indiana
Goodman Campbell Physicians: A Team You Can Trust
Goodman Campbell is the leading independent spine practice in Indiana, and we pride ourselves on providing patient-centered care. Our experts include neurosurgeons and interventional pain management specialists who utilize the latest technologies to deliver comprehensive spine care. Patients seeking pain management or neurosurgery in Indiana for sciatica or other spinal conditions can count on our highly trained team for advanced, personalized treatment.
With multiple locations in Indiana, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville and Avon, Goodman Campbell ensures accessible, expert guidance and treatment. Ask your doctor about Goodman Campbell for effective sciatica care close to home.
Managing sciatica starts with identifying the most effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Nonsurgical options are often the first line of defense against sciatica pain and include:
- Physical Therapy: Helps strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
- Steroid Injections: Provide quick relief by reducing inflammation near the affected nerve.
When Surgery May Be Necessary
For severe cases, surgery may be required, especially if you experience persistent pain or neurological symptoms, such as numbness or weakness.
Advanced Surgical Options at Goodman Campbell
Goodman Campbell offers innovative procedures for sciatica relief, including:
- Micro Lumbar Discectomy
- Lumbar Decompression and Fusion
- Minimally Invasive Fusion
Our personalized treatment plans leverage cutting-edge technology to ensure optimal outcomes for patients seeking effective sciatica treatment, from nonsurgical care to minimally invasive surgery, plus some of the top experts in interventional pain management in Indiana.
The “fastest cure for sciatica” largely depends on addressing its underlying cause. Prompt diagnosis and an evidence-based treatment plan are critical to achieving quick relief for sciatica.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Rapid Recovery
At Goodman Campbell, we specialize in minimally invasive techniques that help patients recover quickly while minimizing disruption to their daily lives.
Interventional Pain Management
Our interventional pain management physicians offer services from several of our convenient locations, providing options for targeted pain management to reduce discomfort quickly and effectively.
Importance of Early Consultation
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve your chances of a full recovery. Ask your doctor about Goodman Campbell. While our goal for you is quick relief, sciatica treatments vary, so consulting experienced spine specialists helps ensure you get the right diagnosis and best treatment from the start.
Goodman Campbell strives to be the top destination for sciatica care in Indiana. But why should you entrust your treatment to us?
Our Multidisciplinary Approach
As a leading independent spine practice, we offer a collaborative method to treat sciatica by combining expertise in neurosurgery, interventional pain management, and physical therapy. This team-based model allows us to truly deliver comprehensive spine care tailored to each patient’s unique condition.
Locations Across Indiana
From Indianapolis to Greenwood, Noblesville, Avon and more, Goodman Campbell’s Indiana network of locations ensures care is never far from where you live.
Commitment To Patient-Centered Care
Our personalized care plans emphasize nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments, as well as advanced surgical techniques. With a strong focus on achieving the best possible outcomes and patient-centered care, we’re dedicated to helping patients lead fulfilling lives.
When you’re ready to begin your path forward to greater comfort and relief, ask your doctor about Goodman Campbell, your go-to Indiana sciatica specialists.
Request an appointment online and we will guide you through the next steps.