Sciatica
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Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD
John Wrightson, MD, FAAPMR
Pain Management located in New Castle, PA & Beaver Falls, PA
Around 40% of American adults experience sciatica at some point during their lives. If you have pain or numbness that shoots from your lower back down one or both of your buttocks and thighs, contact John Wrightson, MD, a double board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional pain management specialist at Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD. Dr. Wrightson diagnoses the cause of your symptoms and creates customized treatment plans to alleviate your pain and restore your quality of life. If you suffer from sciatica, call one of the offices in Beaver Falls and New Castle, Pennsylvania, or schedule a consultation online today.
Sciatica Q & A
What is sciatica?
Contrary to popular belief, sciatica is not a condition in itself, but a combination of symptoms caused by compression of your sciatic nerve.
Your sciatic nerve is the largest in your body. It extends from your lower back down into your buttocks, where it splits and continues down the back of both of your legs to just below your knees.
Sciatica symptoms include:
- Low back pain
- Pain that shoots down your buttocks and thighs
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Lost coordination
Your pain may be a constant dull pain, or you might have shooting jolts of pain that travel through your body. You might also find that prolonged sitting or specific movements aggravate your symptoms.
What causes sciatica?
A herniated disc in your lumbar spine is the most common cause of sciatica. When a disc herniates, it creates a bulge that can compress nearby nerves. Bone spurs and tumors on your spine can also cause sciatica symptoms.
Your risk of sciatica gets higher as you age and if you’re overweight. It also increases if you have a job that puts stress on your back, either from sitting all day or having to shift heavy objects.
You can reduce your risk of sciatica by staying active and maintaining a healthy weight. If you exercise regularly, take time to warm up and cool down appropriately to reduce your risk of injury.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Dr. Wrightson provides a physical exam and diagnostic testing to identify sciatica. He asks about your symptoms and may have you move through some stretches that stress your sciatic nerve. Additionally, he may order MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.
Dr. Wrightson also uses electromyography nerve function tests to locate the nerve damage or impingement causing your sciatica.
How is sciatica treated?
Dr. Wrightson creates a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs and symptoms. He may suggest:
- Spinal cord stimulators
- DRG stimulators
- Pain pumps
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency neural ablation
You may also find that physiotherapy and weight loss alleviates your pain. Talk to Dr. Wrightson about your treatment options and how to reduce your risk of recurring sciatica.
Call Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD or make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment for sciatica today.
