How Can I Get the Most out Of My Appointment with a Sciatica Doctor?

What is Causing My Sciatic Pain?

Sciatic nerve pain is caused by nerve inflammation, but the underlying cause can vary. Sciatica may occur as a result of a spinal condition or due to an injury to the spine. Based on the root cause of the issue, your back doctor will prescribe a specific type of treatment, and in some cases, surgery.

Make sure to ask your sciatica doctor what is causing your pain so that you have a clearer idea of how to prevent the pain from worsening. Most commonly, pain is caused by one of the following conditions:

• Injuries to the back or spinal cord– Injuries to the back or hips can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing inflammation and pain. In these cases, the pain usually goes away with minimally invasive treatment.
• Herniated disks– This is the most common cause of developing sciatic pain and is a condition that happens when the tissue that separates your vertebrae rips, resulting in a herniated disk. When this happens, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
• Spinal stenosis– This condition happens with age, as the spinal canal starts to narrow and put pressure on the nerve roots, causing pain.

Are there Multiple Treatment Options?

The type of treatment your back doctor will recommend depends on the condition that causes sciatic pain. Following a thorough examination and a comprehensive discussion with you, your pain doctor should be able to put together a treatment plan that will keep pain under control.

Ultimately, the type of treatment you choose depends on the condition you are dealing with, as well as your particular needs. Some common options include:

• Medication – over the counter medicine seems to work for some patients, but in other instances, the doctor may prescribe stronger medication
• Physical Therapy – physical therapy has helped many people avoid surgery and is recommended for many patients
• Steroid injections– some people find relief in minimally invasive treatment, such as steroid injections, which help them keep pain at bay.

How Long Will it Take Until I Recover?

Your doctor will be able to assess the cause of your sciatica and prescribe appropriate therapy after you have completed the physical examination. In some cases, the doctor may also be able to tell you how soon you should expect to see alleviating results following the treatment plan.

A good doctor will also discuss certain factors that can influence the recovery process. Some of these factors are:

• Age – as you age, your body won’t be able to recover as fast, so it is expected that younger individuals will heal quicker.
• Dietary options: eating a healthy diet will aid recovery and help your body regain its strength.
• Sleep: bodies need rest in order to recover, but sleep quality is just as important, so make sure you have a good pillow and mattress.
• Activity levels: sedentary people have a lower chance of recovering from sciatic pain, so make sure you stay active.

Can I Do Anything to Speed Up the Recovery Process?

Most of the time, sciatica won’t go away on its own, so you will need to seek proper treatment. Besides physical therapy, medication, and certain procedures, there are some things you can do at home, to speed up recovery and improve your condition.

Most doctors will have the following recommendations:

• Cold packs: ice reduces inflammation and keeps pain levels down, so you can apply cold packs to the area that causes pain
• Stretches: certain stretches can help improve your condition, but make sure to ask the doctor before doing any physical exercise.
• Sleep better: if you are suffering from low back pain, avoid sleeping on your belly. Instead, sleep on your back or your side, using a pillow under or between your knees to adjust your posture.

Can I Continue With my Daily Tasks?

Sciatica typically resolves in four weeks or less, but it can last longer if not treated promptly. Pain intensity can range from mild to extreme, and it may disappear only to come back after some time. This will have an impact on your quality of life and can make it difficult to continue participating in certain activities.

Remember to ask your doctor if the root cause of your sciatica will cause gradual damage to the sciatic nerve or if it is just a one-time occurrence that will go away. This will help you determine whether you need to avoid certain activities or make changes to your daily routine.

Don’t let pain take control of your life! Instead, schedule an appointment with a sciatica doctor near me in Clifton as soon as possible. The pain physicians at Pain Treatment Specialists are here to help you through a fast recovery! Schedule an appointment with our back pain specialists in Clifton, on Route 46E, just past the Ford dealership.