Wondering If It Is Time to Visit a Sciatica Doctor near You in NJ?

Are you wondering if it’s time to schedule an appointment with a sciatica pain doctor near me in NJ? The experts at Pain Treatment Specialists are here to help. Most times, back pain will go away without any specific sciatica treatment, but there are cases when sciatica pain can indicate a more severe condition.

Continue reading to find our interventional pain experts’ advice on when it’s time to seek help from a pain doctor.

You Have Recently Suffered an Injury to the Back

Injuries to the back can cause inflammation, which puts pressure on the nerve and causes pain. Even a minor injury to the back caused by working in the garden, running, lifting weights, or performing physical activities can cause nerve discomfort and lead to pain.

If you have recently sustained an injury, it is recommended you see your doctor and ask for a physical checkup, to make sure everything is in order.

The aftermaths of an injury can be felt long after the initial situation, so it is always better if any potential issue is noticed in time.

If you are unable to see a doctor right away, keep track of your pain levels. If it lasts longer than a few days, worsens, or spreads to other areas of the body, wait no longer.

You’ve Been in Pain for Over a Week

Sciatica pain is divided into two types: chronic and acute. Minor inflammation or injury to the sciatic nerve causes acute sciatica pain. This form of pain is usually mild or moderate and is manageable with over-the-counter medication.

However, if the pain lasts longer than a week, it is a sign you should schedule an appointment with a pain specialist to discuss your symptoms. Some pain clinics, such as Pain Treatment Specialists, are available for phone appointments as well if you can’t go for an in-person examination.

Note that persistent pain that worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness in the lower limbs, is typically a sign of a more serious illness, which should not be left untreated for too long.

Pain Starts Extending to the Legs

Pain in the lower back is a common symptom of sciatica, but if the pain spreads to your buttocks, legs, and feet, it may be a sign that the sciatic nerve is damaged. Damage to the nerve can lead to permanent health issues, so it is advised you undergo a physical examination to assess what exactly is causing the pain.

A herniated disk is often the most common cause of sciatic pain. This type of condition is usually kept under control with minimally invasive treatment, such as steroid injections, but only if the herniated disk is diagnosed on time. The doctor will continue to observe its evolution and recommend other forms of treatment if necessary.

You Start Noticing other Symptoms As Well

The sciatic nerve extends to your lower limbs, and when it gets irritated, pain can occur in several places. You can experience pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs, depending on where the nerve is affected.

If your sciatic pain is followed by numbness, a tingling sensation in the feet, or fatigue, it may be a symptom of a more severe illness. Nerve pain can lead to disability, making it harder and harder to perform daily tasks and lead a normal life. If you feel pain gets worse even with the use of anti-inflammatory medication, seek the advice of a pain doctor right away.

It’s Not Your First Time Dealing with Sciatic Pain

If the condition that causes sciatic pain is not identified, the pain can come back and even become chronic. If you have previously experienced sciatic pain and the symptoms have recently returned, it is a sign that the main cause of the pain has not been properly treated.

Herniated disks and other conditions can cause sciatic pain to return whenever there is too much effort put on your spine. In time, this can lead to severe pain, but if spotted in time, it can be treated without the need for surgery.

If sciatic pain keeps giving you trouble, it is time to seek specialized help. Our pain clinic is ready to assist you in finding accurate treatment to keep sciatica pain at bay. We are also available for phone general inquiries, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at (855) 383-7054 or book an appointment at one of these 3 locations:

•       in Paramus on Route 17, near the Paramus Park Mall,
•       in Clifton, NJ, on Route 46 E, past the Ford dealership,
•       in West Orange, near the Essex Country Club.