Q&A with a Harvard-trained Sciatica Pain Doctor from Clifton
January 29, 2021
Back pain is the leading cause of disability on the globe, and one of the most common reasons people struggle with everyday life and miss work. Out of all the patients diagnosed with low back pain, around 10% of them have sciatica – a distinct type of pain related to the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica pain is estimated to happen to around 40% of the global population at least once in their life, yet many of them never consider seeking medical advice. Over-the-counter medicine can be helpful in mild cases, but it is often just a short-term solution, and the pain eventually returns. In this case, it is time to schedule an appointment with a pain physician and get to the root of the problem.
If you are looking for a sciatica pain doctor in Clifton, you have come to the right place! The Harvard-trained doctors at Pain Treatment Specialists are prepared to help you find adequate pain management options to deal with sciatica pain.
Because we know you may have a lot of questions about sciatica pain, our doctors are here to clear the air. Keep reading to find the answers to your most pressing questions about sciatica.
How do I know if my back pain is sciatica?
As we mentioned above, only a part of patients suffering from low back pain has sciatica. There are several conditions that can cause low back pain, including disc injury, strains, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis, yet not all of these conditions cause sciatica pain.
Sciatica pain is a quite distinct type of pain, as it originates in the lower back but can be felt anywhere along the sciatic nerve, which stretches from the lower back to the back of each leg. This makes it the longest nerve in the body, and it means sciatica pain can easily stretch from your back to your buttocks, legs, and feet.
Occasionally, pain can be accompanied by numbness tingling in the leg, and a pins and needles sensation in your feet or toes. The intensity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on what’s causing the nerve pain.
What can cause sciatica pain?
Sciatica is often considered a diagnostics when it is, in fact, a symptom of several medical conditions. Put simply, sciatica pain is caused by compressing, injuring, or irritating the sciatic nerve. Most of the time, this happens either due to injury or herniated discs. Yet, these are not the only causes of sciatica, and in some cases, the pain does not have a
singular cause, but a multitude of factors that lead to it.
Here are some other conditions that can cause sciatica pain:
- Spondylolisthesis
- Infections that affect the spine
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disk disease
Additionally, poor daily habits such as bad posture, incorrect sleeping position, or heavy lifting can lead to sciatic pain.
Who is more susceptible to sciatica pain?
While anyone can experience sciatica pain, regardless of their age or physical condition, some people are more susceptible to it than others. The risk of developing sciatica increases after the age of 30 and, as you grow older, symptoms may become more and more difficult to tolerate.
The nature of their job may cause people to have to sit for long periods every day or lift and maneuver heavy objects, which are other risk factors for sciatica pain. If this is your case, consider exercising to counteract the effects, as people who lead an active life are less
prone to developing sciatica pain.
Because their body also has to support the weight of the baby, which can put pressure on the spine and irritate the sciatic nerve, some women may experience sciatica pain during pregnancy.
What treatment options do I have?
In order to determine a suited type of treatment, your doctor needs to first identify what causes your sciatic pain. Minor injuries can cause acute sciatica pain, which typically goes away with over-the-counter medicine, yet in most cases, it is advised you go to a pain physician to see for sure where the pain comes from.
Once the condition is determined, the doctor will present potential treatment options. These can include:
- Physical therapy
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Prescribed medicine
If these options don’t work, surgical treatment may be the only option to alleviate sciatica pain, but this only happens on some occasions. Surgical options can include discectomy, which involves the removal of a part or of the entire herniated disk, and lumbar laminectomy, which widens the spinal cord in the lower back to reduce pressure on the sciatica nerve.
Can I make any lifestyle changes to prevent sciatica pain?
Certain lifestyle choices can increase the risks of developing sciatica, including smoking, bad posture, excessive weight, or leading a sedentary life. On the other hand, being active and exercising, especially as you grow older, will decrease these risks.
Wearing high heels frequently, sleeping in a bad position, or on a mattress that is too soft to support your weight correctly can also increase the chances of experiencing sciatica pain.
Based on your current physical condition and medical history, you can discuss with your back pain doctor and as for advice to prevent sciatica pain from affecting your life.
Do I need to see a back doctor for my sciatica pain?
As we mentioned above, sciatica pain may go away by itself or with the help of over-the-counter medicine. However, it is advised you schedule an appointment with a back pain physician even if the pain disappears, to ensure there are no underlying conditions that can result in sciatic pain.
If you experience other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in your legs, or if the pain is keeping you from performing your daily activities, then it is time to see a doctor as soon as possible. Our doctors at Pain Treatment Management are here to help you enjoy a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment at our Clifton pain clinic located, on Route 46E, just past the Ford dealership and our dedicated back doctors will offer a customized treatment plan.
Book a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with one of our pain treatment specialists is one of the best ways to determine the proper solution for pain relief.
Meet Our Team of Back Pain Specialists
All of our Pain Doctors in New Jersey are Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. George Hanna
Dr. Hanna is a Harvard Trained back specialist in New Jersey and New York. He serves as Medical Director of Pain Management.
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. Laura Lombardi
Dr. Lombardi is a Harvard Trained back pain treatment doctor, currently seeing patients in Clifton and West Orange, New Jersey.
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. Shane Volney
Dr. Volney is a Harvard Trained back treatment doctor seeing patients in the NJ areas of Clifton & West Orange, and in NYC.
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. Michael Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management. His pain center accepts major medical insurances and Medicare.
Dr. George Hanna
Dr. Laura Lombardi
Dr. Lombardi is a Harvard Trained back pain treatment doctor, currently seeing patients in Clifton and West Orange, and Paramus New Jersey.
Dr. Shane Volney
Dr. Volney is a Harvard Trained back treatment doctor seeing patients in the NJ areas of Clifton & West Orange, and in NYC.
Dr. Michael Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management. His pain center accepts major medical insurances and Medicare.