Sciatica Specialist

What is sciatica?

Sciatica describes pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. This large nerve begins in your lower back and travels down into your hips, buttocks, and legs.

Sciatica pain typically begins when inflammation irritates the nerve. Bone spurs, a herniated disc, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) are all conditions that can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing lower back pain and other symptoms anywhere along the nerve.

Your risk for sciatica also increases as you age, if you’re overweight or obese, or if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause nerve damage. 

When should I seek pain management services for sciatica?

You may benefit from the services available at Bluffs Pain Management if your sciatica pain continues to worsen, even with over-the-counter medications and rest.

Dr. Huff also recommends a pain management consultation if you’re experiencing sciatica symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Hip pain
• Numbness in the buttocks
• Leg tingling or weakness
• Shock-like pain sensations in your lower back

If any of these symptoms affect your ability to walk or you can no longer tolerate severe pain, Dr. Huff can design a pain management plan to meet your needs.

What pain management services are available for sciatica?

Initially, your pain management plan for mild to moderate sciatica symptoms may include anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and muscle relaxers or pain relievers to increase your comfort.

If oral medications aren’t enough to relieve sciatica, Dr. Huff can recommend injections that deliver steroids directly into the tissue surrounding your sciatica nerve. For more severe lower back pain, he may suggest epidural steroid injections that deliver anti-inflammatories into the epidural space of your spine.

Other options available for sciatica pain relief include:

• Nerve blocks
• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Spinal cord stimulation

If you find it difficult to handle chronic sciatica, Dr. Huff can refer you for behavioral therapy. This type of therapy gives you tools to better cope with the impact chronic pain has on your life to reduce your risk for depression, anxiety, and other emotional and mental health issues.

Don’t let chronic sciatica control your life. Call Bluffs Pain Management to schedule a diagnostic evaluation or book a consultation online today.