Sciatica Treatment
Comprehensive care for sciatica using advanced diagnostic techniques and minimally invasive treatments. Dr. Greenberg specializes in identifying the root cause and providing effective relief for sciatic nerve pain.
Experiencing symptoms of sciatica?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Marc Greenberg to explore minimally invasive options.
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Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, and when it becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause significant pain and discomfort that affects your ability to perform daily activities.
At Greenberg Spine, we understand that sciatica can be debilitating and significantly impact your quality of life. Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause of your sciatic nerve compression and providing targeted treatment to address both the symptoms and the root problem. We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options from conservative care to advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Symptoms
Sharp Leg Pain
Shooting or stabbing pain that travels from the lower back down through the buttock and leg.
Burning Sensation
A burning or electric shock-like feeling along the nerve pathway, often worse when sitting.
Numbness and Tingling
Loss of sensation or pins-and-needles feeling in the leg, foot, or toes.
Muscle Weakness
Weakness in the affected leg or foot, which may affect your ability to walk or stand.
Common Causes
Herniated Disc
Most common cause - disc material presses on the sciatic nerve root.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerve roots causing sciatic symptoms.
Piriformis Syndrome
Tight piriformis muscle in the buttock compresses the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral slippage can compress nerve roots and cause sciatic pain.
Diagnosis
Clinical Assessment
Dr. Greenberg will perform specific tests to identify sciatic nerve involvement and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
- Straight leg raise test
- Neurological examination
- Reflex testing
MRI Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed visualization of the spine to identify the exact cause and location of nerve compression.
- Disc herniation detection
- Nerve compression assessment
- Treatment planning guidance
Electrodiagnostic Tests
EMG and nerve conduction studies may be performed to assess nerve function and confirm the diagnosis when imaging is unclear.
- Nerve function assessment
- Muscle activity evaluation
- Severity determination
Conservative Treatment
Most cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatment within 4-6 weeks. Dr. Greenberg typically recommends a comprehensive non-surgical approach as the first line of treatment.
Physical Therapy
Specific exercises to reduce nerve irritation and strengthen supporting muscles.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants as needed.
Epidural Injections
Targeted steroid injections to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.
Heat/Cold Therapy
Application of heat or ice to reduce pain and inflammation.
Activity Modification
Temporary activity restrictions and ergonomic improvements to reduce nerve irritation.
Manual Therapy
Chiropractic care and massage therapy to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.
When to Consider Surgery
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief after 6-12 weeks, or when there are severe neurological symptoms that require immediate attention.
Surgical Indications
- Severe or progressive muscle weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Persistent severe pain after 6-12 weeks
- Significant functional impairment
Why Greenberg Spine
Dr. Greenberg specializes in minimally invasive techniques for sciatica including:
- Endoscopic discectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Minimally invasive decompression
- Outpatient procedures when possible
Related Procedures
Microdiscectomy
Minimally invasive removal of disc material causing sciatic nerve compression.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Ultra-minimally invasive technique for treating sciatica with faster recovery.
Lumbar Laminectomy
Decompression procedure for sciatica caused by spinal stenosis.
Recovery Expectations
Conservative Treatment
Weeks 1-2
Pain management and gentle movement
Weeks 2-6
Physical therapy and gradual activity increase
Weeks 6-12
Return to normal activities and strengthening
Surgical Recovery
Days 1-7
Immediate pain relief, walking encouraged
Weeks 1-4
Gradual increase in activity, physical therapy begins
Weeks 4-8
Return to work and normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It's typically caused by compression or irritation of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve.
How long does sciatica last?
Most cases of sciatica resolve within 4-6 weeks with conservative treatment. However, severe cases or those caused by structural problems like large disc herniations may require longer treatment or surgical intervention for complete resolution.
When should I see a doctor for sciatica?
See a doctor if you experience severe pain, numbness, weakness in your leg, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Also seek medical care if pain persists beyond a few weeks or significantly impacts your daily activities and quality of life.
Ready to Find Relief from Sciatica?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenberg to identify the cause of your sciatica and explore treatment options.
Schedule ConsultationMedical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Individual results may vary.
Source: American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and North American Spine Society (NASS) clinical guidelines.