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Sciatica Pain services offered in Hamilton NJ
If you struggle with radiating pain down your lower back into one of your legs, you might have sciatica. At Interventional Pain Management Associates in Hamilton, New Jersey, double-board-certified pain management specialist Maher Ibrahim, MD, and his expert team diagnose and treat sciatica pain to help you enjoy life to its fullest. Call the office to book an appointment or schedule one online today.
Sciatica Q & A
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along your sciatic nerve pathway, branching down your lower back into your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Sciatica discomfort often develops along just one side of your body and can feel excruciating or debilitating when left untreated.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Common signs and symptoms of sciatica pain include:
- Radiating pain
- Low back pain
- Mild aching
- Burning
- Severe pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Electric jolt-like feeling
Complications that can develop with nerve damage from sciatica include loss of feeling in your leg, ongoing weakness, and reduced bladder or bowel functioning.
What are the risk factors of sciatica?
Common causes and risk factors linked with sciatica pain include:
- Herniated disc
- Bone overgrowth
- Tumors
- Diabetes
- Age-related spine changes
- Bone spurs
- Obesity
- Physically demanding job
- Sedentary lifestyle
Ways to reduce the risk of developing sciatica include getting regular exercise, using good posture and body mechanics, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting.
How does my provider diagnose sciatica?
Your pain specialist can determine if you have sciatica after discussing your symptoms and medical history, checking your vital signs, and completing a physical exam. They might recommend you complete blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures, as well as nerve testing to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
What are common treatments for sciatica?
Recommended sciatica treatments may include:
Lifestyle changes
Things you can do at home to relieve sciatica pain include using ice or heat packs and stretching targeted tissues.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy reduces sciatica pain by strengthening affected tissues. Your pain specialist personalizes therapy sessions to match your needs.
Medications
Taking medications can reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with sciatica.
Injections
The Interventional Pain Management specialists provide cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and discomfort near irritated nerves.
Surgery
If other treatments don’t work to relieve sciatica, your provider may suggest surgery to treat the underlying cause of nerve compression and reduce unpleasant symptoms.
If sciatica pain diminishes your ability to complete everyday tasks, schedule an appointment with Interventional Pain Management Associates by phone or book one online today.