Sciatica is a common health condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and legs. If you think you’re experiencing sciatica pain, you may find yourself searching for what kind of doctor treats sciatica. Understanding the causes of sciatica and the types of doctors who can effectively treat it will help you get closer to experiencing long-lasting relief.
Understanding Sciatica
You may be surprised to learn that sciatica is actually a symptom rather than a diagnosis on its own. The pain that comes with sciatica is typically caused when the sciatica nerve becomes compressed or damaged, which is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve is in the lower spine and runs through the buttocks and down the legs. A unique characteristic of sciatica is that it usually affects only one side of the body. Common causes of sciatica include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or piriformis syndrome. These potential sciatica causes can put pressure on or damage the sciatic nerve, triggering the symptoms of sciatica.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Sciatica symptoms can vary widely depending on what might be causing your pain as well as how severe the nerve compression is. Common symptoms of sciatica include:
Pain: Often described as a sharp, burning, or shooting pain that radiates from the lower back to the back of the leg.
Numbness and Tingling: Affected areas may feel numb, and there can be a tingling sensation like pins and needles.
Muscle Weakness: In severe cases, muscle weakness can occur in the affected leg, impacting mobility.
What Type of Doctors Treats Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Several types of healthcare professionals are qualified to treat your sciatica pain and diagnose the underlying cause. The doctor you choose can depend on the severity of your symptoms, the underlying cause, along with your own personal preference. Here are the main types of doctors who commonly treat sciatica:
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians (PCPs) might be your first point of contact if you start experiencing sciatica symptoms. They can perform initial evaluations, provide pain management options, and refer you to a specialist when necessary. Your primary care doctor may prescribe medications like anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers to help manage your symptoms.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those involving the spine. Chiropractic care is an all-natural treatment approach that includes techniques like hands-on spinal adjustments to help alleviate your pain and improve healthy functioning. Going to an Atlanta chiropractor for sciatica can offer a drug-free approach to treating sciatica, especially if the pain is related to a misalignment in the spine.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are trained to create personalized exercise programs that help improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. They focus on stretching and strengthening exercises that target the underlying causes of sciatica. Physical therapy can be a major component of a comprehensive treatment plan for sciatica and promote long-term recovery.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders, including bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. If your sciatica pain is caused by a spinal issue like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgical intervention. Surgery is typically considered a last resort after more conservative treatments have been exhausted.
Neurologists
Neurologists are who diagnose and treat nervous system disorders, including nerve pain like sciatica. Your Atlanta neurologist can perform a detailed neurological evaluation to determine the extent of nerve damage and identify what specifically is causing your sciatica. Neurologists may also recommend treatments like nerve blocks or injections that relieve pain.
Pain Management Specialists
Pain management specialists are another type of doctor who help people manage chronic pain conditions, including sciatica. They may use a combination of medications, injections, and minimally invasive procedures to reduce your sciatica pain and help improve your quality of life. Pain specialists may be recommended for chronic or severe sciatica that is more resistant to other treatment approaches.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Once you learn what kind of doctor treats sciatica that will work best for you, several treatment options can be explored.
Conservative Sciatica Treatments
Treating sciatica often begins with conservative approaches. Getting plenty of rest and reducing or modifying certain activities can help reduce your pain. Physical therapy can also play an important role in treating sciatica. These stretches and exercises can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain. Chiropractic care is another conservative option, where chiropractic adjustments can help with spinal misalignments to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Minimally Invasive Sciatica Treatments
If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, your sciatica doctor may recommend other minimally invasive treatment options. Epidural steroid injections are a common option, like corticosteroid injections, that help reduce inflammation around the nerve root and alleviate your pain. Nerve blocks are another option, where injections temporarily block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing temporary relief.
Surgical Sciatica Treatments
In rare cases where conservative approaches are not enough to provide lasting relief, your sciatica doctor may want to discuss surgery options. Some examples of surgery for sciatica include a microdiscectomy or a laminectomy. A microdiscectomy is technically considered a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a portion of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. A laminectomy, another surgical option, involves removing a portion of the vertebra to create more space for the nerve. Surgery is typically considered a last resort and reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed.
Visit a Sciatica Doctor at AICA Orthopedics in Atlanta
Sciatica can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right treatment and doctor for sciatica, it is possible to find lasting relief. Whether you opt for conservative treatments or want to discuss surgical options, our Atlanta doctors at AICA Orthopedics will provide you with a personalized treatment plan. Get started today with our multidisciplinary team of doctors who can help you find lasting relief from sciatica pain.