You shouldn’t have to live with pain and discomfort that makes everyday interactions uncomfortable or that keeps you up at night. Sciatica is a type of pain that many people experience in their lifetime and can happen in people of all ages. Sciatica refers to a specific type of pain that occurs in your lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Sciatica can occur after an injury to your lower back or for a variety of issues and stress on the spine. If you think you are struggling with sciatica, then don’t hesitate to reach out to your Conyers chiropractor for treatment that will bring you relief from your pain.
What Exactly Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a term used to describe the specific type of pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which is also the largest nerve in the body. This nerve starts in the lower back, runs through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Sciatic pain typically affects only one side of the body and can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that disrupts your daily activities. If you’ve been diagnosed with sciatica, you might be wondering what kind of doctor treats sciatica and how to get the best treatment options.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica can happen when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, usually because of an underlying condition or injury. Some of the most common causes include:
- Herniated or Bulging Disc: When a spinal disc presses on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nearby nerves, which can lead to sciatic pain.
- Trauma or Injury: Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can damage the sciatic nerve or surrounding tissues.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially pinching the sciatic nerve.
- Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can tighten or spasm, which can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica can show up in different ways depending on how severely the nerve is compressed or damaged, and it’s important to find the best doctor for sciatica nerve pain who can recognize and treat your symptoms as well as the root cause. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or burning pain that radiates from the lower back to the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens with movement, sitting for long periods, or with coughing
- Difficulty standing up or walking due to nerve irritation
Diagnosing Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is located near the base of your spine in your lower back. It can become irritated, or something nearby can put pressure on the nerve, both of which might result in pain and discomfort, known as sciatica. You might first mention this pain to your primary care physician or another doctor during a routine visit or for follow-up care after a car accident. No matter which doctors you talk to about the type of pain you are experiencing, they will be able to diagnose whether or not what you are experiencing is sciatica.
Sciatica is a distinct type of pain because it often affects only one side of your lower body. When your sciatic nerve is compressed or aggravated, it can send pain through your lower back and down into your hip, buttocks, and one of your legs. Some experience sciatica as a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates downward, while others experience it as a dull, tingling numbness. When you talk to your doctor about your sciatica pain, it helps to note what certain activities may make the pain worse, what home remedies you may have tried, and whether or not they were successful in temporarily reducing your pain. Depending on which doctor diagnoses your sciatica, you may want to seek treatment for this type of pain from a doctor who specializes in spine and nerve issues.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors, and you will want to see a doctor who will help manage your pain symptoms while also addressing the root cause of your sciatica. Whether you were in an accident or developed sciatica due to regular wear and tear on the body, there are a few common reasons for developing sciatica. In order to provide you with the best treatment possible, a spine specialist like a chiropractor, orthopedic doctor, or neurologist can all help to identify what is causing your sciatica so you can experience lasting pain relief.
It is possible for sciatica pain to go away on its own in a few hours or days, but if you notice it lasting for weeks or even months then you need to see a doctor. You shouldn’t have to live with that kind of pain and your doctor can find the root cause and address it before your pain gets worse or it causes other issues. Car accident doctors are familiar with sciatica because of how car accident injuries can lead to this type of pain. Depending on the specific injury to your spine, your doctor will want to address any inflammation in the area that might be aggravating your sciatic nerve. Chiropractors and orthopedic doctors are knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, all of which could be causing your sciatica.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
If you are looking for a non-invasive, natural approach to your treatment, then you may want to try visiting your Conyers chiropractor for sciatica. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications; instead, they help encourage the body to heal itself. They identify misalignments in your spine that may be causing your sciatica, like a slipped disc, and then use gentle adjustment techniques to restore your spine to its proper posture. When your spine is in healthy alignment, it will not put unnecessary pressure on nearby areas like your sciatic nerve. Your chiropractor may also recommend relieving pain through exercises and gentle stretches.
Other Doctors and Treatment Options for Sciatica
If you’re wondering what type of doctor treats sciatica, the good news is that there are a variety of doctors available for you. In addition to chiropractic care for sciatica, here’s what doctor to see for sciatica where you can get quality, multidisciplinary care.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapy (PT) is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for sciatica. A physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan to help strengthen nearby muscles, improve your flexibility, and relieve compression on the sciatic nerve. If you have persistent or recurring sciatica, physical therapy is often recommended. It’s especially beneficial for people recovering from injuries, surgery, or muscle imbalances that may be causing your sciatica.
Physical therapists use a combination of non-invasive treatments to treat sciatica, including:
- Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can reduce tightness in the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the core, back, and leg muscles helps improve spinal stability and prevent future flare-ups.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and massage can reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.
- Posture and Movement Training: PTs help patients learn proper movement techniques to avoid aggravating sciatica symptoms.
- Electrical Stimulation & Ultrasound Therapy: Some PTs use TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
Orthopedic Doctors
Orthopedic doctors specialize in bones, joints, and muscles, making them a key specialist for treating sciatica caused by structural issues like herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative disc disease. If you suspect your sciatica is due to spinal degeneration, bone-related issues, or a herniated disc, an orthopedic doctor can provide specialized treatment and surgical options if necessary. Orthopedic doctors use X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to determine the exact cause of sciatica.
Here are some examples of what an orthopedic doctor may include in your treatment plan:
- Medication Management: They may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or corticosteroid injections to help manage pain.
- Bracing or Supports: Some patients benefit from wearing a back brace or using supports to reduce spinal strain.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: If conservative treatments fail, orthopedic doctors may recommend epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, they perform surgeries such as discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion to relieve nerve compression like sciatica.
Neurologists
Neurologists specialize in nerve-related conditions and play a key role in diagnosing and treating sciatica that involves nerve damage or severe compression. If your sciatica involves chronic nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, a neurologist can help determine whether nerve damage is present and recommend appropriate treatment.
Here are a few things you can expect when meeting with a neurologist:
- Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests help evaluate the functioning of the sciatic nerve and help identify the severity of any nerve damage.
- Medication Management: Neurologists may prescribe nerve pain medications if traditional pain relievers are ineffective.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These can help reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve, providing significant pain relief.
Pain Management Specialists
Pain management specialists focus on treating chronic pain conditions, including sciatica, that does not respond to standard treatments. If your sciatica pain is severe and persistent, despite conservative treatments, a pain specialist may offer advanced pain relief techniques in conjunction with other treatments.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: A powerful anti-inflammatory injection can provide weeks to months of relief.
- Nerve Blocks: These injections target specific nerves to interrupt pain signals.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to disable pain-causing nerves.
Neurosurgeons & Orthopedic Spine Surgeons
Neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in surgical treatments for severe sciatica caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve root compression. Surgery is typically considered a last resort when other treatments fail. If you experience severe weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control, or debilitating pain, a surgical consultation may be necessary.
Surgical Procedures for Sciatica:
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove part of a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebrae to relieve nerve compression.
- Spinal Fusion: Used in cases of spinal instability, fusing two or more vertebrae together.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: Some patients benefit from replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one.
When to See a Doctor for Sciatica
It’s important to seek medical attention if:
- Your pain lasts more than a few weeks despite at-home remedies and non-invasive techniques.
- You experience severe leg weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.
- You develop bladder or bowel incontinence.
- Sciatica pain gets worse over time or significantly impacts your daily life.
There are many different types of doctors who can help with sciatica, and choosing the right specialist depends on the severity and cause of your symptoms. Whether you opt for chiropractic care, physical therapy, pain management, or a combination, consulting with a healthcare professional is the best way to find lasting relief and prevent future issues.
Get Expert Sciatica Treatment at AICA Orthopedics
If you’re struggling with sciatica pain, don’t wait for it to get worse—AICA Orthopedics is here to help. Our team of chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and pain management doctors work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you need non-invasive therapies, advanced pain relief options, or surgical care, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art technology to get you back to living pain-free. At AICA Orthopedics, you don’t have to worry about what doctor treats sciatica because our Conyers chiropractors and teams of orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists, and more work together to provide you with quality, comprehensive care so you can experience lasting pain relief. Visit our Conyers location to find out more about how our multi-specialty team can help you!