Orthopedic Specialists for Sciatica Diagnosis and Treatment
Sciatica can be an extremely painful and debilitating condition. If you’re suffering from radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down your leg, you may be wondering what your treatment options are and which specialists can help.
Here’s what you need to know about how orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat sciatic nerve pain.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks and into each leg. It’s characterized by radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness along the path of the nerve.
Sciatica is commonly caused by a herniated or slipped disk in your spine pressing against the nerve roots. Other causes include spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, injury, and even sitting for long periods.
Understanding the underlying cause will help determine the right treatment plan.
Which Doctor Should You See for Sciatica?
Several types of doctors can provide treatment for sciatica. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and massage techniques to relieve nerve compression. Neurologists specialize in nervous system disorders and can run diagnostic tests. Primary care physicians conduct initial exams and refer out to specialists.
However, orthopedic doctors have particular expertise in treating back problems and spinal conditions associated with sciatica. Here are some of the main reasons to see an orthopedist for sciatic nerve pain:
| 1 | They can diagnose the cause through physical exams, medical history review, and imaging tests. |
| 2 | They are trained to provide both non-surgical treatments and surgery if needed. |
| 3 | They understand spine anatomy and sciatic nerve function. |
| 4 | They can refer patients to pain specialists or physical therapy as appropriate. |
Orthopedists are equipped to get to the root of sciatica symptoms and determine the optimal treatment approach.
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What Orthopedic Doctors Do for Sciatica
Orthopedic doctors have a wide array of treatment options for sciatic nerve pain:
- Prescribe medication such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, or neuropathic pain drugs to relieve symptoms.
- Recommend physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, and reduce nerve irritation through targeted exercises.
- Administer steroid injections near the spine to reduce inflammation pressing on nerve roots.
- Discuss surgical options like discectomy or laminectomy to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Refer patients to pain management specialists for additional diagnostics or treatment.
- Provide custom orthotics or braces to improve spine or hip alignment.
The right approach depends on the severity of symptoms, cause, and duration. An orthopedist will examine you, review your medical history, and discuss all your options.
Non-Surgical Sciatica Treatments
For many sciatica sufferers, non-surgical treatments can effectively reduce symptoms. Orthopedic doctors frequently recommend:
Physical Therapy
Working with a physical therapist is often one of the first treatment recommendations. Through manual techniques and targeted exercises, physical therapy can help relieve nerve compression and strengthen the muscles supporting your back and hips.
Medications
Your orthopedist may prescribe oral NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, or neuropathic pain medications to relieve sciatic inflammation and discomfort. Steroid injections like epidurals can also temporarily calm inflammation around irritated nerve roots.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractors specialize in treating back problems through techniques like spinal manipulation. They can provide adjustments to improve spine alignment and mobility while reducing nerve irritation.
Lifestyle Modifications
Orthopedists may recommend losing weight to reduce pressure on the spine, exercising regularly to build core strength, and making ergonomic improvements to lower back strain. Simple changes can provide ongoing relief.
When is Surgery Recommended by Orthopedists?
If sciatica symptoms persist after trying conservative treatments for several months, your orthopedist may recommend surgery. They will consider performing surgery if:
- Your leg or back pain worsens over time.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness makes daily activities difficult.
- You have significant nerve root compression seen on MRI or CT scans.
- Both your legs are severely affected.
Common surgical procedures for sciatica include:
| Treatment | Description |
| Microdiscectomy | This is done to remove a herniated portion of a disk compressing the nerve. It provides fast relief for leg pain. |
| Lumbar Decompression | This enlarges the spinal column opening to take pressure off the spinal nerves. It can be done along with spinal fusion. |
| Disc Replacement | Artificial discs can replace damaged ones to relieve compression on spinal nerve roots. |
Orthopedic surgeons have extensive training in spine procedures to directly target the cause of sciatica. Surgery can provide relief when more conservative medical management has failed.
Finding an Orthopedist for Sciatica
If you’re looking for an orthopedic specialist to diagnose and treat your sciatica, visit Kaly. At Kaly, you can read reviews of top local orthopedic doctors, watch video introductions, and easily book appointments online.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to finding sciatica relief. Orthopedists have specialized expertise in treating back injuries and compressed spinal nerves that contribute to sciatica. Schedule a visit with a top-rated orthopedic spine specialist near you through Kaly today to discuss your treatment options.
FAQs
When should you see an orthopedic doctor for sciatica?
See an orthopedist if sciatica persists over a month despite home treatment, causes muscle weakness/numbness, or results from injury or trauma. They can assess the underlying cause and provide specialized care.
What tests do orthopedists use to diagnose sciatica?
Orthopedists often use imaging like x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to look at the spine and identify potential causes like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Can orthopedic doctors perform surgery for sciatica?
Yes, if nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve sciatica, orthopedic spine specialists can perform minimally invasive surgery like discectomy or microdecompression to relieve pressure on the nerve.
What nonsurgical sciatica treatments do orthopedists provide?
Orthopedists may prescribe NSAID medications, epidural steroid injections, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustment, and recommend exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes to manage sciatica.