If you are experiencing lower back pain that radiates down your leg, you likely have sciatica. Some people may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in their leg. A back doctor can help you manage sciatica symptoms and provide effective treatment options to alleviate the pain. Here is how a doctor can help you manage sciatica symptoms:
Targets Inflammatory Pathways
Sciatica originates from the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. When your doctor diagnoses you with sciatica, they first identify the cause of your pain. Your back doctor will target these inflammatory pathways to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
The doctor delivers epidural steroid injections using fluoroscopic guidance for pinpoint accuracy. Your inflammatory pathways allow your doctor to introduce medications closer to the nerve roots. The medication reduces inflammation at the site of compression. A seasoned doctor specifies the dosage of steroidal medication instead of generalizing the dosage. The doctor helps you by managing the foundational factors that impact nerve pain.
Stimulates Tissue Healing
Your tissue could heal faster when your inflammation goes down due to a decrease in the surrounding pressure. Degenerated tissues are sometimes more susceptible to inflammation than healthy tissue. The inflammatory pathway might allow for the introduction of medication directly to the site of degeneration. Your doctor harvests concentrated platelet-rich plasma, which includes growth factors. With a focus on orthopedic applications, ligament and joint injury and loose-tendon repair can be better managed. A back doctor tailors injections based on diagnostic imaging and structural assessment.
Corrects Movement Dysfunction
Orthopedic physical assessment and analysis of movement patterns may help identify muscles that are causing pain. Dysfunction in specific muscles has an effect on others, resulting in pain. Correcting the movement dysfunction might require physical therapy to restore proper muscle function.
When muscles are not functioning properly, they can put excess strain on the joints and contribute to pain. A back doctor is experienced in dealing with these types of musculoskeletal problems. You get the correct diagnosis and personalized treatment, which is helpful for effective recovery. Orthopedic physical therapy involves a comprehensive approach that includes exercises.
Interrupts Pain Signals
Once pain reaches your nerves, a signalling pathway in your body tells your brain by sending messages. Giving patients corticosteroids during the process can prevent the expected response. Stopping the pain signals can help you manage sciatica and do your daily activities without much difficulty.
Your doctor carries out radiofrequency ablation on nerves to stop certain signals from reaching them. It is done by using heat to eliminate the nerves that transmit pain messages. Heat is delivered to the medial branch nerves by the doctor using an imaging technique for careful treatment. Trying to block the messages traveling pain signals is a good choice if other conventional therapies don’t help.
Rebalances Muscular Function
A sciatica doctor is also concerned with correcting any muscular imbalances that contribute to pain. You may have weak or tight muscles that are causing your pain. These imbalances are able to be identified through physical examination and specific exercises. You can achieve better alignment by strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight ones.
Your sciatica doctor can recommend specific exercises that target the deep core muscles of your abdomen. The deep core muscles play a key role in supporting and stabilizing your spine. You benefit from exercises that target the gluteal muscles and hamstrings. These muscles may become weak or tight due to prolonged sitting or poor posture, leading to sciatic pain.
Talk to a Back Doctor
Every case of sciatica is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, talk to a back doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. A back doctor guides you through a comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment plan based on your specific situation. Contact your doctor today to schedule a consultation and get on the path to relief from sciatica.
