Sciatica can cause numerous uncomfortable symptoms, like tingling, pain, and weakness in your leg and calf. Omar H. Henriquez, MD, in Melbourne, Florida, is a skilled pain management specialist providing cutting-edge therapies at Melbourne Spine to treat painful nerve conditions like sciatica. To find innovative treatment options for sciatica, call Melbourne Spine or schedule an appointment online today.
Your sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in your body. It begins on each side of your lower spine, runs through your buttocks and thigh, and ends in your foot. When this nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. This condition is known as sciatica.
Sciatica symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In most cases, your pain can be burning, sharp, or sudden electrical jolts or shocks, and occurs on one side of your body. These symptoms are often made worse by coughing, sneezing, or sitting for extended periods.
Sciatica pain develops when there’s pressure on the sciatic nerve. Several factors can lead to sciatica, but the most common cause is a herniated disc.
Cushiony discs separate your vertebrae to absorb shock and create flexibility in your spine. If you have a herniated disc, the soft center of your disc bulges or leaks through its outer layer. These disc changes can put pressure on surrounding nerves and cause sciatica symptoms.
Herniated discs are most common in the lower back and neck.
Your chances of having sciatica can increase for a variety of reasons, including:
Certain jobs may also create a higher risk of sciatica, especially those with a lot of back twisting, heavy lifting, or extended periods of driving.
At Melbourne Spine, Dr. Henriquez leverages his advanced training to diagnose spinal issues leading to sciatica, like herniated discs. During your appointment, he conducts a full physical examination, discusses your medical history and symptoms, and may recommend digital imaging tests like MRIs and X-rays.
Depending on your condition and symptoms, Dr. Henriquezmay recommend a variety of treatments, such as:
To learn more about sciatica treatment options at Melbourne Spine, call or schedule an appointment online today.
