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Sciatica Specialist

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS -  - Orthopedics

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS

Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, & Podiatry located in Merrillville, IN

Shooting, burning, or radiating pain in your lower back and down one of your legs is a hallmark indication of sciatica. If you struggle with ongoing or severe sciatica discomfort and want relief, Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants in Merrillville, Indiana, is here for you. Board-certified orthopaedic specialists offer effective sciatica treatments to reduce pain and give you the quality of life you deserve. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that affects your sciatic nerve; it can cause pain in your lower back, through your hips, and down each of your legs. Sciatica discomfort often affects just one side of your body. The pain caused by sciatica could be mild or severe and crippling. 

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Common sciatica symptoms include:

  • Radiating pain
  • Low back pain
  • Hip pain
  • Leg pain
  • Sharp or burning pain
  • Aching discomfort
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Muscle weakness

Sciatica pain might feel like an electric shock or jolt. The pain could get worse if you sit down for prolonged periods or if you sneeze or cough. When left untreated, permanent nerve damage can sometimes occur because of sciatica. 

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

Common risk factors that may increase your risk of developing sciatica include:

  • Herniated discs
  • Bone overgrowth in your spine
  • Diabetes
  • Tumors
  • Older age
  • Physical demanding jobs
  • Obesity
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Poor posture
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor body mechanics


Using proper lifting techniques, getting regular exercise, maintaining an ideal body weight, and using good posture are ways you can reduce your risk of developing sciatica. 

How does my provider diagnose sciatica?

To determine if you have sciatica and develop an effective treatment plan, the specialists at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants discuss your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and often recommend you complete X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or nerve testing.

How is sciatica treated?

Common treatments that help reduce sciatica pain include:

Home remedies

Possible home remedies for sciatica pain relief include cold packs, hot packs, stretching, and over-the-counter medications.

Physical therapy

The physical therapists at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants work with you to stretch and strengthen targeted musculoskeletal tissues for pain relief caused by sciatica.

Medications

Taking medications can reduce inflammation and sciatica discomfort.

Steroid injections 

Steroid injections help diminish painful inflammation and discomfort caused by sciatica.

Surgery

Sometimes surgery is the best option for relieving sciatica pain, especially if other treatments haven’t worked. The providers at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants can surgically remove bone spurs or herniated discs responsible for nerve compression.

To find out if you have sciatica or get treated for it, call the Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants office or book an evaluation online today.