Sciatica affects 10-40% of people. If you deal with frequent sciatic nerve pain, you know how badly it can disrupt your daily life. It can make simple tasks challenging and cause significant discomfort.Â
At Bone & Joint Specialists Orthopedic Center, we understand sciatica's impact and are here to help with a range of services. Our expert team of board-certified physicians offers effective solutions in Lake County, IN, to get you back to living pain-free.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica involves pain radiating along the sciatic nerve’s path. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. The discomfort can vary from mild to severe. It is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.Â
Common causes of sciatica include:
- Slipped or herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome (a disorder that involves the narrow muscle in the buttocks)
- Pelvic injuries or fractures
- Tumors
- Spondylolisthesis (a disorder in which a vertebra slides out of place and onto the bone below it)
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of sciatica can include:
- Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttock, and down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens with movement or sitting for long periods
Diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination and a review of your medical history. Doctors may also use diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scans.
Sciatica Treatment Options
At Bone & Joint Specialists, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs. Non-surgical solutions are often helpful and include:
- Physical Therapy: This involves customized exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve their flexibility.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers can help manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: Posture modifications, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modifications can reduce strain on your back.
For more persistent or severe cases, minimally invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injections can minimize inflammation around the affected nerve.Â
In rare instances where conservative solutions are ineffective, we may consider surgical options. These solutions help to remove the source of nerve compression.
Benefits of Early Sciatica Treatment
Seeking support early can significantly improve your quality of life. The benefits of proactive treatment include:
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Increased mobility
- Increased ability to perform daily activities
- Prevention of chronic pain and further complications
Many of our patients have noticed impressive results from our comprehensive patient care plans.
Why Choose Bone & Joint Specialists?
Bone & Joint Specialists’ doctors were named Best in Region in Orthopedics for five consecutive years — 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. This honor reflects our commitment to offering top-tier care. It also shows our dedication to staying at the forefront of orthopedic medicine.
Our physicians are board-certified in specialized fields such as foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery and orthopedic surgery. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, Bone & Joint Specialists is equipped to deliver effective, tailored solutions for your sciatica. We’re here to support you as you regain your mobility and quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation in Lake County
Our staff is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you overcome sciatic nerve pain. Contact us today at 219.795.3360 to book a consultation with one of our doctors.
