Sciatica is a common cause of back pain and various neurological symptoms, causing many residents of Kyle, Floresville, La Vernia, and Gonzales, Texas, to shape their days around their symptoms. Through his practice, fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist Eric Miller, MD, offers state-of-the-art treatment for sciatica. Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.
request an appointmentWhat is sciatica, and how does it develop?
Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body, traveling from your lower back to your buttocks and legs. Sciatica develops when this nerve is placed under any form of pressure.
Pressure on your sciatic nerve can happen due to underlying issues like:
- Tumors
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Herniated disc
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and trigger sciatica. If your sciatic nerve is irritated or inflamed, you may also experience symptoms of sciatica-related pain.
What are some signs I might have sciatica?
A primary symptom of sciatica is intense pain that radiates from your lower back down through your buttocks and leg. Specific movements, like coughing or sneezing, can worsen sciatica pain. Other symptoms of sciatica include weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations.
You may also feel pain in your buttocks or hip when sitting or walking for an extended period. People with sciatica usually experience symptoms on only one side of their body.
What are some treatment options for sciatica?
Once Dr. Miller confirms that your symptoms are caused by sciatica, he creates a customized treatment plan that focuses on easing pain and improving your mobility.
Mild, occasional pain can often be controlled using over-the-counter medication. At-home stretching exercises or physical therapy can help reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Persistent or severe pain may require prescription anti-inflammatory medicines and pain relievers. If oral medications aren’t effective, steroid injections into your sciatic nerve can help improve your quality of life.
What if I need surgery for chronic sciatica pain?
In some cases, surgical intervention is the best approach, especially when bone spurs, or other spinal abnormalities cause sciatica. However, most cases of sciatica resolve with non-surgical options, and surgery is a last resort.
Dr. Miller works closely with you to identify lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments that can help relieve sciatica pain. If you are overweight or obese, moving closer to a healthy weight can make a difference in sciatica pain.
To learn more about your treatment options for sciatica, call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, at your earliest convenience. Online booking is also available.