Sciatica is a very common lower back problem that affects people of different ages. Chronic lower back pain that isn’t treated in a timely manner is one of the primary causes of disability. While dealing with this condition, you know exactly how difficult it can be to live an active and full life.
Whether it’s a mild tingling, dull ache, a burning sensation or radiating pain, sciatica can often be severe enough to make the person unable to move. While this is quite a common problem, with the right support and treatment plan, you can find effective relief for your pain. You may have already visited your family physician or even a chiropractor for your lower back pain condition.
But there are other medical specialists, such as a neurologist in Las Vegas, that can help with the treatment and management of sciatic pain. They can work closely with your doctor to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for the condition. Let’s take a closer look at what sciatica is, what causes it, and how a neurologist in Las Vegas, NV, like Dr. Russell Shah can help.
Exactly What Is Sciatica?
Sciatic pain is a condition caused by injury or pressure to the sciatic nerve that extends from the lower spine down to the legs. It causes weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs. The pain or numbness is often felt in the back of the calf or sole of the foot and is generally present on one side.
Some individuals experience numbness in certain areas of the leg and a very sharp pain in one specific area of the leg or hip. This pain can start out very slowly but can quickly worsen, especially when:
- Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- Sneezing, laughing or coughing
- Leaning backward
- Walking more than a few steps
- Leaning backward, if spinal stenosis is the cause
- You get to bed at night
Sciatic Pain- What Causes It?
The sciatic nerve lends sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg and the sole of the foot. It also controls the muscles in the lower part of the leg and knee.Some of the commonest causes of sciatica are:
- Spinal stenosis
- Slipped disc
- Pelvic injury or fracture
- Tumor
- Piriformis syndrome (pain disorder)
A patient with persistent or chronic sciatica pain may need to be managed by an experienced local neurologist in Las Vegas, NV. Radar Medical is one of the most reputed neurology clinics in Las Vegas where Dr. Russell Shah treats patients with conditions such as sciatica.
Sciatica Facts
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It Isn’t A Simple Back Pain
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Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical issue, rather than a medical condition itself. It can be the result of various conditions. Aside from lower back pain, sciatica can also cause a burning sensation, tingling or numbness that extends through the hip down one of the legs. In rare cases, the condition can affect both sides as well.
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There Can Be Different Levels Of Sciatic Pain
The severity of the pain can vary dramatically from patient to patient. Aside from this, the size of the area that experiences tingling, numbness or pain can also vary significantly. Some patients experience pain down to the feet which can impact things like walking and driving. A severe sciatica condition can sometimes impact the bowels and bladder too.
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A Sciatica Treatment Plan Is Based On Its Underlying Cause
There are a number of different factors that can result in irritation or compression of the sciatic nerves. Discovering this cause is the best way to determine which treatment would work to relieve the patient’s pain. While many people that suffer from sciatic pain consult a chiropractor, this may not always be the right action.
The nervous system is extremely complex, and when it shows any signs of injury or dysfunction, it can have a negative impact on the functioning of your body. A neurologist in Las Vegas is a medical specialist who treats conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and the nervous system. This specialist should be your first option when it comes to treating sciatica.
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Sciatica is Different Than SI Pain
Sometimes lower back pain emerges from the sacroiliac (SI) joint and is very different from sciatica pain. It generally doesn’t cause a radiating pain that impacts the legs.
Like any other medical condition, treating sciatica is a lot about making the right diagnosis. Because this is a neurological condition, a reputed Las Vegas neurologist is your best choice for a diagnosis.
When you choose to come to Radar Medical, the best neurology clinic in Las Vegas, Dr. Russell Shah will conduct a thorough physical examination and conduct certain tests if required. Based on the results and your medical history, he will recommend the most effective treatment and care options for your sciatica pain. Dr. Shah is unarguably the best Las Vegas neurologist. You can rest assured that he will provide you with the best treatment possible.
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Sciatica Pain Rarely Requires Surgical Intervention
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While there are certain underlying conditions that respond better to surgery, it’s rarely the best long-term solution to any form of sciatic pain. As a matter of fact, most researchers and medical specialists agree that with sciatic pain both, non-surgical and surgical forms of treatment yield very similar results in the long term.
One common misunderstanding is that pain medication can help treat sciatica, but this a fallacy. While the meds may help alleviate the pain, they don’t do anything to address the underlying issue. Since the pain can surface at any point of time, it can result in the potential for pain medication addiction.
Don’t let your sciatic pain affect your life. If you’ve been suffering from numbness and pain in your thigh, lower leg and the sole of your foot, contact Radar Medical to schedule an appointment with Dr. Russell Shah today.
He will provide the correct diagnosis and you will start receiving world-class care at the best neurology clinic Las Vegas, NV. For more information call us at 702 644 0500 or get in touch through our Contact Us form.