Sciatica

Sciatica services offered in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, Bellevue and Green Bay, WI

Shooting lower back pain associated with sciatica can be debilitating for many people. At NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, and Bellevue, Wisconsin, the outstanding orthopedic spine surgery team offers pain-reducing sciatica treatments that ease bothersome discomfort long-term. Schedule an evaluation by phone for relief.

Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that affects your sciatic nerve, which travels from your lower back into the hips, buttocks, and legs. Numerous factors may contribute to sciatica nerve pressure or damage, which is often painful. Treating the condition at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin provides superior results and a better quality of life.

Which symptoms can sciatica cause?

Sciatica may cause the following symptoms:

Lower back or leg pain
Shooting discomfort
Numbness
Tingling
Electric, shock-like pain
Aching pain
Burning
Sharp pains
Muscle weakness in your leg or foot

The pain caused by sciatica often worsens when you sneeze, sit for a long time, or cough. It typically affects just one side of the body. See a spine specialist at the first sign of bothersome sciatica symptoms to restore your quality of life and ability to complete daily tasks.

What may increase my risk of sciatica?

Sciatica is a common condition with numerous risk factors, including:

Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Bone overgrowth
Pinched nerves
Obesity
Aging
Physically demanding job
Diabetes
Prolonged sitting
Lifting heavy objects

Ways to reduce the risk of sciatica include using good posture while sitting, exercising regularly, using proper form when lifting objects, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a healthy weight.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Diagnosing sciatica involves a physical exam, a review of your medical history and symptoms, nerve tests, and imaging procedures. You might undergo X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan before the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin team diagnoses your condition and develops a personalized treatment plan.

They tailor each plan based on the severity of your condition, lifestyle, and treatment preferences.

How is sciatica treated?

Your personalized sciatica treatment may include:

Physical therapy
Medications
Steroid injections
Spinal cord stimulation
Radiofrequency ablation
Spinal decompression
Advanced surgical techniques
Ice or heat packs

Advanced surgical techniques allow your specialist to remove bone spurs or spinal discs that press against painful nerves.

Follow up with your NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin provider periodically to ensure long-lasting relief, and continue adopting healthy habits to reduce the chance of future discomfort.

Schedule a sciatica evaluation at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin by calling the nearest office or requesting one online today.