Sciatica

Up to 40% of Americans will develop sciatica at some time during their lives. At Houston Pain Services in Houston, Texas, board-certified interventional pain management specialist Adrian C. Dumitru, MD, and the team offer minimally invasive treatments to relieve sciatica pain and improve mobility. Call Houston Pain Services today to receive treatment for sciatica, or book your appointment online.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs because of pressure on your sciatic nerve –– a nerve that runs from your lower back, down your buttocks, and into your legs. Often, the pressure comes from a herniated intervertebral disc or a bone spur.

Sometimes, sciatica improves with rest and at-home treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, contact Dr. Dumitru and the team.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The symptoms of sciatica include:

• Moderate to severe lower back pain
• Pins and needles feelings in your legs or feet
• Pain that worsens during exercise
• Pain that extends into your buttocks, legs, and feet

Depending on the severity of the nerve compression, you may experience a loss of bowel or bladder control.

Should I see a pain management specialist about sciatica?

Make an appointment with Dr. Dumitru and the team at Houston Pain Services if you have lower back or leg pain that lasts for more than a week and doesn’t improve with rest and at-home treatments. That’s particularly true if your pain occurs suddenly or after an accident.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Dr. Dumitru reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. He tests your muscle strength and reflexes and has you do a series of easy exercises. For example, Dr. Dumitru may ask you to squat down or walk on your heels and toes. Pain caused by sciatica worsens during these activities.

Next, Dr. Dumitru orders diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and electromyography (EMG) and MRIs. X-rays can identify bone spurs and nerve compression, while an EMG assesses the relationship between your nerves and muscles.

How is sciatica treated?

At Houston Pain Services, Dr. Dumitru and the team treat sciatica using minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. They may recommend:

• Epidural corticosteroid injections
• Transforaminal epidural corticosteroid injections
• Facet joint blocks
• Sacroiliac joint blocks
• Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks
• Trigger point injections
• Piriformis muscle blocks
• Caudal epidural steroid injection 

Even after these measures, Dr. Dumitru may suggest evaluation by a surgeon for possible surgery if your pain continues or worsens.

Call Houston Pain Services today to explore the treatment options for sciatica, or make your appointment online.