Understanding, treating sciatica pain

Sciatica pain is a symptom of an underlying medical condition

When it comes to back pain, sciatica is a term that is often overused and misunderstood. Julian Price, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Athens Orthopedic Clinic (AOC), specializes in neck and back pain. He explains that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires proper evaluation for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Price defines sciatica as pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the back and leg. “Persistent weakness, numbness or pain in the leg may be caused by an injury to, or pressure on, the sciatic nerve,” says Dr. Price. “If left untreated, it could lead to permanent damage.”

According to Dr. Price, the gold standard for a clinical diagnosis of the root cause of sciatica is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

“At AOC’s outpatient facilities, we use special techniques with the MRI to examine discs for the source of the pinched nerve,” says Dr. Price. “Often, sciatica is caused by a herniated or bulging disk, bone spur or spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal. After diagnosis, our orthopedic specialists work with patients on a tailored treatment plan that best fits their needs and desired outcomes.”

Dr. Price also points out that when pain, numbness or tingling of the arms occurs, this can be an indication of injury to, or pressure on, the nerves of the neck. “Although there is not a coined term like “sciatica” for arm pain, weakness and tingling, if you are experiencing such symptoms, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist as well.”

Treatment options include anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, physical therapy or epidural injections. If these options do not help, surgery may offer the best chance for recovery.

“In most cases, surgery can be performed using less invasive approaches—smaller incisions, specialized equipment and innovative techniques—for less pain and a faster recovery,” says Dr. Price.

Dr. Price advises that with any pain, it is important to not take a wait-andsee approach. “There is no reason to live with pain. At AOC, you can receive customized, complete, well-coordinated care for all causes of spine, neck and back pain.”

In addition to more than 20 orthopedic surgeons, AOC has clinics, imaging centers, outpatient surgery centers, physical and occupational therapy centers and walk-in orthopedic urgent care facilities throughout Northeast Georgia. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic spine specialist, call (706) 549-1633 or visit www.aocspinehealth.com. Content from Athens Orthopedic Clinic

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