A type of lower back pain that usually affects your back and one leg, sciatica describes the collection of symptoms that results from sciatic nerve compression. Nerve compression happens for a variety of reasons, but when it affects the sciatic nerve or any of the nerves that make up the sciatic nerve, symptoms are similar regardless of the cause.
You may experience sensations ranging from numbness and tingling to sharp, debilitating pain, and this can occur anywhere along the sciatic nerve’s path — from your lower back to your feet. You may also experience muscle weakness in the affected leg.
Though most cases of sciatica resolve themselves within six weeks, the severity of symptoms can make it difficult to perform simple tasks. Franz Jones, DO, is both a pain management expert and a sciatica specialist. He and his team provide a full gamut of treatment options to minimize the impact of your sciatica.
Typically, sciatica treatment starts with the most conservative interventions because your body can usually heal itself, although it can benefit from assistance. If these methods don’t provide adequate relief, more aggressive methods are tried. Only rarely does sciatica persist to the point where surgery is an option.
A simple technique that’s easy to do at home, hot and cold therapy alternates the application of heat and cold compresses. The process generally starts with cold therapy only for 20 minutes several times a day to combat inflammation. After the first few days, add heat using a heating pad on the low setting or heating packs.
Usually started after acute pain eases, physical therapy addresses the current sciatica episode as well as helps prevent recurring injury by improving your posture and flexibility and building core muscle strength to support your spine.
Over-the-counter analgesics and anti-inflammatories are often the first choice to abate the pain of sciatica. Prescription medications including muscle relaxants and other drugs proven to break the pain cycle can be added when needed.
Corticosteroids can have powerful anti-inflammatory properties with effects that can last for months. However, long-term use of these can have serious side effects, so the number of injections you can receive is limited.
Using a sample of your own blood, a serum concentrated with platelets can be prepared and injected near the site of the sciatic nerve compression to provide a healing boost with natural growth hormones. PRP can be added to virtually any other sciatica treatment without conflict.
The basic building blocks of natural healing, stem cells injected at the site bolster your body’s own efforts to repair the damage causing sciatica. Stem cell therapy is often combined with PRP therapy to augment the raw materials needed for natural healing.
Reducing pain and regaining mobility are your priorities when sciatica hits. Schedule your examination with Dr. Jones now. Contact Franz Jones, DO, at any of his three locations to book a consultation. You can dial the closest office directly or use the appointment request tools available on this website.
