If you are struggling with pain in your lower back, buttocks, or thighs, it could be sciatica, a condition affecting the largest nerve in your body. Discover effective diagnosis and treatment options with Dr. Behnam Salari in Morristown to find relief today.
If you experience mild to severe pain or burning sensations on the lower back, buttocks, and the back of your thighs, you may have sciatica. This is a type of radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body. Dr. Behnam Salari carefully diagnoses the root cause of your discomfort and uses cutting-edge techniques to alleviate your sciatica in Morristown.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
What is Sciatica?
The Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It begins in the lower back and travels down the hips, buttocks, and the back of each leg, eventually ending at each foot. The sciatic nerve essentially extends down your entire lower body, with smaller branches that extend on all sides to provide sensations and mobility to your lower extremities.
Radiculopathy
Sciatica is a condition wherein the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed, which is known as radiculopathy. This occurs when the nerve roots leaving the spinal canal are pinched or compressed because of bone spurs from damaged intervertebral discs, ruptured discs, slippage, or other spinal problems. When the nerve roots are pinched, you experience radiating electrical pain, weakness, numbness, and pain.
Potential Causes of Sciatica:
- Trauma or injury
- Pregnancy
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Tumors
- Infections
- Disc slippage
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
- Mild to severe pain starting at the lower back
- Pain worsens while coughing, squatting, or sitting
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Burning sensations
- Loss of sensations or numbness
- Weakness in the legs
- Radiating electrical pains
- Pins and needles sensation
- Symptoms might be felt in only one side of the body
Treatment of Sciatica
Dr. Behnam Salari performs a thorough physical examination and diagnosis to determine the root cause of your sciatica in Morristown. Sciatica can produce symptoms far from the source because the nerve extends to various parts of the body, so it can be deceptive. Dr. Salari may recommend numerous imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and x-rays, to examine all the underlying structures and identify the factors responsible for sciatica.
Dr. Salari prefers treating the root cause of sciatica using non-surgical solutions. His personalized treatment plan may involve a combination of physical therapy, rest, analgesics, and medications. When non-surgical solutions fail to yield the desired results, Dr. Salari may resort to minimally invasive surgical techniques. However, surgery is only recommended after all other solutions have been tried.
Conservative Options:
- Rest and recovery
- Physical therapy
- Topical analgesics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural steroid injections
Minimally Invasive Surgery Options:
- Microscopic discectomy to remove the damaged components of the herniated disc
- Neurologic decompression to decompress the nerve roots and spinal canal
Patient Testimonial
”Dr. Salari has quite literally changed my life. I went from being unable to walk back to running in 7 weeks. He was kind, patient, and straightforward with all information. He explained the root of the pain & then how he was going to fix it. He and his staff were always available when I had questions or concerns. I can't recommend Dr. Salari enough.
Ally H.
FAQs about Sciatica
What is the best way to relieve sciatica?
Depending on the underlying cause of the problem, many treatments exist for sciatica. Nonetheless, there are several general ways that might be helpful:
- Treat the area with heat or ice
- Participate in physiotherapy
- Use painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Participate in regular exercise
- Use a cushion or pillow for support while sitting for an extended amount of time
- Get adequate rest and sleep
What triggers sciatica?
The sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back down the buttocks and legs, is often compressed or irritated, which is the main cause of sciatica. A herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and pregnancy are some of the major causes of sciatica. Sciatica may sometimes occur as a result of lifestyle factors such excessive sitting, obesity, or a sedentary way of life.
When should I see a doctor about my sciatica?
If your discomfort is severe or becoming worse, if your legs are numb or weak, or if you have difficulties controlling your bladder or bowels, you should see a doctor. Also, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms last longer than a few weeks or if your sciatica is making it difficult for you to do your normal activities.
How do you know if you need surgery for sciatica?
In circumstances when other therapies have failed or the underlying disease is severe, surgery is often the only option for sciatica sufferers. That said, if you experience any of these symptoms you may need surgery:
- Severe discomfort
- Numbness, weakness, or trouble walking
- Loss of control over one’s bowels or bladder
- Intense symptoms causing you to avoid daily activities
Is walking good for sciatica?
Most of the time, walking helps with sciatica since it may aid to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and enhance blood flow to the afflicted region. But when your symptoms become better, you should gradually increase the length and pace of your walks. The activities that make your pain and suffering worse should also be avoided at all times.
Why Choose Dr. Salari for Sciatica Treatment?
Dr. Salari is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive techniques. He always identifies and treats the root cause of your symptoms to ensure long-lasting relief. Furthermore, he personalizes all treatments according to his patient’s unique needs and goals after a thorough discussion of their goals and expectations. If surgical intervention is necessary, he specializes in minimally invasive techniques to treat your radicular pain in Morristown.
If you have the signs or symptoms of sciatica, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Salari at our offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.
