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Sciatica Specialist

Interventional Pain Management Services -  - Pain Management

Interventional Pain Management Services

Pain Management located in St. Louis, MO

As many as 40% of people in the United States will experience sciatica-related pain at least once in their lifetime. If that pain becomes chronic, the pain management specialists at Interventional Pain Management Services offer many nonsurgical options for relieving pain quickly and for the long term. With two offices in St. Louis and one in Granite City, Missouri, the skilled physicians offer custom treatment plans and minimally invasive treatments, like steroid injections, to address pain and enhance your quality of life. To learn more, schedule an evaluation of your sciatica-related low back pain online or by phone today.

Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when a herniated disc or bone spur in your spine presses on your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the large nerve that runs from your low back into your buttocks and down into your legs.

Herniated discs or other issues that put pressure on the sciatic nerve occur due to wear-and-tear associated with aging, degenerative disease, or injury to the spine.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

This compression on the nerve causes radiating pain that can feel like a jolting shock, especially if you move suddenly, such as when you cough or sneeze.

As sciatica pain worsens, you may find it more difficult to move around. In some cases, a pins and needles sensation or a burning pain can radiate down into your legs.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Because of the jolting pain of sciatica, the pain management specialists at Interventional Pain Management Services can often diagnose it based on your symptoms and a physical exam.

To confirm a diagnosis and identify the cause of nerve compression, the pain management specialists may also order imaging tests, like an X-ray or CT scan.

What treatment options are available for sciatica?

To relieve pain and mobility issues of sciatica, your Interventional Pain Management Services specialist initially may recommend rest and ice or heat therapy. You may also try over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to keep you comfortable.

Stretching exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles that support your lower back and relieve compression on your sciatic nerve.

If pain continues, they may suggest a steroid injection in the area around your sciatic nerve. The injection contains an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine and a local anesthetic intended to alleviate pain and help restore your functionality. Steroid injections are also beneficial because they may provide pain relief for several weeks and give your low back time to heal naturally.*

As a last resort, especially when you have a painful herniated disc that affects your overall spine health, you may need surgery.

If the jolting pain of sciatica is interfering with your ability to stay active, you can find out more about available solutions for short- and long-term pain relief by calling the nearest Interventional Pain Management Services office or booking an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary