Sciatic Nerve Pain Doctors in Austin, TX | Greater Austin Pain Center

Sciatic Pain Relief Center in Austin

Here at Greater Austin Pain Center, we pay close attention to all things concerning the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in your body, extending from your lumbar spine down to your feet. If this nerve is compressed or inflamed, a painful condition called sciatica can result. Sciatica is known for creating shooting pains that run through the lower back all the way to the feet.

Our sciatica specialists in Austin can help diagnose your pain. During your consultation, we can examine your movements, muscle strength, and reflexes to determine if you have any sciatic pain.

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve branches off from the spinal cord at the lumbar spine and sacrum. As nerve roots exit the spinal cord in the lumbar spine and sacral region, they travel downward through our buttocks, the back of our thighs, through our legs, and into our feet. The sciatic nerve controls the muscles in the back of our knees and lower legs. It also is responsible for detecting sensations in the back of the thigh, the calf, and the bottoms of the feet.

Diagnosis

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our staff is fully equipped to perform imaging tests necessary to diagnose and treat sciatic pain.

If you’re experiencing severe back pain, visit our pain relief clinic to discuss any of the following exams:

X-Rays

X-rays can help determine if there’s an overgrown bone, also known as a bone spur, applying painful pressure on a nerve.

Computed Tomography Scan

CT scans can get accurate images of the spine to help determine if there are herniated discs or bone spurs that are causing severe back pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRIs show detailed images of bone and tissue and can help determine if there are herniated discs causing sciatic pain.

Electromyography

EMG tests measure the nerve electrical impulses and how muscles respond to test for nerve compression in the spine.

Causes

Direct trauma, often from pelvic injury
Diabetes
Tumors/abscesses
Pregnancy
Weight gain
Spinal stenosis
Arthritis
Misaligned vertebrae
Degenerative/herniated discs

Symptoms

Shooting pains, tingling, weakness, and numbness through lower back, legs, and feet
In serious cases: Loss of bowel and bladder control, significant weakness in arms and legs

Treatments

Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.)
Physical therapy
Steroid injections
Surgical options

Home Remedies for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Our sciatic pain specialists recommend several at-home remedies to help ease your discomfort before your consultation. If you’re experiencing lower back pain, you may:

Use a cold pack for up to 20 minutes for initial relief, several times a day and alternate with hot packs or heating pads directly on the areas that hurt.
Practice safe and comfortable stretching exercises to help relieve compression pain. Hold your stretches for 30 seconds and do not jerk or twist.
If necessary, take over-the-counter pain relievers, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Sciatica Treatment in Austin, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and San marcos

In order to get an accurate read on your spinal health, your Austin pain doctor will first need to determine the cause of your sciatic nerve pain. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, asking you about your symptoms and medical history, and may ask you to perform simple movements to assess muscular strength, joint motion and stability, reflexes, and sense of sensation. If you’re experiencing severe back pain, imaging tests may also be ordered, and your doctor may also order lab studies to rule out other diseases.

Non-Surgical Sciatic Pain Relief

Most people with sciatica are successfully treated with non-surgical methods aimed at relieving pain and pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Medication

You may need over-the-counter or prescription medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or anti-seizure medications.

Steroid Injections

If sciatica symptoms do not improve significantly with over-the-counter or prescribed medications, your doctor may inject your sciatic nerve roots with corticosteroid medication.

Physical Therapy

If your pain progressively worsens, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help reduce pain, muscle spasms, loss of motion, increase flexibility, correct posture, and prevent future injuries.

Sciatica Surgical Alternatives

Our sciatic pain doctors in Austin reserve surgical alternatives for sciatica in severe cases. If your symptoms cause significant weakness, worsen, or don’t improve with our initial treatment options, we can help you explore the best surgical option necessary for your sciatic nerve pain.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Am I At Risk?

If you suspect that the cause of your back pain is rooted in sciatica, please contact the Greater Austin Pain Center. We can schedule an appointment with you, or we can simply answer your questions about sciatica. Get in touch, and we’ll begin planning your pain management strategies without delay.

Testimonials

"I am so relieved I could cry! Finally a pain specialist who listens, cares, and wants to help! Dr. Alan Silberberg has given me so much hope! As someone who has seen pain specialists for decades in different states, this is where you want to come. You NEED him in your life! My only regret is not coming in sooner."

Sarah Jean C.

"The staff is very friendly and I was seen on time. The intake process was seamless and efficient. Dr. Jarzombeck is always very kind and thorough in her explanations. These folks are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Greater Austin Pain Center and Dr. Jarzombeck!"

Kim D.

"Everyone is always very nice and courteous. Dr. Julia is amazing! He is friendly, kind and caring and so easy to talk with. All the office staff I have had contact with has always been courteous and kind as well. Would highly recommend coming here!"

Lesley C.

(512) 298-1645

Sciatica Specialists In Austin, TX

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Sciatic Pain Relief Center in Austin