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

Get Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain in Austin, Texas

Do you have sciatica in Austin? If so, you’re not alone. Sciatica is a common condition, with about 40% of people in the U.S. experiencing it at some point during their life. Fortunately, at the Greater Austin Pain Center, we understand the pain and frustration that sciatica can cause, and strive to provide the most comprehensive sciatica treatments in Austin. Our experienced and knowledgeable team of medical specialists and pain doctors have extensive expertise in treating sciatica, lower back pain, and chronic pain, and offer a range of advanced treatments to help you find relief.

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in your body. It branches off from the spinal cord at the lumbar spine and sacrum, and, as the nerve roots exit the spinal cord, travels downward through our buttocks, the back of our thighs, through our legs, and into our feet. If this nerve is compressed or inflamed, a painful condition called sciatica can result.

What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back and hip down the buttock and the back of the leg. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. Other symptoms of sciatica include:

Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
Weakness in the leg or foot
Difficulty standing up or sitting down
Pain that is worse when sitting or standing for long periods of time
Pain that is worse when coughing or sneezing

Diagnosis

Because the sciatic nerve is so long, the pain of sciatica can be felt in different parts of the body, making it difficult to determine the true source of your pain. That’s why meeting with a professional pain doctor is so important when it comes to sciatica treatment. During your first appointment, your doctor will perform a thorough 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 conditions.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our staff is fully equipped to perform all of these assessments, as well as any imaging tests that may be needed to assess the full scope of your condition. Common imaging tests for sciatica treatment include:

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
Indirect Spinal Decompression
Spinal Cord Stimulator
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

Wondering what sciatica treatment often looks like? Sciatica is typically treated with a combination of medical and lifestyle interventions, including the following:

Medication

Medication for sciatica may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain, muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms, and oral steroids to reduce inflammation.

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 to help you experience relief.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often used to help stretch and strengthen the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, and legs, or, if your pain progressively worsens, to help reduce it. Physical therapy can also be used to regain coordination, increase flexibility, correct posture, and prevent future injuries.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding activities that cause pain, exercising regularly, and stretching can also help to reduce the symptoms of sciatica.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.Fortunately, our sciatic pain doctors are familiar with non-invasive surgical techniques as well surgical alternatives, and can help you determine 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 and answer your questions about sciatica. Get in touch, and we’ll begin planning your sciatica treatment in Austin today!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can be caused by several different conditions, such as a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, a tumor, or a nerve root injury. It can also be caused by poor posture, repetitive motions, or a direct injury to the lower back.

What’s the best treatment for sciatica?

The “best” treatment for sciatica varies depending on the cause of the condition, and often includes a combination of treatments, including rest, physical therapy, medications, and chiropractic care. In some cases, a steroid injection or a CT scan may be recommended. Moreover, surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe or does not respond to other treatments.

Can a physical therapist help with sciatica?

Physical therapists can help provide pain relief by using a variety of physical therapy techniques, including stretching and strengthening exercises, manual therapy, posture correction, and gait retraining. That said, it’s smart to first visit a pain doctor before starting physical therapy, as they can evaluate and treat what’s causing your symptoms, as well as determine which type of physical therapy (if any) is best suited for your condition.

Can chiropractic care help with sciatica?

Chiropractic care can help sciatica by reducing pain, increasing mobility, and improving posture. Chiropractic treatments may include spinal manipulation of the facet joints and discs, massage therapy, exercises, and lifestyle modifications.

That said, it’s generally better to see a pain doctor than a chiropractor for treating sciatica. Pain doctors are specifically trained to diagnose and treat chronic or severe pain, while chiropractors primarily focus on providing relief from muscle and joint pain associated with the spine.

Can massage therapy help with providing sciatica pain relief?

Massage therapy can be an effective way to provide pain relief for sciatica, however, as mentioned above, it’s not an effective treatment. Massage therapy can help provide relief by helping to release tension in the muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation and range of motion.

Do I need orthopedic surgery for sciatica?

In most cases, no. Most people with sciatica can find relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes. Generally, orthopedic surgery is only needed as a last resort, and only recommended if other treatments are not effective.

That said, orthopedic surgery may be needed in severe cases, such as to treat a herniated disc, perform a spinal fusion, or decompress a nerve root. You can speak with one of our professional sciatica pain doctors in Austin to discuss your options and determine the best approach to treatment.

Treatments for Sciatica in Austin

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