New York Spine Institute Spine Services

Sciatica

Why Choose New York Spine Institute’s Sciatica Specialists? 

Quality Care

You are supplied specialized care that fits your needs as directed by our back and neck specialists. This incorporates moderate physical therapy and pain control or if needed, superior spinal procedure surgeries.

Industry Leaders

Our institution is guided by the leadership of our medical director, Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D. FAAOS. The spine doctors at NYSI are industry leaders in complex spine disorder treatments with years of experiences.

Multiple Languages 

NYSI works to give back pain treatment services to patients from all around the world. Our professional staff speaks a mixture of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian.

Understanding the Causes of Your Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The pain is typically felt through the back of the thighs, buttocks, or lower back. This spine condition can lower your quality of life, but is easily treatable compared to other spine related conditions.*

Sciatica may show up gradually or over a period of time. Pain is typically felt in the lumbar region (low back) but can extend to the inside, backside or front of your lower extremities. The pain can radiate to the buttocks, back of thighs and even below the knee. When you have sciatica, you have pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling. Sciatica can begin in your lower back and can spread down your leg as far as your toes.*

Risk Factors that can contribute to sciatica can include*:

  • Genetics
  • Piriformis syndrome (caused by tightening or spasm of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks)
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)
  • Obesity (extra weight on lower back)
  • People aged between 30-50
  • Spondylolisthesis (condition in which one vertebra slips forward and out of line)
  • Jobs that include prolonged sitting or heavy lifting
  • Diabetes

Diagnosing Your Sciatica

Back pain can form from over time or appear suddenly. Sciatica typically starts with a herniated disc in your lower lumbar region, and injury or years of overuse can wear down the cartilage between your discs, the soft center can push out the hard outer ring. This herniated disc can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, one being the Sciatic Nerve.*

To help determine if you have sciatica, your sciatica pain specialist will perform a physical exam first to note your back pain history. They will ask you about your posture, range of motion, and other observable physical conditions. In some cases, you may need an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to diagnose this spine condition.*

Treatment Options for Sciatica

Based off your consultation, your sciatica doctor could recommend cold compression for a few days, and heating pads after that. Although having sciatica might prompt you to rest and take it easy, being mobile is very important. Sitting still could cause further irritation of the Sciatic Nerve, lower back stretches and staying in motion can help reduce any inflammation.*

You could also be recommended for physical therapy, where your physician will develop a stretching and exercise regimen for you. This modality can help you improve your posture and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve. In some cases, you may need a procedure, which will be determined by your sciatica surgeon.*

*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.

Doctor examining patient's shoulder and side

Need a Consultation for Your Sciatica? 

New York Spine Institute provides high-quality care and treatment for individuals suffering from Sciatica. With experienced professionals and offices throughout Greater New York City, we are here to help you on your way to recovery. Speak with a sciatica pain specialist today.

Schedule Your Appointment