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Sciatica Treatment

Desert Spine Institute Shawn Hermenau, MD Our Services Sciatica Treatment
Shawn Hermenau, MD - - Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Desert Spine Institute

Shawn Hermenau, MD

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon & Aesthetic Clinic located in Yuma, AZ

Sciatica is one of the most common causes of buttock and leg pain and discomfort among adults. To get effective sciatica treatment and relief from your discomfort, visit Desert Spine Institute in Yuma, Arizona. Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Shawn Hermenau, MD, offers conservative and surgical care for sciatica treatment to help you find relief. Call or book a consultation online now to get started.

Sciatica Treatment Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that involves irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body that runs from your lower back, down the backs of your legs, and to your feet. Symptoms of sciatica include:

  • Pain in the buttock
  • Numbness and tingling in the buttock, leg, or foot
  • Sharp, shooting pain down the back of your leg
  • Weakness in the muscles of your leg
  • Lower back pain

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may only experience symptoms with certain movements or you may feel discomfort constantly. Some causes of sciatica also cause pain to come and go, so your symptoms may be inconsistent.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by inflammation or structural irritation to the sciatic nerve – often referred to as a pinched nerve. Common causes of sciatica include:

  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Lumbar facet syndrome
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Arthritis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Disc herniations

To determine the cause of your sciatica, Dr. Hermenau performs a complete physical exam and consultation.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

The cause of sciatica is diagnosed based on your consultation, exam, and in some cases, X-rays or an MRI. You may have already been diagnosed with sciatica by another provider and Dr. Hermenau uses this information along with his own evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for you.

As part of your exam, Dr. Hermenau takes you through a series of orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the extent of your symptoms and nerve involvement. These tests incorporate specific movements, including stretching your legs, hips, and lower back, and place tension on the sciatic nerve which may trigger discomfort.

If imaging is needed, Dr. Hermenau takes X-rays in the office or refers you to a local imaging facility for an MRI. After reviewing your exam and any necessary imaging, Dr. Hermenau determines the cause of your sciatica and recommends treatment.

How is sciatica treated?

Sciatica treatment is determined by your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. In many cases, Dr. Hermenau recommends a conservative approach to relieve your symptoms. Conservative treatment may include rehabilitation, physiotherapy, spinal wellness therapy, and lifestyle recommendations.

If conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Hermenau may recommend spinal injections or minimally-invasive spinal surgery to relieve your symptoms and treat the underlying cause.

If you suffer from sciatica, call or book a consultation at Desert Spine Institute now to get relief.

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