Are you experiencing a shooting, radiating pain down your leg? If so, you may have sciatica. While minor cases of sciatica can resolve on their own, other cases worsen without treatment. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we offer high-quality, minimally invasive sciatica treatment in Chicago. Let’s take a closer look at what sciatica is, how to recognize its symptoms and how our team can help you achieve long-term relief.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica arises when the sciatic nerve (which runs down your lower back and legs) becomes pinched or compressed. Common causes of pinched nerves include herniated discs, sports injuries and age-related wear and tear. Although anyone can develop sciatica, you have a higher risk if you meet the following conditions:
- Spinal injuries: Having a history of spinal injuries increases your likelihood of developing sciatica.
- Pressure on the spine: Things like obesity, heavy lifting and improper lifting techniques can put pressure on the spine and nerves.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis, can impact your nerve and spinal health.
What Are the Most Common Sciatica Symptoms?
Now that you know what sciatica is, you might be wondering: How do I recognize it? The most common symptom is a shooting pain that radiates down one or both legs. Often described as a “burning” or “electrical” sensation, it tends to worsen when you’re actively using your legs (such as through lifting or bending). In addition to shooting pain, you may experience a tingling “pins and needles” sensation or numbness.
When Should You See a Sciatica Specialist in Chicago for Leg Pain?
As mentioned earlier, mild cases of sciatica typically resolve on their own. However, more serious cases may need professional intervention. You should consider seeing a sciatica doctor in Chicago if you experience the following:
- Pain that persists for over a week
- Sudden numbness or muscle weakness
- Urinary incontinence problems
How Does a Sciatica Doctor in Chicago Diagnose and Treat Nerve Pain?
To diagnose sciatica, specialists will usually start by asking about your medical history, including your symptoms and pain levels. Then, they’ll perform some physical examinations to gain a better understanding of your pain. These can include observing how you walk, having you raise your legs and testing your flexibility and strength. If necessary, they may also order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and CT scans.
What Sciatica Treatments Are Available in Chicago?
Once you’ve received an official diagnosis, the next step is treatment. At MAPS, we offer the following non-surgical sciatica treatments, all of which are geared toward long-term pain relief.
Injection-Based Therapy
Our injection-based treatments deliver medication directly to pain areas, resulting in quick relief. Depending on your unique symptoms and condition, we may recommend one of the following injections:
- Lumbar and cervical injections: These injections target the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions, reducing inflammation that may have spread to these areas.
- Epidural steroid injections: These injections focus on the epidural space around the spinal cord, which is located near the sciatic nerve roots.
- Sacroiliac joint injections: These injections deliver pain-relieving medication to the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower spine to the pelvis.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Along with injection-based therapy, we offer interventional pain management procedures that use advanced technology to target the root cause of sciatica. Not only do they relieve pain, but they’re also minimally invasive. Here are a few of our top procedures:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Using heat generated by radio waves, RFA can disable nerves that transmit pain signals.
- Spinal cord stimulator implantation: This procedure involves implanting a device that uses electrical impulses to block pain signals.
- Disc decompression: Designed for sciatica caused by herniated discs, this treatment removes a portion of the bulging disc to relieve pressure on nerves.
- Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty: Both these treatments involve inserting substances into fractured vertebra to stabilize the spine.
Additional Relief Options
To help ensure long-term results, we combine our non-surgical treatments with the following relief methods:
- Medication management: When used responsibly, medication can lower pain levels without causing adverse effects.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps build strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of getting sciatica again.
- Bracing: In certain cases, we may suggest bracing to help keep your bones and ligaments stable.
Looking for Sciatica Relief in Chicago? Contact MAPS Centers for Pain Control Today!
Are you seeking minimally invasive sciatica treatment in Chicago? MAPS is here to help. We offer a team of double-board certified doctors that’s committed to compassionate, patient-centered care. We start by carefully considering your medical history and symptoms. Then, using this information, we craft plans tailored to your unique condition. Our high-quality treatment options, paired with our personalized approach, make us stand out from the crowd. Schedule a consultation today!
