Faris Abusharif, MD On Sciatica Treatments – What Will Work For You

Sciatica is a condition that can cause a great deal of pain in the lower back and legs. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from this condition, you know how debilitating it can be. Many treatments are available for sciatica, but what works for one person may not work for another. In this blog post, Orland Park Illinois expert Faris Abusharif, MD, will discuss the various treatment options available and help you find the right one for you!

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a common condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through each leg. This nerve controls sensations throughout your lower body and extremities, and when it becomes irritated, the result can be pain, weakness, tingling, or other uncomfortable feelings. There are many potential causes of sciatica, including herniated discs in the spine, spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal), or other conditions that press on the sciatic nerve.

However, regardless of its cause, it is essential to seek treatment for sciatica right away to prevent more severe complications such as muscle damage or loss of motor control. Some of the most common sciatica symptoms include a dull ache in the lower back or legs, feelings of tingling or numbness along the course of your nerves, or significant weakness in your lower body.

Depending on its severity and the underlying cause, treatment for sciatica may involve medications to address inflammation or pain as well as physical therapy sessions to help strengthen muscles that support your spine and improve mobility. However, with proper care and management, most people with sciatica can experience relief from their symptoms and resume their normal activities over time.

How Do I Know If I Have Sciatica?

Faris Abusharif, MD, says if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is vital to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. While sciatica can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination, your doctor may also order imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out other potential causes of your pain.

Once your doctor has determined that you have sciatica, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Depending on the underlying cause of your condition, this plan may involve medications to reduce inflammation or pain, physical therapy sessions to improve strength and mobility, or other interventions.

Which Treatment Is Right For Me?

Faris Abusharif, MD, says many different treatment options are available for sciatica. The right one for you will depend on the underlying cause of your condition and your symptoms.

Medications

If your sciatica is caused by inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to help reduce pain and swelling.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy sessions can help improve strength and flexibility in the muscles that support your spine, which can, in turn, help relieve pressure on the nerves. These sessions may also include exercises to improve your range of motion and mobility.

Other Interventions

In some cases, other interventions such as epidural injections or surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of your sciatica.

What Should I Expect From My Treatment Plan?

Once you have decided on a treatment plan with your doctor, you must stick to it to see the best results. This may involve taking medications as prescribed, attending physical therapy sessions regularly, and making lifestyle changes to support your recovery.

Most people with sciatica find that their symptoms improve over time with treatment, but it is essential to be patient as recovery can sometimes take several weeks or even months. In some cases, symptoms may flare up occasionally, but this typically does not cause concern and should not interfere with your overall progress.

How Long Will It Take To Recover From Sciatica?

The length of time it takes to recover from sciatica will vary depending on the underlying cause of your condition and the severity of your symptoms. However, most people find that their symptoms improve significantly within a few weeks or months with proper treatment. In some cases, symptoms may persist for more extended periods, but this is typically not a cause for concern and can be managed with your doctor’s help.

If you are experiencing any sciatica symptoms, it is vital to see a doctor to develop an effective treatment plan. With proper care and management, most people with sciatica can experience relief from their symptoms and resume their normal activities over time.

Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?

Faris Abusharif, MD, says Sciatica is a type of nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from your lower back down through your legs so that pain may be felt in any or all of these areas. Other common sciatica symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. While sciatica can be painful, it is typically not a severe condition and can be effectively managed with the help of a medical professional.

Final Thoughts

Sciatica is a common condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, hips, and legs. While sciatica can be painful, it is typically not a severe condition and can be effectively managed with the help of a medical professional. If you are experiencing any sciatica symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor to develop an effective treatment plan. With proper care and management, most people with sciatica can experience relief from their symptoms and resume their normal activities over time.