Sciatica refers to the pain or discomfort radiating from the sciatic nerve—or the nerve that runs from the lower back and down each leg. It most commonly occurs when another condition such as spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spine), a bone spur, or a herniated disc puts pressure on the nerve. It can also be triggered by age-related changes in the spine as well as obesity or pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms
The tell-tale sign of sciatica is a pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down one leg, with the level ranging from mildly uncomfortable to quite excruciating.
The ailment can also manifest itself through a variety of other symptoms, including:
- A burning or tingling sensation
- Foot or leg numbness
- Weakness in the buttocks, leg, or foot
- A jolting pain (think electric shock) that happens when you cough or sneeze
- An increase in pain after sitting for long periods of time (which can put additional pressure on the nerve)
Some individuals suffer from a mild case of sciatica that resolves itself over time. However, in severe cases, or situations where the condition progresses or worsens, it can result in permanent nerve damage.
In these situations, the result can be a loss of feeling in the affected leg or even a loss of bowel and bladder function. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and treatment if you suspect you may have sciatica.
Our Treatment Options
At Carolina Pain Relief Center, we offer effective, minimally invasive treatments that can help sciatica sufferers find the relief they have been searching for.
Our medical professionals may recommend one or more of the following procedures for the most effective course of treatment:
- Platelet-rich Plasma Injections
Platelet-rich plasma therapy or PRP is another alternative regenerative solution to sciatica. In this procedure, a doctor will first draw a small sample of your blood. Then, using a centrifuge, they will then isolate the platelet-rich plasma. The process results in a nearly colorless substance, which obtains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, and proteins (all necessary to healing and regeneration). Finally, they will inject the PRP into your back. Once deployed, the vital components in PRP can facilitate your body’s response to injury and encourage healing. Even further, because it is taken from your own blood, there is no chance that your body will reject it. - Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is another non-surgical method that has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation while accelerating the body’s own natural healing process. With leading-edge technology, our super pulsed Lumix 2 Series laser delivers energy through your skin and into the deep tissue surrounding your sciatica. This results in the cells being stimulated, which begin to heal the affected area bringing drug-free, rapid pain relief. Laser therapy also offers minimal to no side effects. Some patients report a slight warmth or heat sensation that typically resolves itself in a matter of hours, while others report no particular feeling at all.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is seeking sciatica relief, contact us at (336) 777-7364 for a complimentary consultation. Our medical clinic has helped countless others with their chronic pain, and we hope to be able to assist you as well.