Sciatica which doctor

The term is used to describe nerve pain, tingling, numbness and weakness that travels from the lower back, across the buttocks, down the back of the thighs to the calves and feet. It occurs when the sciatic nerve — the longest in the body — gets compacted or aggravated. Common conditions that cause sciatica include herniated lumbar discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis.

Sciatica pain can vary from periodic and mildly inconvenient to constant and incapacitating. Symptoms depend on the location of the nerve impingement or irritation and may include:.

Sciatica is rare among young people. It tends to start appearing in middle age, between the ages of 40 to Certain symptoms require immediate medical and possibly surgical intervention. These include progressive neurological symptoms like leg weakness, bowel or bladder dysfunction, infections or spinal tumors. This is the most common imaging method—it will produce images that give your neurologist a good look at your anatomy.

This is an imaging method that employs magnets and radio frequencies to create an extremely precise image of your body. These nerve conduction tests record electrical activity in your body and confirm that nerves are working properly. Chiropractor A chiropractor is not strictly speaking a medical doctor, but he can provide relief for sciatica if the cause is related to muscle weakness or tightness.

Typically, it will take a chiropractor four visits to fix issues related to the sciatic nerve. Conclusion The sort of doctor who will ultimately treat your sciatica is determined, of course, by the source of your issue.

Search Search for:. By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service. Herzog has long ties to the North Country and, in , we were proud to open an office in Plattsburgh, NY to serve our patients in the Adirondacks.

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Please Note: Information on this site or any recommended sites should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information. Saratoga Spine Saratoga Springs. Menu Home About Dr. Herzog Dr. Afsar-Keshmiri Dr. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis During the physical exam, your doctor may check your muscle strength and reflexes.

More Information Cortisone shots Diskectomy. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Hsu PS, et al. Lumbosacral radiculopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed June 16, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Levin K, et al.