Loading...

Sciatica and Radiculopathy

Sciatica and Radiculopathy Treatment Los Angeles & Beverly Hills CA

Request Appointment Today with the Top Beverly Hills & Los Angeles Pain Management Center! Call to Schedule: (310) 854-0283

Sciatica and Radiculopathy Treatment Los Angeles & Beverly Hills CA

Sciatica, also known as radiculopathy, is pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back and pelvis and runs down the back of the thigh.

The two sciatic nerves supply the legs, and these nerves are the largest nerves in the entire human body.

Call to Schedule

For More Info Call (310) 854-0283 to schedule an appointment
today

Sciatica and Radiculopathy

Intelligent Pain Solutions treats all types of simple and complicated pain conditions. like back and neck pain.

  • What causes radiculopathy?

    • . Herniated disc - The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc of the spine, which involves protrusion of the inner material (nucleus) out of the harder layer (annulus).
      . Degenerated disc - Internal disruption of the disc, which involves loss of fluid and shifting of vertebrae.
      . Bulging disc - Extension of the disc out of normal alignment between each of the vertebrae.
      . Pressure - From tumor, blood clot, or abscess.
      . Posture - Awkward sitting positions.
      . Nerve disorders - Deterioration or inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

  • How common is radiculopathy?

    • Lumbosacral radiculopathy occurs in around 4% of the general population, and men and women are both affected. However, men are most commonly affected in their 40s, where women are often most affected in their 50s and 60s. Of the people who develop sciatica, around 10-25% have symptoms that persist for more than six weeks.

  • What symptoms are associated with sciatica?

    • The symptoms of radiculopathy and sciatica vary from person to person, and depend on the severity of the nerve compression. The pattern of complains depend on the specific spinal nerve(s) involved, as they supply different areas of skin and muscles. Symptoms include:

      . Low back pain that radiates down one buttock and/or thigh
      . Pain extending down the back of the leg to the foot
      . Pain that is related to activity or maneuvers that increase the pressure
      . Weakness (severe cases)
      . Numbness (severe cases)
      . Foot drop, which is inability to bend the ankle upwards

  • How does the doctor diagnose radiculopathy?

    • When you visit the pain specialist, he/she will take a complete medical history, ask you questions about your condition, and conduct a physical examination. In addition, the doctor uses certain diagnostic tests to identify the spine problem, such as:

      . X-rays - These films are produced using invisible electromagnetic energy beams passing through the body. The images viewed are the internal tissues, organs, and bones.
      . MRI scan - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a diagnostic procedure that uses magnets, radiofrequencies, and computer technology to produce detailed images of the internal body structures.

  • Who is at risk for sciatica?

    • The risk factors for sciatica and radiculopathy are:

      . Heavy, manual labor
      . Driving or operating vibrating equipment
      . Spinal infections, synovial cysts, and giant cell arteritis
      . Smoking cigarettes

  • How is radiculopathy treated?

    • The treatment of sciatic nerve pain depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort. Treatment options include:

      Medications - To reduce swelling and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen or naproxen. In addition, narcotic agents are used short-term for severe pain.

      Physical therapy - This is necessary for the patient to learn exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back, stabilize the spine, and promote a larger space for spinal nerves.

      Epidural steroid injection (ESI) - Found to have an 80-90% success rate in clinical studies, ESI involves injecting a steroid into the epidural space. The epidural lies between the spinal cord and epidural layer of the spinal column.

      Facet joint injections (FJIs) - The facet joints are tiny joints on either side of the posterior vertebrae. The doctor inserts tiny needles into the joints using x-ray guidance and injects an anesthetic agent onto the nerves, with or without a corticosteroid. FJIs have been proven effective for both short- and long-term pain relief.

Why Choose IPS

Conditions

Intelligent Pain Solutions treats all types of simple and complicated pain conditions. Relief is impressive for sciatica, back and neck pain.

Changed Lives

Over 90% of patients at Intelligent Pain Solutions are able to avoid potentially risky surgery, achieve pain relief and become more functional.

Treatments

Treatments at Intelligent Pain Solutions are cutting edge and performed by a first rate pain management doctors in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

Qualified Doctors

If you need a doctor for Pain Therapies including Stem Cell Therapy for the Spine and ALL joints!

"Top Beverly Hills & Los Angeles Pain Management Doctor" - Dr. George Graf, MD