Sciatica pain can be aggravated, always there and, at some points, excruciating and impact your movement. It typically occurs when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, is compressed, irritated or inflamed. The reason why sciatica usually manifests radiating pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the lower body is that the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips, and through the buttocks and down the legs.
Since sciatica is a symptom of many different ailments and not an actual disease, sciatica is better, and many people have asked this question, “What type of doctor shall I go to for sciatica?” Treatment therefore tends to be symptom based (which is something that won’t be discussed here), coupled with the cause of the problem and how long the pain has been present.
Primary Care Physicians: Where It All Begins
Most people with sciatica receive initial treatment from a family physician. These physicians evaluate symptoms, history, and perform physical exams to determine whether the pain is most likely to be from nerve compression or some other situation.
Initial treatments such as pain medications, anti-inflammatories, rest, or lifestyle modifications can be suggested by primary care practitioners. And if you must refer someone to another professional.
Orthopedic Doctors
To be more specific, orthopedic doctors specialize in dealing with bones, joints, and problems related to the musculoskeletal system. Sciatica usually happens when a person has a herniated disc or spinal misalignment or degenerating disc disease; something wrong with the bones, and so having orthopedic doctors is imperative to diagnose and help treat this problem correctly.
They can order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans, to show structural problems with the spine. Orthopedic doctors usually provide treatment, such as medication, a physical therapy referral, and if it is serious enough, an operation.
Neurologists
Nerve Pain Neurologist A neurologist specializes in conditions affecting the nervous system. If pain from sciatica has caused significant numbness or weakness, or concerns over possible nerve damage, a neurologist may be recommended.
Other special tests, such as nerve conduction studies, may also be done to help assess how the nerve is functioning. They may refer to medications to help with relief from nerve pain, in addition to other treatments, and advice on how to properly rest this over irritated nerve.
Pain Management Specialists
Chronic Pain Physicians: Easing pain improves the quality of life. The patients they see had usually failed initial treatments for their sciatica-related symptoms.
These specialists may be able to provide epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, or even advanced minimally invasive techniques to help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Physical Therapists
Importance of Physical Therapist in the long-term treatment of sciatica They formulate personalized exercise regimens that build muscle, improve posture, increase flexibility, and relieve tension on the sciatic nerve.
Therapeutically, it is stretching, core strengthening and corrective movement style that prevents these flares from occurring again.
Specialized Physical Therapy Support
There is some kind of professional rehabilitation that can hold the key to a new life if you live with chronic or reoccurring pain due to sciatica. Our physical therapy specialists at Magnet Health develop personalized treatment plans that target nerve decompression, restoring movement and preventing further recurrences. This is a stepwise approach to the musculoskeletal system integrated unit of movement using specific rehabilitation techniques, manual therapy and advanced rehabilitation skills in safely getting a patient back to routine activity.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors These practitioners target the spinal alignment and may help relieve sciatica due to out-of-position vertebrae or joint restrictions. They adjust the spine to relieve nerve compression and maximize spinal functioning.
Chiropractic works for some but often only after careful diagnosis that it is safe for the condition, as in cases of spinal cord compression is indicated due to risk of spinal cord injury or stroke
When Would You Visit a Spine Surgeon
However, as a rule, if sciatica symptoms are significant, persistent, or there is considerable nerve damage, a spinal surgeon gets involved. Only when conservative treatment has failed is surgery considered.
These procedures are designed to return things to normal by removing herniated disc material or taking pressure off the sciatic nerve.
Choosing the Right Doctor
Which type of doctor you need to go depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. It tends to be primary care first or PT first in the mild or moderate cases. There are a number of cases that are either more severe or won’t respond to basic treatment, and these will have to be treated by neurologists, orthopedists, or pain management specialists.
In fact, the faster you address your sciatica, the higher because trampling may make you end up with chronic pain or perhaps even limitations in mobility later.
Conclusion
Since sciatica pain is sometimes the result of many different problems, your diagnosis and treatment may involve several types of doctors. In treating and managing symptoms and treating any underlying issues with some of the providers you may see are your primary care physician, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, and your physical therapist.
Getting urgent medical assistance, in conjunction with suitable treatment, can have a significant part in ensuring permanent rehabilitation, as well as preventing life-threatening difficulties.
FAQs
Who is the first doctor I should go see when I feel the pain of a sciatica?
Most people should see a primary care physician first who can evaluate symptoms and refer as appropriate if necessary.
How Do I Get Rid of Sciatica Without Surgery?
Most cases do indeed respond to conservative measures such as physical therapy, medications and changes in lifestyle.
How Long Will It Take To Recover from Sciatica?
The recovery can vary between two weeks to three months depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. Not only does it depend on the intensity of this disease and the way of treatment.