Key Takeaways
- Sciatica pain radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down one leg, often caused by nerve compression.
- Symptoms like numbness, tingling, and burning in the legs or feet differentiate sciatica from general back pain.
- Certain movements, bending, sitting too long, or coughing, can aggravate sciatic nerve pain.
- Delaying care can lead to worsening nerve damage or chronic discomfort.
- Interventional Pain & Spine Center, led by Dr. Mohammad Ali, a triple-board-certified neurologist and pain specialist, provides advanced diagnostics and customized sciatica treatments in Wexford, PA Schedule an appointment today for expert care and lasting relief.
Understanding Sciatica: More Than Just Back Pain
Not all back pain is created equal. When pain radiates from your lower spine into your hip, buttock, or leg, it’s often a sign of sciatica, a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from the lower back down each leg, and when compressed, it can produce pain, tingling, or even weakness.
Sciatica can result from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a bone spur, among other spinal issues. Understanding how it differs from general back pain helps you recognize when it’s time to seek professional help.
1. Sharp, Radiating Pain From the Lower Back to the Leg
A hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the buttocks and leg, sometimes reaching the foot. Patients describe it as shooting, burning, or electric-like pain rather than a dull ache. This occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated or pinched, most often due to herniated discs or lumbar spinal stenosis.
At Interventional Pain & Spine Center, this type of pain is evaluated using advanced diagnostic tools like EMG and EEG testing, ensuring the underlying cause is identified accurately.
2. Numbness or Tingling in the Legs or Feet
If you experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your legs or feet, your sciatic nerve may be compromised. Unlike muscle soreness, this discomfort stems from nerve interference that can disrupt normal sensation and mobility.
Dr. Mohammad Ali’s neurological background allows him to pinpoint these nerve disruptions and deliver comprehensive treatment that restores both comfort and nerve function.
3. Pain That Worsens With Sitting or Movement
Sciatica pain often intensifies after prolonged sitting, bending, or twisting. These positions increase spinal pressure and exacerbate nerve irritation. Everyday actions like coughing or climbing stairs can trigger sharp pain that radiates down one leg.
To relieve this, the team at Interventional Pain & Spine Center emphasizes postural correction, ergonomic adjustments, and customized movement plans to reduce nerve compression and promote healing.
4. Muscle Weakness or Loss of Reflexes in One Leg
When sciatica becomes severe, it can interfere with muscle control, leading to weakness or instability in one leg. You might find it difficult to stand on your toes, lift your foot, or walk normally.
Nerve blocks and steroid injections, performed under precision guidance, can calm inflammation and restore proper nerve communication, often with immediate relief.
5. Persistent Pain That Doesn’t Improve With Rest
Typical muscle strain tends to resolve with rest, but sciatica pain often persists or worsens. Chronic irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause ongoing discomfort, numbness, or weakness if left untreated.
At Interventional Pain & Spine Center, patients benefit from a variety of non-surgical treatment options, such as radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, and targeted injections, designed to relieve pain at the source while promoting long-term spinal health.
How Interventional Pain & Spine Center Treats Sciatica
Led by Dr. Mohammad Ali and Physician Assistant Niki Schlegel, the Interventional Pain & Spine Center team combines neurology and pain management expertise to create comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans.
| Treatment | Goal |
|---|---|
| Epidural Steroid Injections | Reduce inflammation and alleviate nerve pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis. |
| Nerve Blocks | Interrupt pain signals to provide rapid, targeted relief. |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) | Use controlled heat to disable overactive pain-transmitting nerves. |
| Medication Management | Support long-term recovery while minimizing medication dependence. |
| Lifestyle & Posture Coaching | Address spinal alignment and strengthen core muscles for prevention. |
This integrative approach addresses the root cause of sciatic pain, ensuring both immediate relief and sustainable results.
When to See a Specialist for Sciatica
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to consult a pain specialist:
- Radiating pain extending below the knee
- Persistent numbness or tingling in one leg
- Weakness or difficulty lifting your foot
- Pain lasting longer than two weeks despite rest
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek emergency care)
Early diagnosis prevents chronic nerve damage and leads to better recovery outcomes.
Find Proven Relief for Sciatica Pain in Wexford, PA
When back pain begins to affect your mobility, comfort, or confidence, Interventional Pain & Spine Center is here to help. Under the expertise of Dr. Mohammad Ali, a triple-board-certified specialist in neurology and pain management, patients receive personalized, evidence-based care designed to restore nerve function and eliminate pain at its source.
To explore treatment options such as nerve blocks, steroid injections, or radiofrequency ablation, visit Interventional Pain & Spine Center or call (724) 965-8946 to schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, bone spur, or muscle imbalance.
How do I know if my pain is sciatica or general back pain?
If your pain radiates down one leg and is accompanied by numbness or tingling, it’s likely sciatica rather than a simple muscle strain.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Mild sciatica may improve with rest and gentle stretching, but persistent symptoms require professional evaluation.
What treatment provides the fastest relief for sciatica pain?
Epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks can offer rapid pain reduction by targeting inflammation directly at the nerve source.
Is surgery necessary for sciatica?
Surgery is rarely needed. Most patients achieve significant relief through non-surgical methods available at Interventional Pain & Spine Center.
