All OACM and PT OFFICES will be CLOSING EARLY Friday, December, 9th for our Holiday Party.
Both of our OACM After Hours locations will be CLOSED Friday December, 9th for the event.
Thank you!

Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland
(410) 644-1880(855) 4MD-BONE
MENUMENU
  • Menu
        • Physicians
        • Physician Assistants
        • Physical Therapists
        • + OACM After Hours
        • Careers
          • Pay Your Bill
          • Patient Portal
          • Schedule an Appointment
        • Specialties
        • Conditions & Treatments
        • Services
        • For Our Patients
        • OACM News
        • Patient Education
        • Testimonials
        • Locations
        • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Physicians
  • CRNPs/PAs
  • Physical Therapists
  • Specialties
  • Conditions & Treatments
  • Services
  • + OACM After Hours
  • For Our Patients
  • OACM News
  • Patient Education
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Patient Portal

Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Sciatica Treatment and Prevention

July 9, 2021

sciatica pain graphic

Sciatica pain is often described as radiating pain that goes from the lower back down into the leg. It usually affects only one side of the body and is commonly caused by either a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.

The herniated disc can press against the lumbar nerve root, causing sciatica pain symptoms. Herniated discs can contribute to spinal stenosis, as the disc can protrude into the spinal canal, causing the space to narrow. If the spinal canal narrows, it can pinch the spinal nerve and roots, causing pain and other symptoms.

In many cases, sciatica can develop due to lifestyle habits. Lack of exercise, living a sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight can cause this condition to develop or worsen.

Can Sciatica Be Prevented?

Sciatica is not always preventable, but there is a lot you can do to reduce your risk. Doctors advise patients to protect their back and spine from injuries to reduce their risk of disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Exercising regularly helps keep back, leg, and core muscles strong, which reduces strain on the spine. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent the abdomen from pushing forward, which often affects posture and spine alignment, and puts pressure on the lower back.

In addition to exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, proper posture is also important. Proper posture when you stand and sit (choosing an ergonomic chair that supports the lower back and keeps the hips and knees level) helps maintain the normal curve of the spine. Using proper lifting techniques, by bending at the knees and avoiding twisting the back can help prevent back injuries that often lead to disc herniation and spinal stenosis.

How is Sciatica Treated?

Most often, patients are treated using physical therapy. A good physical therapy program can help address biomechanical issues, help the patient learn how to move correctly, as well as strengthen weak muscles, to reduce pressure on the lower back and improve its flexibility.

Treatment for sciatica also focuses on controlling symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain, such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and anti-seizure medications. Steroid injections directed into the area around the irritated or inflamed nerve root can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The effects of steroid injections can last a few months. However, medications and injections are usually only recommended for chronic and severe cases.

Sciatica patients with severe symptoms that include considerable loss of function may have their condition successfully addressed with surgery. Below are the surgical procedures performed to treat sciatica:

  • Lumbar Discectomy – This surgical procedure involves the removal of the portion of the herniated disc or bone that is causing irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Usually an open surgery, a lumbar discectomy can now be performed using a minimally invasive approach or a microdiscectomy. Up to 86 percent of patients who undergo a microdiscectomy for sciatica experience pain relief.
  • Lumbar Decompression Surgery – For sciatica caused by spinal stenosis, the doctor may recommend decompression surgery. It involves the removal of the bone or tissue to create more room in the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the nerve roots. This procedure can also be performed using a minimally invasive technique, with the use of an endoscope — a tube with a tiny camera. Up to 90 percent of patients who undergo lumbar decompression surgery by interlaminar route experience relief from sciatica pain after surgery.

Sciatica Treatment in Central Maryland

The experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland have a wealth of experience treating conditions like sciatica. We have two board-certified orthopaedic surgeons fellowship-trained in spine surgery: Dr. Oren G. Blam and Dr. Uchechi A. Iweala. We will perform a thorough examination to diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment options available.

To make an appointment, call (410) 644-1880 or use our online request form. We look forward to being your partner in spine health.

Filed Under: Sciatica Tagged With: Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, orthopedic care Maryland, orthopedic care near me, orthopedic surgeons Maryland, orthopedic surgeons near me, Sciatica Pain, sciatica pain treatment Maryland, sciatica pain treatment near me

Primary Sidebar

Blog Main Page

Recent Posts

  • The 3 Most Common Orthopedic Injuries
  • 5 Tips for a Successful Sports Injury Recovery
  • A Guide to Ice Therapy
  • What is a Hip Replacement?
  • How to Prepare Yourself for Knee Replacement Surgery

Categories

February 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728  
« Jan    

Archives

Tags

arthritis Back Pain best orthopedic doctor near me chronic pain Foot and ankle specialist near me Foot and Ankle Surgery Foot Care foot pain hip hip pain hip replacement Injuries joint pain Joint Replacement Joint Replacement Surgery knee pain Knee Replacement low back pain treatment near me Neck Pain Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Orthopaedic Surgeon orthopedic care near me orthopedic clinic near me orthopedic doctor Baltimore MD Orthopedic Doctor near me orthopedic doctors orthopedics orthopedic surgeon orthopedic surgeon near me orthopedic surgeons Baltimore Orthopedist pain Physical Medicine physical therapy Physical therapy near me Plantar Fasciitis treatment near me Podiatrist Sciatica Pain shoulder shoulder joint shoulder pain spine Sports injuries sports injury Baltimore sports medicine doctor near me

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Blog
  • instagram
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Non Discrimination Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Billing Disclosures
Copyright ©
Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland.
All rights reserved.
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland in Baltimore, Catonsville, Columbia and Eldersburg serves the nearby communities of Annapolis, Washington DC and Montgomery County. Our orthopedic surgeons, podiatrist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, and physical therapists specialize in arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, joint replacement, sports medicine, and onsite diagnostic imagery, outpatient surgery, and physical therapy rehabilitation providing pain relief from sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, foot pain, knee pain, hip replacement, shoulder impingement, cubital tunnel syndrome and more.

  Request an Appointment

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Home
  • Physicians
  • CRNP/PAs
  • Physical Therapists
  • Specialties
  • Conditions & Treatments
  • Services
  • + OACM After Hours
  • For Our Patients
  • OACM News
  • Patient Education
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Careers