Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic Nerve Pain services offered in Wasilla, AK

As many as two in five American adults struggle with sciatica at some point, and the pain it causes can impact mobility and quality of life. To alleviate discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening, talk to the experienced providers at Pioneer Peak Orthopedics in Wasilla, Alaska. Call the office or visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic today to prevent, diagnose, or treat sciatica.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition characterized by sharp pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. It occurs when your sciatic nerve is compressed, often by a herniated disc or bone spur. While resting and changing your activities can improve sciatica, the team at Pioneer Peak Orthopedics aims to address its root causes to give you better relief over the long term.

What causes sciatica?

Some degeneration is a natural part of aging, and as arthritis creeps in or the space inside your spinal column narrows (spinal stenosis), it’s easy for nerves to feel the pinch. Naturally, a disc herniation creates a similar pressure more rapidly than regular wear-and-tear.

The good news is that most sciatica will improve with a tailored treatment and pain management plan.

Am I at risk of developing sciatica?

You’re more likely to develop sciatica if you:

Have a sedentary job or lifestyle
Are pregnant
Lift with poor form
Are obese or overweight, particularly if you carry more weight in your stomach
Have poor posture
Smoke
Have diabetes

It most commonly crops up in adults aged between 30 and 50, and risk increases with age.

What are the common symptoms of sciatica?

Your sciatica symptoms may include:

Muscle weakness
Tingling and numbness
Lower back pain
Sharp, stabbing pain in the legs and buttocks
Trouble walking

If the condition progresses, the pain may become more severe. It can also make it harder to control the bladder and bowels, resulting in incontinence. Pioneer Peak Orthopedics develops a personalized treatment plan to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore healing and mobility.

What can I expect from sciatica treatment?

The team performs a thorough physical examination and reviews your medical history. You may need tests like an X-ray to pinpoint the underlying problem. Your care plan may include:

Medications
Physical therapy
Corticosteroid injections

In severe cases where treatment-resistant sciatica causes incontinence and extensive muscle weakness, the team may use surgery to remove bone spurs and ease pressure on the nerve.

If you’re experiencing pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling indicative of sciatica, schedule an appointment with the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team. You can call the office or visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic today.