Sciatica in Manhattan, NY

The spinal column includes the spinal cord and the nerves that exit the spinal column to the rest of the body. In the lumbar spine, many nerves exit the spinal column, including the large sciatic nerves. When the lumbar spine is damaged from disease or injury, it can put pressure on the roots of nerves leaving the spinal column. This is called lumbar radiculopathy, or a lower back pinched nerve, which causes pain and mobility issues. Our pain specialists at Ospina Medical offer lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve) treatment at our clinic in NYC.

The most common type of lumbar radiculopathy is sciatica. The sciatic nerves leave the lower spine and travel through the pelvis and legs. When the sciatic nerves are pinched or compressed at the root, there can be several symptoms. Sciatica can cause lower back pain, as well as radiating pain, numbness and weakness through the buttocks and affected leg or foot.

Sciatica or lumbar pinched nerves can be caused by a variety of spinal conditions. Anything that causes inflammation or narrowing of the spinal column nerve space can compress the nerve roots. Herniated discs in the lumbar region are a common cause of radiculopathy. Other issues include osteoarthritis, compression fractures of the vertebrae and bone spurs.

The primary symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that often begins in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg. This pain can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by sensations like tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles feeling. In some cases, individuals with sciatica may also experience muscle weakness in the affected leg, making it difficult to walk or stand. The pain is typically exacerbated by activities like sitting for extended periods, coughing, or sneezing. It's important to note that while sciatica primarily manifests as physical discomfort, it can also have a significant impact on an individual's daily activities and overall quality of life. If you suspect you have sciatica or are experiencing symptoms, it's crucial to reach out to our team in New York, NY for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerves) treatments vary depending on the source of nerve root compression. Steroid or epidural injections may be used to reduce inflammation, and kyphoplasty could be used for compression fractures that are compressing lumbar nerves. Pain management may be obtained through spinal cord stimulation or other advanced treatments available at Ospina Medical. Our pain specialists review each patient’s case to determine the best treatments for their specific concerns.

If you suffer from sciatica or other types of lumbar nerve pain, contact Ospina Medical today at our Midtown Manhattan clinic to schedule your appointment. We provide patient-focused treatments utilizing advanced pain management and interventional orthopedics.

What are common symptoms of sciatica?
Individuals with sciatica will most often feel some form of nerve pain. This pain can result in a shooting sensation, commonly starting in your lower back region and working down your leg. You will likely notice this only on one side, rather than pain down both legs simultaneously.

Can sciatica resolve itself?
Your sciatica flare-ups will likely go away within 1 — 2 months. However, the potential for future pain is still there, in untreated cases. You may notice chronic pain eventually if left untreated.

What causes my sciatica to flare up?
Sciatica flare-ups can be caused by a number of events or underlying causes. Your flare-ups may likely be the result of an underlying pinched nerve. In addition, if you have ever experienced an acute injury to your back, sciatica could be telling you about longer-term effects from this injury.