Find Lasting Relief from Sciatica: Your Specialist Pain Doctor in Louisville, KY
Ajith Nair, M.D.
Interventional Pain Management located in Louisville, KY & Elizabethtown, KY
Living with the shooting pain, numbness, or weakness of sciatica can be debilitating. Finding the right doctor is the most critical step toward reclaiming your life. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, our board-certified physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating the root cause of sciatica, using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to provide lasting relief. This page will guide you through understanding your condition and the effective treatment options we provide here in Louisville.
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At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists we offer extensive cervical facet joint treatment. We have been in business since 1992 and has offered quality treatments for your neck pain.
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Sciatica Pain Doctor
Understanding Sciatic Nerve, Sciatica and Various Forms of Analgesia
Sciatica is a form of nerve pain that runs along the course of the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is typically unilateral.
What is the Sciatic Nerve?
The sciatic nerve consists of the longest and thickest nerve fibers in the body. The sciatic nerve derives its fibers from the lumbar as well as the sacral spine. These five nerve roots (L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3) come together to form a right and left sciatic nerve that runs bilaterally down your gluteal region and ends just below the knee, forming the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve that supply your calf and foot.
Are You Experiencing These Common Sciatica Symptoms?
Before seeking treatment, it’s important to confirm your symptoms align with sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain typically radiates from the lower back down one leg and can manifest as:
- Sharp, shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand or sit.
- Numbness or a “pins-and-needles” sensation in your leg or foot.
- Weakness or difficulty moving the affected leg.
- Constant pain on one side of your lower body.
- Pain that worsens with movement.
When Should You See a Doctor for Sciatica Pain?
While mild sciatica can sometimes resolve on its own, you should schedule an appointment with a pain specialist if:
- Your pain is severe and not improving after a week.
- The pain is getting progressively worse.
- You experience significant weakness or numbness in your leg.
- The pain started after a traumatic injury.
- You have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder (this is a medical emergency).
Our Advanced Sciatica Treatment Options
We focus on non-surgical, interventional pain management to treat sciatica at its source. After a thorough diagnosis, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following advanced treatments:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Delivers powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the inflamed nerve root, providing rapid pain relief.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to interrupt pain signals from the affected nerves.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: An implantable device that sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to mask pain signals before they reach the brain.
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: A personalized plan to strengthen your back, improve flexibility, and prevent future flare-ups.
Why Choose a Pain Management Specialist for Sciatica?
General practitioners are a great starting point, but a pain management specialist has advanced training in the complex mechanisms of nerve pain. We use specialized diagnostic tools (like fluoroscopy) to precisely locate the source of the inflammation and deliver targeted, more effective treatments than general oral medications can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
What is the main cause of sciatica?
Sciatica is most often caused by a herniated or slipped disc in the lumbar spine that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Other causes include spinal stenosis and bone spurs.
Can sciatica be cured permanently?
By treating the underlying cause (like a herniated disc), we can often provide long-term or permanent relief from sciatic nerve pain.
What should I avoid if I have sciatica?
It’s best to avoid heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, and high-impact exercises until you’ve been evaluated by a doctor.
Looking for a Sciatica Pain Specialist Near you?
Don’t let sciatica control your life. Our team is ready to help you find a solution. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation with a sciatica pain doctor.
We adopt an individualized approach to pain relief and tailor a treatment plan that works for you. Call or request an appointment today.