Sciatica

Sciatica services offered in Anchorage, AK


When sciatica causes severe or ongoing numbness, burning pain, or tingling, help is available at Alaska Pain to Wellness Centre in Anchorage, Alaska. Pain management specialists Greg Wilkinson, PA-C, M.Ed, Steve Johnson, MD, and their experienced team offer highly effective treatments for sciatica to help you achieve long-lasting relief. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today. 

Sciatica Q&A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition caused by pressure placed on your sciatic nerve pathway. This nerve branches from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica discomfort often causes pain on just one side of your body. It might be mild and go away on its own or need medical intervention. See the experts at Alaska Pain to Wellness Center for relief. 

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The following symptoms could indicate sciatica:

  • Sharp or excruciating discomfort
  • Burning pain
  • Radiating lower back pain
  • Buttock or leg pain
  • Pain when coughing or sneezing
  • Mild ache
  • Electric jolt-like sensations
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling 
  • Numbness

In some cases, you may also have reduced bowel or bladder function because of sciatica complications. 

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

Anyone can develop sciatica, but common risk factors include:

  • Bone spurs
  • Tumors
  • Pinched nerves
  • Herniated discs
  • Older age
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes 
  • Heavy lifting
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Physically demanding jobs

Your risk of sciatica increases if you twist or turn your body in an abnormal way or lift something heavy using improper form. Poor posture might also boost your chance of sciatica and neck or back discomfort. 

To reduce sciatica risk factors, get regular exercise, eat nutritious foods, use good posture, and maintain ideal body weight.

How does my provider diagnose sciatica?

The Alaska Pain to Wellness Center team uses various methods to diagnose sciatica and develop an effective treatment plan. They review your lifestyle habits, symptoms, and medical history. They also check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and often order diagnostic tests. Examples include blood tests, nerve testing, MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.

How is sciatica treated?

Your personalized sciatica treatment plan might include:

Home remedies

Home remedies for sciatica include ice or heat packs, rest, stretching, and physical therapy exercises. 

Steroid injections

Injecting steroids near the affected nerve can reduce inflammation and pain associated with sciatica. 

Spinal cord stimulators

Alaska Pain to Wellness Centre uses an implantable spinal cord stimulator to send electrical signals to your spinal cord for pain relief. 

Electrical nerve stimulation

Electrical nerve stimulation uses electrical energy and electrodes placed on your skin to reduce nerve pain without needles or surgery.

Surgery

The Alaska Pain to Wellness Center team offers surgery to reduce pressure on a compressed nerve. Your pain specialist can remove a bone spur or a herniated disc linked with sciatica discomfort.

To get relief from sciatica pain, call the  Alaska Pain to Wellness Center office or schedule an appointment online today.