Sciatica Specialist

What is sciatica or pinched nerve?

Pressure on the nerves in the low back causes pain that is referred to as sciatica. These nerves run from the lower back down each leg and controls function in your lower extremities.

Sciatica or pinched nerve may lead to the following symptoms:

• Pain that runs down into the buttock and leg, on one side or both sides
• Sharp pain when you cough or sneeze
• Numbness or tingling down the leg along the nerve pathway
• The feeling of your leg giving out underneath you
• Weakness in the legs
• Abnormal posture

What causes sciatica or pinched nerve?

A number of conditions can lead to a pinched nerve/sciatica:

• Herniated disc
• Bone spur from arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Using your back to lift heavy objects
• Forceful contact during sports
• Twisting movements
• Traumatic injury from a fall or accident

Your age, weight, and habits also contribute to your risk of developing sciatica or pinched nerve. The extra pressure and wear-and-tear on your spine make you susceptible to the condition.

How can I prevent sciatica or pinched nerve?

If you’ve had sciatica before or have a family history of the condition, you can take preventive measures to lessen your chances of being afflicted:

• Strengthen your core and stay physically active
• Practice good posture and ergonomic placement
• Use proper body mechanics to lift and perform movements

You can ask Dr. Remi Ajiboye for exercises, posture, and ergonomic pointers to help keep your back healthy.

What is the typical treatment for sciatica or pinched nerve?

Dr. Ajiboye designs a personalized treatment plan after speaking with you and conducting a thorough examination. He promotes using the most conservative treatments that prove effective for you.

He may recommend trying the following before suggesting surgery:

• Medications such as anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxant
• Hot/cold therapy
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Injection or nerve block therapy
  
  

Depending on the exact cause of your sciatica or pinched nerve and if your pain doesn’t go away with these less invasive treatments or your injury is severe, Dr. Ajiboye may suggest minimally invasive spine surgery.

Dr Remi Ajiboye is a minimally invasive spine specialist serving Torrance, Long Beach, El Segundo, California and the surrounding communities of South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Lomita, San Pedro, Carson, Lawndale, Gardena, Hawthorne, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Los Alamitos, Westminster, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, Paramount, Bellflower, Norwalk, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Fullerton, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and greater Los Angeles county and Orange County. Contact Remi Ajiboye, MD, online or over the phone to set up an appointment.