Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is a common condition that affects the sciatic nerve, one of the longest and largest nerves in the human body. This nerve extends from the spinal cord through the buttocks and down to the bottom of the feet.
Sciatica pain is characterized by extending along this nerve, starting from the lower back through the buttocks and down to the feet, causing pain, tingling and numbness.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Sciatica symptoms vary from person to person, and include:
– Pain that extends from the lower back to the foot, often affecting one side of the body.
– Tingling or numbness that follows the path of the sciatic nerve.
– Weakness in the leg and foot muscles.
– Muscle tension, especially in the leg and buttock muscles.
– Increased pain when coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods.
Causes
Sciatica pain is often the result of compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes include:
– Herniated disc in the lumbar vertebrae, where the slipped disc presses on the nerve.
– Diabetes, which can lead to nerve damage.
– Narrowing of the spinal canal or tumors near the sciatic nerve.
– Inflammation or injury to the spine.
– Pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, where the weight of the fetus can put pressure on the nerve.
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Dr. Ahmed Al-Shal’s clinic, we follow accurate diagnostic methods that include physical examination and the use of medical imaging. Based on the accurate diagnosis, we offer various treatment options
Radiofrequency to treat sciatica:
Radiofrequency is considered one of the advanced techniques in treating sciatica pain. This technique uses radio waves to generate thermal energy that disables the nerve roots responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and includes the following steps:
– Accurately identifying the affected nerve using diagnostic imaging.
– Inserting fine needles to reach the roots of the sciatic nerve.
– Connecting these needles to a radiofrequency device to send electrical pulses.
At Dr. Ahmed Al-Shal’s clinic, we are committed to providing superior care and advanced treatment solutions for sciatica patients. We seek to relieve pain and improve the health of each patient through innovative and safe treatment techniques. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us.