Sciatica Treatment in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Experiencing pain in your lower back, glutes, or the back of your leg? It could be sciatica. Carolinas Pain Institute can help you manage symptoms, diagnose the underlying cause, and live pain-free.

Discover why Winston-Salem residents turn to us for sciatica nerve pain.

Or call 704-545-8242 to make an appointment or ask questions

The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and extends through the glutes, to the back of the leg and down to the ankle and foot. When someone refers to sciatica, they are most likely referring to a pain running down this nerve.

According to a 2022 study, somewhere between 10-40% of Americans experience sciatica during their lifetime. 

The outlook for sciatica is generally good. Some cases resolve on their own, but the majority improve with a diagnosis and treatment plan from a pain management specialist. The average recovery time is four to six weeks, though this depends on the underlying cause.

Symptoms of Sciatica

• Burning, numbing, or tingling pain from low back down the back of the leg
• Difficulty bending the knee or the foot
• Trouble walking on toes
• Struggling to bend forward or backward
• Delayed, weak, or irregular reflexes
• Pain when lifting leg straight up when lying on a flat surface

Sciatic isn’t a condition – it’s a symptom of a larger cause. To treat sciatica, the first step is to discover the underlying issue and adjust the treatment plan to fit that condition. When the pain is difficult to manage, a pain management specialist can also minimize pain while the cause is treated.

Possible underlying conditions of sciatica include:

• Bulging or ruptured disc
• Spinal stenosis 
• Bone spurs
• Pinched nerves
• Trauma or accident

Most cases of sciatica can be diagnosed with a physical exam and review of medical history. The physical exam often focuses on assessing a patient’s mobility and pain level as well as checking their reflexes. 

Mobility assessments can include bending the knee, arching the back forward or back, or lifting the leg straight up on the exam table. 

In some cases, a doctor may order additional tests. These include:

• X-ray
• CT scan (computerized tomography scan)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

The best treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause. Typically, a doctor starts with non-surgical interventions, such as taking over-the-counter pain medications or applying cold or heat to the painful area

Other treatment options include: 

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Opioid analgesics
• Physical therapy
• Injections such as epidural injections
• Surgery

At-home measures can also relieve pain and prevent future sciatica pain. Back and core exercises and flexibility stretches often help, especially when following a plan recommended by a doctor or physical therapist. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, most patients can incorporate exercise and stretches after two to three weeks of treatment. Consult a local pain management specialist for a customized plan.  

Additionally, walking or lying down tends to relieve sciatica pain while sitting or standing for long periods makes the pain worse. 

While the outlook on sciatica is positive, a qualified doctor can make treatment more effective and fast. The right pain management specialist is one with an excellent track record who is local.

For many patients in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the team at Carolinas Pain Institute fits the bill. Give us a call to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

The Charlotte office is located at
330 Billingsley Road, Suite 210,
Charlotte, N.C. 28211
(704) 545-8242