By Omar Henriquez, M.D.
Anyone who has suffered from sciatica, a symptom referring to the pain that starts in the low back and radiates into one or both hips, buttocks and legs, knows how miserable it can be. Sciatica can manifest itself as anything from a stabbing, shooting pain to a burning ache that makes it difficult to get comfortable to a tingly sensation or weakness in the legs, or a combination of all of these sensations. Sciatica isn’t a disease, but rather the symptom of a mechanical dysfunction affecting the nerves in the lower part of the spine.
When there is disorder or inflammation in the low back, the spinal nerves that pass into the legs can become irritated or pinched. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or “slipped” disc, where two adjacent vertebrae undergo enough pressure that the cushioning gel between them is forced outward. This “gel” can press against the nerves running from the low back into the legs.
Other common causes of sciatica are injury or inflammation of the piriformis muscle that sits within the buttocks, and can radiate pain into the hips and legs; spondylolisthesis, a condition wherein two vertebrae are pushed out of line and impinge a nerve; and spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can cause friction against nerve roots. “A physical exam and appropriate diagnostic tests can help us determine the specific cause of sciatica pain so that an effective course of treatment can be developed,” says double board certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Management, Omar Henriquez, M.D. from Family Spine and Pain Care Institute. “Luckily we have tremendous success with non-invasive treatments for sciatica, making surgery unnecessary for most sufferers.”
Treatment for sciatica includes a change in resting platforms and/or postures, Epidural Injections, and medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. “We outline a series of stretching and strengthening exercises and corrections of bad habits that can reduce pressure on low back nerves and eliminate sciatica pain now and help prevent its recurrence,” says Dr. Henriquez. “With a little commitment, these methods can have a remarkably positive impact.”
In most cases, patients can benefit from spinal injections of an anti-inflammatory steroid directly into affected areas of the spine. Once the inflammation is under control, pressure on spinal nerves is relieved and pain subsides.
Whatever the cause, sciatica pain can drastically impact one’s quality of life. If you suffer from chronic or recurring sciatica pain, schedule your appointment today. It could mean saying goodbye to sciatica and hello to more comfortable and active living.
At Family Spine and Pain Care Institute, we want our patients to feel right at home.
From our warm and friendly staff to our most advanced up-to-date medical treatments, we strive to give our patients the highest quality of comprehensive care available. We understand that pain is debilitating, and that it can lead to a vicious cycle of depression, inactivity, fear, and anxiety, which can severely affect the lives of our patients and their loved ones.
No one deserves to live a life of pain. Our goal is to help our patients break the cycle of pain, so you can take back control of your life, and start doing what you love most. Trust, compassion, communication, and care formulate the core foundations of our beliefs. Our team wants each one of our patients to feel like they are part of our family.
Omar Henriquez, M.D.
Dr. Henriquez is double board certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
He is well versed in the use of fluoroscopy and ultrasound guidance to perform many spine and joint procedures such as epidurals, facet blocks, spinal cord stimulators, kyphoplasty for vertebral fractures, nerve blocks, migraine headaches, joint injections, and much more. He is very passionate about the new innovative field of regenerative medicine and has dedicated much of his time to learning and researching the best options out there for his patients.
“The one thing missing in the medical field today is being able to take the time to listen and understand our patients. It is through this process where we can formulate a comprehensive plan to produce the best possible outcomes.”
– Dr. Omar H. Henriquez
Dr. Henriquez is a true Florida native having lived most of his life in Florida. When he is at home he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, exploring their city, and playing outdoors. They are very excited to have chosen Sarasota County as their home and continue their journey as a family and helping out in the community through charities and fundraisers.
Family Spine and Pain Care Institute
941-237-0050
www.FSAPCARE.com