Sciatica Services Offered in San Antonio, TX

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we understand that sciatica can significantly affect your quality of life, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care to address your pain effectively.

Sciatica treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and addressing the underlying cause of nerve compression. Initially, conservative approaches such as physical therapy, stretching exercises, and over-the-counter pain medications are commonly recommended. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improves flexibility, which can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. In addition, applying heat or cold packs and modifying activities that worsen symptoms may provide relief during flare-ups.

If conservative treatments are insufficient, medical specialists may consider more advanced options. These include prescription medications for pain and inflammation, epidural steroid injections, and nerve blocks, which involve injecting medication near the affected nerve to reduce inflammation and interrupt pain signals. Minimally invasive procedures to correct structural issues like herniated discs may also be recommended. Surgery is rarely needed but may be necessary if severe nerve compression causes significant weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or persistent pain. Each treatment plan is personalized based on the patient’s symptoms, overall health, and the specific cause of sciatica.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our expert team of pain management specialists begins diagnosing sciatica by thoroughly reviewing your medical history and performing a comprehensive physical examination. During your initial consultation, our physicians will carefully listen to your symptoms, asking detailed questions regarding their onset, location, intensity, and factors that either aggravate or alleviate your pain. Our goal is to understand your unique experience to provide personalized, effective care tailored to your needs.

Throughout the physical exam, our specialists will evaluate your muscle strength, reflexes, and flexibility. They may also perform specialized assessments, such as the straight-leg raise test, to determine if certain movements reproduce your sciatic nerve pain and confirm the diagnosis.

In many instances, a detailed clinical evaluation by our experienced providers is sufficient to accurately diagnose sciatica. However, if your symptoms persist, worsen, or if further clarification of the underlying cause is necessary, our team may recommend advanced diagnostic imaging.

Ultimately, our comprehensive diagnostic approach—combining your medical history, physical exam findings, and advanced diagnostic testing when necessary—allows our specialists to accurately identify the root cause of your sciatica. With this precise understanding, we are able to develop a targeted, personalized treatment plan designed to effectively relieve your pain and help you regain your quality of life.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our team specializes in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating sciatica through a comprehensive, personalized approach. Our diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical evaluation, including an in-depth review of your medical history and a detailed physical examination. During this evaluation, our pain specialists carefully assess your symptoms, posture, walking patterns, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory perception to identify potential nerve involvement.

When sciatica symptoms persist, worsen, or do not respond adequately to conservative treatments, our specialists may recommend advanced diagnostic imaging tests. While standard X-rays do not directly visualize nerves, they can detect structural abnormalities such as spinal fractures, bone spurs, or spinal degeneration that may contribute to nerve irritation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is typically the preferred imaging modality utilized by our specialists, due to its exceptional capability to produce detailed images of the spine’s soft tissues, including nerves, discs, and muscles. MRI scans can reveal common underlying causes of sciatica, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, inflammation, or tumors, allowing our physicians to precisely pinpoint the source of your pain.

In certain clinical scenarios, computed tomography (CT) scans—occasionally combined with myelography (CT myelogram)—may be recommended. This imaging approach is particularly helpful when MRI is contraindicated or not sufficient for accurate diagnosis.

Additionally, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are performed to objectively assess nerve function. These tests measure electrical impulses traveling through nerves and muscles, helping us accurately determine the location and extent of nerve compression or injury contributing to your sciatica.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we carefully select diagnostic tests based on your unique clinical presentation, symptom severity, and medical background. Our goal is to identify the precise underlying cause of your sciatica, enabling us to design an individualized treatment plan that provides lasting relief and improves your quality of life.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we understand how sciatica can significantly impact quality of life. Sciatica refers to the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, typically affecting just one side of the body. Our specialists emphasize patient education regarding the various risk factors that can contribute to the development of this painful condition.

Aging is a major factor in sciatica, as degenerative spinal changes, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis, become more common with age and can lead to nerve compression. Additionally, occupations prevalent in the San Antonio area involving prolonged sitting, repetitive heavy lifting, or frequent twisting motions can put stress on the spine, increasing the potential for sciatic nerve irritation.

Moreover, excess body weight places added strain on the spine, contributing to spinal changes or disc herniation that may compress the sciatic nerve. Diabetes, prevalent in our local population, also increases sciatica risk, as elevated blood sugar can result in nerve damage and heightened sensitivity to nerve irritation.

Lifestyle choices and activity levels further influence sciatica risk. An inactive lifestyle or prolonged periods of sitting can weaken muscles in the abdomen and lower back, potentially leading to spinal instability and nerve compression. Conversely, strenuous physical activities performed without proper form or warm-up may also cause injury or pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Additionally, individuals with underlying conditions such as arthritis, prior back injuries, or congenital spinal abnormalities face an increased likelihood of developing sciatica symptoms over time.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our multidisciplinary approach includes comprehensive evaluations, advanced diagnostic methods, and personalized treatment plans designed to effectively manage and prevent sciatica. By recognizing and addressing these risk factors early, our patients can experience relief and improved overall spinal health. For more details, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.