Diagnosing the Problem

When you see a sciatica specialist in Los Angeles, the specialist will listen as you describe your symptoms and then take steps to diagnose the condition. This may involve the use of an x-ray machine. The x-ray can reveal the presence of any bone spurs or unusual growths on your back. Those growths put added pressure on your back and spine. A growth can also cause the spine to press against your nerve, which causes your pain. Another method of diagnosing sciatica is with a CT scan. The specialist will inject a special type of dye into your back that shows up during the scan. It allows the specialist to get a better look at your back. Doctors can also use an EMG to see how your body responds to electrical stimulation. This also shows the doctor what causes your pain.

Medications for Sciatica

Doctors recommend different types of medications for sciatica based on the symptoms that a patient experiences, and whether the patient tried any medications in the past. Anti-inflammatory medications are among the most popular. These medications relieve the pain that you feel but also help with any swelling that you experience. That swelling can further compress the nerve and make your pain even worse. You can also take muscle relaxers, including both prescription and generic relaxers. These medications help with the muscle cramps that worsen your pain. You can take one at the first sign of a muscle spasm or before you experience any pain. Doctors may also prescribe some prescription medications. Taking this type of medication can help in the early days and later on if your sciatica worsens. The doctor may monitor you for any signs of misuse.

Other Treatments

Other treatments for sciatica can include steroid injections. The specialist will inject the steroid directly into the affected area of your body to reduce your pain. This can immediately stop the inflammation that you have and help you feel better before you finish your appointment. The effects of the steroid will last for two to three months, and some find that they experience relief even longer. In a small number of cases, the specialist will recommend surgery. This is usually a last resort that doctors only recommend for patients who have serious complications caused by the sciatic nerve pain such as the inability to control his or her bowels or pain that does not go away with other treatments. Your doctor may encourage you to make lifestyle changes and/or go through physical therapy. Ultimately, seeing a sciatica specialist in Los Angeles can help you learn how to reduce your own pain.