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What will a neurologist do for sciatica?
Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, which includes the sciatic nerve. A neurologist may perform several addition diagnostic tests like an EMG (electromyography) or nerve conduction studies (NCS) to localize the problem and determine treatment.
Can sciatica be neurological?
Severe damage to your sciatic nerve roots can cause progressive neurological symptoms and requires immediate treatment. The symptoms may affect one or both legs and typically include the following: Numbness. Weakness.
Does a neurosurgeon treat sciatica?
Conditions a Neurosurgeon Commonly Treats Neurosurgeons also treat spinal problems such as neck pain, back pain, leg pain (including sciatica), or shoulder pain caused by disc problems (such as degenerative disc disease or herniated disc), trauma or spinal/neck arthritis.
How bad can sciatica pain get?
The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one side of your body is affected.
How bad can sciatica get?
Should I consult a neurologist or orthopedist for sciatica?
Consulting a neurologist or orthopedist for sciatica can be a difficult decision to make, particularly if you are truly not sure why you have pain.
What are the symptoms of excruciating sciatica pain?
Excruciating Sciatica Symptoms. Virtually any type of sciatica pain can become excruciating if the degree of symptomology increases to an intolerable threshold. Patients may cite horrific pain in virtually any area of the buttocks, legs or feet, as well as in linear patterns radiating from the lower back to the feet.
Can sciatica be misdiagnosed?
However, the common structural issues which are typically implicated in sourcing sciatica are often misdiagnosed and even when the diagnostic theory is correct, the actual pain is experienced due to nerve interaction, basically placing the patient back into the hands of a neurologist once again.
Is it possible to have chronic back pain with sciatica?
Finally, it is possible to have chronic back pain with sciatica. This includes patients with chronic low back pain who then develop sciatica due to a new disc herniation or those who actually have sciatica for a long period of time. The challenging issue is that surgery appears less effective in those with chronic sciatica.