Diagnosing Sciatica with Tests and Imaging
To accurately determine whether you have sciatica (or another condition) and the severity of sciatica, a variety of diagnostic and imaging tests need to be conducted.
In most cases, the first tests conducted are an x-ray or computed tomography scan (CT scan or CAT scan). These help the doctor locate potential bone overgrowths (known as a bone spur) that is pressing against a nerve. Sometimes the CT scan includes a contrast dye injection called a CT myelogram to help increase imaging during the x-ray.
If your doctor determines that it’s not sciatica or that other medical conditions are responsible for your symptoms (such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis), an MRI may be recommended. MRIs provide more detailed images of the bone and softer tissues (including herniated discs).
To test the nerves and responsiveness of the muscles, electromyography (EMG) may be done. This can help a doctor analyze compression of the nerves or narrowing of the spinal canal, which can be caused by a herniated disc.
Get Sciatica Treatment Today with AICA Orthopedic
In some cases, sciatica pain can go away on its own, with time and proper self-care practices. However, for the best results and to ensure that sciatica is treated correctly, you will want to visit a healthcare professional. AICA Orthopedics has a variety of healthcare specialists that can provide expert care to any individual seeking relief from sciatica. Along with proper self-care practices, our doctors may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic care, surgery, or non-surgical injections depending on the severity of your sciatica.
When you work with AICA Orthopedics, you’ll have access to multiple doctors across different medical fields to help with sciatica symptom relief.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic specialists help to realign the spine and body to its natural state which will improve its ability to heal itself, rather than having to use invasive or medication-based treatment. Treatment for sciatica may involve multiple specialists, but chiropractic is a great place to start for finding relief from sciatica symptoms. With sciatic nerve compression, chiropractic will help to reduce or eliminate that pressure, making chiropractic an effective form of treatment. Learn more!
Neurology
Neurology specialists are experts at understanding and navigating treatments for the nervous system. Sciatica is a nerve-related condition, making a neurologist a go-to specialist to visit when getting to the root of sciatica symptoms. Learn more!
Interventional Spine
Some cases of sciatica can be caused by a condition that is outside of the treatment scope of chiropractic. Interventional spine treatment may be recommended by your doctor. This includes epidurals, facet injections, stimulators, radiographic or ultrasonic guidance injections, and more. Learn more!
Orthopedic
For a small percentage of sciatica cases, orthopedic surgery may be the best option available for relief, such as a discectomy or laminectomy, both of which removes the source of the pain of sciatica, from herniated discs to bone spurs to other tissues creating pressure against the nerves. Learn more!
