Sciatica Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

Sciatica is pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, often from a lumbar disc or nerve root irritation. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, so the goal of an exam is to find what is irritating the nerve, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Often, yes. Most lumbar radiculopathy improves within 6 to 12 weeks with conservative care such as activity guidance, exercise and hands-on treatment. Get evaluated if pain is severe, is not improving or comes with numbness or weakness, and go to the ER for red-flag symptoms.

Go to the ER for numbness in the groin or inner thighs, new bladder or bowel problems, leg weakness that is getting worse, or sciatica in both legs. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs emergency care.

Piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, hip problems, facet joint pain and peripheral neuropathy can all cause buttock or leg pain. A physical and neurological exam, and sometimes EMG/NCV testing, helps tell them apart.

Long periods of bed rest, heavy lifting with twisting and sitting for long stretches often aggravate sciatica. Short walks and position changes are usually better than staying still. Your provider will tailor activity advice to your exam.

For many people with mild to moderate sciatica, gentle walking is helpful because it keeps the spine moving without heavy load. Stop and get checked if walking causes worsening weakness or numbness.

Many people are more comfortable on their side with a pillow between the knees, or on their back with a pillow under the knees. Both positions keep the spine and pelvis in a more neutral position.

At our clinic you don’t have to choose. Chiropractors, physical therapists and medical providers work from one plan, and many patients use both chiropractic care and therapeutic exercise.

Not always. EMG/NCV testing may help when you have numbness, weakness or symptoms that are not improving. It is often more informative about three weeks or more after symptoms start, and a normal EMG does not rule out radiculopathy. Learn more about EMG testing.

Yes. The force of a crash can injure a lumbar disc or irritate a nerve root, and leg symptoms may appear days later. For Florida PIP to pay medical benefits, initial care must begin within 14 days of the accident. See our car accident injury clinic page.

Lower back pain mostly stays in the low back and often feels like an ache, stiffness or spasm. Sciatica travels from the lower back or buttock down one leg, often below the knee, and may feel sharp, burning or electric, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness. Many people have both. An exam, including a neurological exam, helps tell them apart.

It depends on your symptoms. Go to the ER for red flags such as numbness in the groin, new bladder or bowel problems or leg weakness that is getting worse. For other sciatica, a primary care doctor or an injury clinic can examine you and start conservative care. Physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists each have a role, and nerve testing such as EMG may help when numbness or weakness is present. At East Coast Injury Clinic, our medical providers, chiropractic neurologists, chiropractors and physical therapists work from one plan, and we refer you to a spine specialist when needed.

For a mild flare-up, many people find it helps to keep moving with short walks, change positions often and avoid long periods of sitting or bed rest. Gentle stretches such as a knee-to-chest stretch or a figure-four (piriformis) stretch, and ice or heat for short periods, may ease symptoms. Stop any stretch that makes leg pain, numbness or weakness worse. Get evaluated if symptoms are severe, are not improving or come with numbness or weakness, and go to the ER for red-flag symptoms.

Most injury care at East Coast Injury Clinic is covered through one of four paths: auto insurance PIP after a car accident, a personal injury attorney’s Letter of Protection, state workers’ compensation for a work injury, or federal workers’ compensation (OWCP or Longshore) if you are a federal or maritime employee. We also see patients under Medicare, Tricare, VA Community Care, and a limited number of private plans. Our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit and explains exactly what is and is not covered for your specific case, so there are no surprises. Call 904-513-3954 or visit eastcoastinjury.com to start.