Sciatica

Sciatica causes pain that radiates from the lower back down through the hips and legs, often making everyday activities uncomfortable or even unbearable. At Hudson Specialty Care, with locations in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, as well as Manhattan, New York, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating sciatica using a comprehensive, personalized approach. By combining advanced diagnostic testing, interventional pain procedures, and regenerative therapies, we help patients relieve discomfort, restore mobility, and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. To schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What are common symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica typically causes sharp, shooting pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. 

The discomfort can range from a mild ache to severe, burning sensations, and may be accompanied by:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot
• Numbness or weakness in one leg or both
• Difficulty standing, walking, or lifting
• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sudden movements

Symptoms often affect only one side of the body, but they may alternate between both legs over time. Left untreated, severe sciatica can lead to long-term complications like decreased mobility, muscle weakness, or nerve damage.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed. Common causes include:

• Herniated or bulging discs are placing pressure on the nerve
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Degenerative disc disease or bone spurs
• Piriformis syndrome, when tight muscles in the buttocks irritate the nerve

Additional risk factors include prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive heavy lifting, excess body weight, and high-impact sports or occupations that require frequent twisting or bending.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

At Hudson Specialty Care, diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your medical history and a physical exam to evaluate muscle strength, flexibility, reflexes, and nerve function.

If needed, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans can pinpoint the source of nerve compression. Nerve conduction studies may also be used to assess how well the sciatic nerve is functioning, allowing us to create a precise, personalized treatment plan.

What treatment options are available for sciatica?

Hudson Specialty Care offers a comprehensive range of treatments designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence:

Interventional Pain Procedures

• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve blocks

Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

• Percutaneous, endoscopic, or laser discectomy
• Endoscopic rhizotomy
• Spinal cord stimulation

Regenerative Spine Therapies

• DiscSeel® Procedure: Seals tears in spinal discs using FDA-approved fibrin sealant to promote healing.
• Intradiscal PRP: Uses platelet-rich plasma to reduce inflammation and improve disc health.
• Stem Cell Bone Marrow Therapy: Delivers stem cells to support tissue regeneration and restore disc function.
• Platelet Lysate Therapy: Accelerates healing by releasing concentrated growth factors.
• Ozone Therapy: Enhances oxygen delivery, improves circulation, and relieves inflammation.
• ViaDisc® Procedure: Restores disc hydration and improves mobility using a biologic allograft.
• Intradiscal Laser Therapy for targeted tissue repair.

Supportive Care

• Personalized medication management
• Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and improve posture

How can you prevent sciatica flare-ups?

While treatment can significantly reduce pain and restore function, preventing future flare-ups is just as important. Our team provides personalized prevention strategies, including:

• Targeted exercise programs to strengthen the spine and core
• Ergonomic adjustments at home and work
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce strain and protect spinal health

By combining expertise in neurology, interventional pain management, regenerative therapies, and minimally invasive procedures, Hudson Specialty Care offers a complete, patient-centered path to long-term relief.

If sciatica is limiting your daily life, call Hudson Specialty Care or request an appointment online today to explore your treatment options.