What Type of Physician Treats Sciatica Nerve Problems?

According to Mayo Clinic, the sciatic nerve goes from the spinal cord through the hip and down the back of the leg. Sciatica is commonly used but the medical term is radiculopathy. The pain generally goes away without treatment in less than eight weeks but you may want to see a doctor if it is severe or continues.

Initial Evaluation

• Consult with your regular physician. Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD, says common causes include a herniated disk in the lumbar region, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disk disease and spondylolisthesis (a defect in the spine that allows the vertebra to slide). Your doctor can often determine the cause.

Testing

• Your doctor may order X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imagine) or a CT (computerized tomography) scan.

Referral

• If your doctor advises you to see a specialist, either a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon may be appropriate, according to Gerald Rodts, MD, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia and Lawrence G. Lenke, MD, Washington University School of Medicine.

Specialists

• Neurosurgeons typically have more experience in spinal surgeries, and are the only option for some issues such as tumors, but not all may have experience with the surgery you need. Some orthopaedic surgeons may have more relevant experience. Therefore Rodts and Lenke say you need to ask about their experiences in order to choose.

Emergency

• If you have weakness in your legs, bladder or bowel control issues, cancer, HIV, or are taking steroids or abusing drugs, see a doctor immediately.