What type of Dr. do you see for help with sciatica?

[Anonymous]

Regular internist? Orthopoaedist?

I would like to learn the cause of this nerve compression.

[Anonymous]

DOM; acupuncture and yoga

[Anonymous]

Those are not doctors!!! Argh. Acupuncture? Honestly.

I would see a physical therapist. (Not a doctor either, but still ..)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those are not doctors!!! Argh. Acupuncture? Honestly.

I would see a physical therapist. (Not a doctor either, but still ..)

lol.

[Anonymous]

My friend had sciatica and what helped her was a chiropractor and acupuncture.

[Anonymous]

Sciatica is an inflammation of the low back nerve roots that cause pain in the buttocks radiating to the legs. You can see a spine specialist (orthopedic or neurosurgeon) who will want an MRI to see if there is a disc bulge. They usually will first recommend conservative therapy with a physical therapist involving stretching and massage. If that doesn't help, they may suggest a injection of steroids into the inflamed area. This is often done by radiologists who do the procedure using a CT scan to guide the injection into the precise location. Dr. Muller in Virginia did my mother's spine and she had great relief. He spent a lot of time talking to her and was clearly very good at what he does.

Bottom line: get an MRI. See a spine surgeon. Try physical therapy. Then see a radiologist. Surgery is to be avoided unless as a last measure. Beware any surgeon that tells you you need surgery right away.

[Anonymous]

Naomi Gonzalez is a great massage therapist who functions like a physical therapist. (inspireyourbodymt.com) She has worked with pro athletes and was with the US women's soccer team for awhile. She's based in Bethesda and treated my sciatic. No doctor referral necessary. Just make an apointment. This is not some relaxing massage, she will put you thru the grinder, but she knows what she's doing.

[Anonymous]

I got an rx from my orthopedist (Rudzki at Wash. orthopedics and sports medicine) for PT, which I now do with Jennifer Wells, who works out of the Quantum Pilates studio in Dupont circle. She is a highly trained PT who specializes in pilates-based rehab, though for me she does a variety of things, some manual work, some exercises. Anyway, I suggest getting a script from an orthopedist for physical therapy---sciatica can be helped through rehab and surgery should be last option.

[Anonymous]

I was seeing a neurologist for something else when my sciatica popped up. Like 18:12 said, she ordered an MRI just to rule out disc bulge, and then sent me to physical therapy.

If I'd known of any good chiropracters, I'd probably would have gone to one too.

[Anonymous]

I am a physician and agree with the above postings, except for the recommendations re chiropractors. They are expensive and require multiple frequent visits. You will get more benefit from a good physical therapist that can also give you strengthening exercises.