You’ve been hit with intense pain that may range from your lower back to your ankle or reside in some part of your back or leg. It feels excruciating. You may have sciatica, an inflammation of your sciatic nerve.
Our board-certified radiologists at REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, utilize MRI technology to get a clear picture of what’s causing your sciatica. Is it a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or another related condition?
Your sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down to your foot. If you’re diagnosed with sciatica, your sciatic nerve is inflamed.
Sciatica pain is more intense than simply an ache in your leg. Because it stems from a nerve, it’s a sharp, excruciating pain. Many cases of sciatica resolve with conservative treatment. However, some don’t. You may be in the latter category.
You might find it hard to focus at work, and sleep may feel impossible. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve nerve pain, but side effects — like feeling dizzy or woozy — can occur. Even physical therapy might not provide relief.
Your doctor may suspect you have sciatica, but needs more information to determine the cause of your pain. The nerve is inflamed, but why? Determining the cause will help them decide on a course of treatment.
A magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) utilizes radiofrequency waves to create cross-sectional images of the soft tissue inside your body. An MRI allows your radiologist to see your sciatic nerve, nearby soft tissues, and the facet joints between your vertebrae. These joints stabilize your spine and let you bend and twist safely.
Your sciatic nerve contains several nerve roots. With an MRI, your radiologist can identify which nerve roots are inflamed, helping to inform your treatment.
Sometimes cartilage in the facet joints degenerates. Bone spurs may form, pressing on your sciatic nerve. An MRI helps identify this issue as well as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and related spinal conditions. It can also rule out serious conditions such as malignant tumors.
An MRI helps guide your treatment by uncovering the root cause of your pain. Perhaps you need surgery to remove part of a bulging disc that’s pressing on your nerve.
You may benefit from an epidural steroid injection for your spinal stenosis. Your doctor may decide you need a laminectomy, which removes the back part of your vertebral bone to create more room for your nerves.
To schedule an MRI, call REDI Diagnostics Corp at 201-773-4255 or book an appointment online today. We help provide answers to guide your treatment.
