Motionis

Sciatica Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, often starting in the lower back or buttock and radiating down the leg. Because sciatica can arise from multiple underlying causes, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, sciatica is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.

Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine and nerve care.

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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a pattern of nerve-related pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. Rather than being a diagnosis itself, sciatica is a symptom that points to an underlying spinal or nerve condition.

Pain typically follows a predictable pathway:

Origin

From the lower back or buttock

Radiation

Down the back or side of the thigh

Distal

Into the calf, ankle, or foot

Symptoms may affect one side of the body and vary in intensity.

Common Sciatica Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the degree and location of nerve involvement and may include:

Because sciatica symptoms overlap with other conditions, proper evaluation is important.

Sharp, shooting, or burning pain down one leg

Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or prolonged standing

Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

Weakness in the leg, ankle, or foot

Pain that improves or worsens with certain positions

Common Causes of Sciatica We Evaluate

Sciatica most often results from conditions that place pressure on spinal nerve roots. Common causes include:

Herniated or bulging lumbar discs

Degenerative disc disease

Spinal stenosis

Spondylolisthesis

Facet joint-related inflammation

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

Muscle-related compression or biomechanical stress

Identifying the specific cause of nerve irritation is critical to effective treatment.

How Sciatica Is Evaluated

Evaluation focuses on identifying the exact source of nerve compression or irritation. A physician-led assessment may include:

Detailed clinical history and physical examination

Neurological assessment of strength, sensation, and reflexes

Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available

Image-guided diagnostic nerve blocks, when appropriate

This structured approach helps differentiate disc-related sciatica from joint-mediated or muscular causes.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Sciatica

Treatment recommendations are based on diagnosis, symptom severity, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:

Image-guided epidural steroid injections

Selective nerve root blocks

Facet joint injections or medial branch nerve blocks, when indicated

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for specific pain generators

Trigger point injections for muscle-related contributors

Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning

Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate

All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety and are selected as part of a broader care plan.

When a Specialist Evaluation May Help

You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:

Leg pain persists or worsens over time

Pain interferes with walking, sitting, or sleep

Numbness or weakness develops in the leg or foot

Physical therapy or medications have not provided relief

Imaging suggests nerve compression, but surgery is unclear or undesired

A comprehensive evaluation can clarify the cause of sciatica and outline appropriate next steps.

Schedule a Sciatica Evaluation

If sciatica is limiting your mobility or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.