Skip to main content

Sciatica

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.

Book an Appointment

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:

  1. Herniated or bulging lumbar discs

  2. Degenerative disc disease

  3. Spinal stenosis

  4. Spondylolisthesis

  5. Facet joint-related inflammation

  6. Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

  7. Muscle-related compression or biomechanical stress

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:

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.

Related Spine & Nerve Conditions

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.

Book an Appointment