How to treat sciatica?
Patient: My name is Marcie and I m 54 years old. I was told I have sciatica which actually started on my left leg but now is on my right leg. I have been taking pain medication for it. I went to a spine specialist becaus it s not getting any better as a matter of fact it s getting worst. I can t stand or walk for a long time. I get pain and numbness down in my back and legs. My psyciatrist said that my MRI shows arthritis in my spine and my Xray shows a moderate anterolisthesis of L4 and L5 which reduces slightly with extension. There are prominent degenerative changes of the facet joints of the lower lumbar spine. When I read this result it didn t seem so serious. But the pain that I m feeling feels like I need some kind of surgery. Please advise. Doctor: Hello Marcie. thank you for writing us here.Sciatica is because your lumbar vertebrae are compressing the nerve roots causing pain in both your legs.For the treatment you can either go for a steroid therapy which would have several side effects but the results are quite quick.secondly you can go for physiotherapy which would strengthen the muscles and help proper regeneration of bones and would help in treatment the it would take around 10 to 12 months for full recovery.You can see an orthopedic doctor for the treatment. take your time and I highly respect your decision which way you would like to  get treated.Best regards,Dr Gunjan