Sciatica

Sciatica

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating sciatica, a condition characterized by pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Dr. Saleem offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options to relieve sciatica symptoms, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Evaluation

Dr. Saleem takes a thorough approach to diagnosing sciatica, using both physical exams and advanced imaging techniques to pinpoint the cause of the nerve compression:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing pain distribution, reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion.
  • Imaging: MRI, CT scans, or X-rays to identify the underlying cause of sciatic nerve compression, such as herniated discs or bone spurs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Dr. Saleem prioritizes conservative treatments to manage sciatica symptoms and reduce nerve irritation:

  • Physical Therapy: Customized exercises and stretching routines designed to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, strengthen surrounding muscles, and improve flexibility.
  • Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Targeted injections near the inflamed nerve root to reduce swelling and provide longer-term pain relief.
  • Activity Modification: Dr. Saleem advises on posture correction, ergonomic adjustments, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress on the spine and prevent worsening symptoms.

Surgical Treatment Options

In cases where non-surgical treatments fail to relieve sciatica symptoms or if nerve compression is severe, Dr. Saleem offers advanced surgical solutions:

  • Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the portion of a herniated disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve, providing immediate relief.
  • Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra (lamina) to create space and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, often used when spinal stenosis is the cause.
  • Spinal Fusion: If there is significant instability in the spine contributing to sciatica, spinal fusion surgery may be recommended to stabilize the affected area.

Comprehensive Recovery and Long-Term Care

Dr. Saleem is committed to long-term relief for sciatica patients, emphasizing holistic care that includes post-surgical rehabilitation, physical therapy, and education on maintaining spinal health. His goal is to help patients recover fully, restore function, and prevent future episodes of sciatica by implementing personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.