Sciatica Specialist in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Sciatica is a common condition seen at Comprehensive Pain Specialists, characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in your body. This nerve travels from your lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg, typically affecting only one side.

Patients with sciatica often experience a wide range of symptoms, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation. The discomfort can sometimes feel like a jolt or electric shock, and may be triggered or worsened by actions such as coughing, sneezing, or sitting for extended periods. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, our experienced team understands that the most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc, which puts pressure on the nerve roots. However, other factors—such as bone spurs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or soft tissue injuries—can also contribute to sciatic nerve irritation. Rarely, tumors or infections may be involved. We also recognize the importance of individual risk factors, including age-related spinal changes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and occupations involving heavy lifting or prolonged sitting.

Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your sciatica. With advanced diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary team, we tailor a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of medication management, physical therapy, minimally invasive procedures, and lifestyle recommendations. Our goal is to relieve your pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.

Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. The hallmark symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that typically begins in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg. This pain can range in intensity—from a mild ache to a severe, burning sensation—and often worsens with activities like sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

Along with pain, you might also experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected leg or foot. Some patients report muscle weakness in the leg or foot, sometimes making it difficult to move or control the limb. Usually, these symptoms are limited to one side of the body, but in rare cases, both legs may be affected.

If you notice a pattern of pain radiating from your lower back down your leg, especially if it’s associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness, our specialists can help determine the best course of action for relief. If your symptoms are severe or if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, as this can indicate a more serious condition.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we utilize a thorough and patient-centered approach to diagnosing sciatica. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals begins with an in-depth medical history, carefully discussing your symptoms—including the location, nature, and duration of pain—as well as any factors that may aggravate or alleviate your discomfort. Information about prior injuries, physical activities, and existing health conditions is also reviewed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your situation.

During your visit, our specialists conduct a detailed physical examination to assess muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in your legs. This helps us identify any neurological deficits that may be contributing to your pain. We may perform specific maneuvers, such as the straight leg raise test, to determine if stretching the sciatic nerve reproduces your symptoms, which can be a key indicator of nerve root irritation.

If your diagnosis remains unclear or if you present with severe, persistent symptoms—or warning signs such as significant weakness, sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, or unexplained weight loss—we may recommend advanced imaging studies. At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we frequently utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain clear images of your lumbar spine and identify underlying causes of nerve compression, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. In some cases, X-rays or CT scans may also be ordered to rule out other conditions.

To further refine the diagnosis, our team may incorporate electrodiagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, especially if there is suspicion of nerve damage or if it is necessary to distinguish sciatica from other neurological issues.

While not all causes of sciatica are entirely preventable, our specialists emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing. We provide personalized guidance on incorporating regular physical activity to promote spinal health and overall well-being. Targeted exercises, especially those that strengthen the core muscles supporting the lower back and abdomen, are often recommended by our providers to help relieve pressure on the spine and minimize nerve irritation.

Our team also educates patients on stretching routines designed to improve flexibility and decrease tension around the sciatic nerve, focusing on the lower back, hips, and hamstrings. In addition, we encourage low-impact aerobic activities—such as walking, swimming, or cycling—to enhance blood flow, promote healing, and support pain management.

Comprehensive Pain Specialists takes a holistic approach to care, which includes teaching proper body mechanics for lifting, bending, and twisting to prevent unnecessary strain on the lower back. For those already experiencing sciatica, we create individualized treatment plans that may include specific therapeutic exercises, physical therapy referrals, and ergonomic recommendations for both home and work environments.

Before beginning any new exercise regimen, our providers perform thorough assessments to ensure that every recommendation is safe and tailored to your unique medical needs. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support necessary to manage your symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life.

If shooting leg pain, numbness, or lower back discomfort is disrupting your daily life, Dr. Youssef Josephson, DO, and the dedicated team at Comprehensive Pain Specialists offer the expert care you need. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, but Dr. Josephson focuses on identifying the exact source of your nerve pain to deliver lasting relief.

Recognizing that every patient experiences nerve pain differently, the clinic designs individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition. Utilizing advanced therapies like lumbar epidural steroid injections, selective nerve blocks, and targeted pain management protocols, Dr. Josephson works to reduce inflammation and alleviate agonizing discomfort. The compassionate team in Wilkes-Barre is committed to helping you avoid invasive surgeries, restoring your mobility, and safely returning you to a pain-free life.

If you are struggling with sciatica or want to learn more about prevention and treatment options, contact Comprehensive Pain Specialists today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you move forward—pain free. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1177 PA-315, Dolphin Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. We serve patients from Wilkes-Barre PA, Glen Lyon PA, Dallas PA, Pittston PA, Mountain Top PA, Plymouth PA, and surrounding cities.