Living with Sciatica: Treatments That Work Without Surgery in Clifton, New Jersey

Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics in Clifton, our specialists help patients find lasting, non-surgical relief from sciatica using advanced pain management techniques that treat the root cause—not just the symptoms.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and legs. It typically affects only one side of the body and can feel like:

• Sharp or shooting pain in the leg

• Burning or tingling sensations

• Numbness or weakness

• Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing

Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Conditions Often Confused with Sciatica

Because sciatica shares symptoms with other conditions, it’s often misdiagnosed or mistaken for:

• Piriformis syndrome – compression of the sciatic nerve by a muscle in the buttock

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction – pain where the spine meets the pelvis

• Hip bursitis or arthritis – pain from inflammation of the hip joint

• Peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage due to diabetes or other conditions

Our pain specialists in Clifton use advanced diagnostic testing to pinpoint the source of your pain and rule out similar conditions.

Preventing Sciatica: What You Can Do

While not all cases are avoidable, you can reduce your risk of developing sciatica with some healthy habits:

• Strengthen your core – strong abdominal and back muscles support the spine

• Use good posture – especially when sitting or lifting heavy objects

• Stay active – regular low-impact exercise improves flexibility and reduces pressure on the spine

• Maintain a healthy weight – reduces stress on your lower back

• Stretch regularly – especially if you sit for long periods

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we often recommend physical therapy and custom exercise plans to help patients prevent flare-ups.

Think You Have Sciatica? Here’s What to Do First

If you’re experiencing radiating leg or back pain, don’t ignore it. The first steps to take include:

1. Rest briefly, but don’t stay inactive – gentle movement can ease nerve pressure.

2. Apply ice or heat – alternate cold and warm packs to reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting movements – these can worsen symptoms.

4. Call a pain specialist – especially if symptoms last more than a few days or worsen.

At our Clifton office, we offer same-week appointments to begin evaluating your pain and creating a personalized treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Sciatica Treatments That Work

Surgery is rarely needed for sciatica. Our pain management experts use a variety of non-surgical, evidence-based treatments, including:

• Physical therapy

  • To strengthen your back, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the nerve.

• Epidural steroid injections

  • To reduce inflammation and relieve nerve pain directly at the source.

• Nerve blocks

  • Targeted pain relief that helps diagnose and manage nerve irritation.

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

  • A minimally invasive option that uses heat to “quiet” irritated nerves for long-term relief.

• Lifestyle guidance and posture correction

  • Helping you make daily adjustments that protect your spine and reduce flare-ups.

Find Sciatica Relief in Clifton Without Surgery

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics in Clifton, our goal is to get you back to living without relying on surgery or opioids. If you're dealing with sciatica, schedule a consultation today to discover the non-invasive treatments that can restore your comfort and mobility.