Sciatica & Radiculopathy Treatment in Novi, MI
About cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
Radiculopathy means a spinal nerve root is irritated or compressed, often called a pinched nerve. In the low back (lumbar radiculopathy), it commonly causes sciatica: pain that travels from the buttock down the leg. In the neck (cervical radiculopathy), pain can travel into the shoulder, arm or hand.
Common causes include herniated discs and age-related changes in the spine, such as bone spurs or narrowing of the openings the nerves pass through.
Common symptoms
Typical symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that travels into an arm or leg, sometimes along with neck or back pain. The symptoms often follow the path of the affected nerve.
Get emergency care right away for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or leg or arm weakness that is quickly getting worse.
How it's evaluated and treated
- A comprehensive physiatric assessment, including a nerve-focused exam and a review of any imaging.
- A plan that commonly includes physical therapy, exercise and changes to activities that aggravate the nerve.
- For radiating pain that persists, an epidural steroid injection may be considered to calm inflammation around the nerve.
- Follow-up to track your progress and adjust the plan.
Physician-led care in Novi
Treatment at Excel Physical Medicine and Rehab is provided under the direction of Dr. Augustus (Peter) Evangelista, who is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and in Pain Medicine. Treatment plans can include on-site physical therapy in Novi.
Verify this physician's specialty and practice address in the Corewell Health directory or Trinity Health Michigan directory.
Common questions
- What is the difference between sciatica and radiculopathy?
- Sciatica describes pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, down the back of the leg. It is usually caused by lumbar radiculopathy: irritation of a nerve root in the low back.
- What type of doctor evaluates sciatica?
- A physiatrist is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, including conditions that affect nerves, movement and function. At Excel PM&R in Novi, Dr. Evangelista evaluates symptoms and discusses non-operative treatment options when appropriate.
- How do I know if this treatment is right for me?
- Every treatment plan at Excel Physical Medicine and Rehab starts with a comprehensive physiatric assessment. Dr. Evangelista reviews your history, examines how the problem affects your function, and discusses whether this option makes sense alongside alternatives such as physical therapy.
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is appropriate for you is decided after an in-person evaluation. For emergencies, call 911.
Schedule a consultation
Start with a comprehensive physiatric assessment at our Novi office.