Sciatica Treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL | Dr. Erdman | IROSM

Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, & Relief Options in Fort Lauderdale, Broward & Miami-Dade

Expert Care by Dr. Michael Erdman | IROSM

Sciatica is a common but often misunderstood condition that can cause sharp, radiating pain from the lower back down through the leg. At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Michael Erdman provides personalized, evidence-based care for sciatica to patients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Hialeah.

If you’re experiencing nerve pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs, we can help you explore non-surgical options for relief.

Call Now: (954) 751-6990

Dr. Michael Erdman - Sciatica Specialist in South Florida

Important Notice from IROSM: Sciatica treatment is a customized medical approach performed by Dr. Michael Erdman that addresses the underlying cause of nerve pain, not just the symptom. A thorough clinical evaluation at IROSM determines whether a specific treatment or an alternative approach best fits your condition.

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a condition itself, but a symptom of an underlying spine or nerve problem.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by structural compression or soft tissue inflammation along the lower spine and pelvic area:

Common Causes Include:

Herniated or bulging lumbar discs
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Lumbar spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
Piriformis syndrome
Facet joint inflammation
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
Trauma, lifting injuries, or poor posture

Dr. Erdman performs a comprehensive physical exam, review of imaging, and nerve assessments to help identify the underlying cause of your sciatic pain and guide appropriate treatment. When the pain stays in the back rather than radiating down the leg, it may instead be axial low back pain, which is evaluated differently.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica can present in one or both legs and varies from mild aching to intense radiating nerve discomfort. Common symptoms include:

Radiating Pain

Sharp, shooting pain extending from the lower back or buttock down through the leg and thigh.

Tingling & Pins and Needles

Tingling, “pins and needles,” or burning sensations along the sciatic nerve pathway into the foot.

Numbness & Weakness

Loss of feeling or localized weakness in the affected leg or foot, impacting stability and mobility.

Positional Aggravation

Symptoms that noticeably worsen during prolonged sitting, coughing, sneezing, or forward bending.

Sciatica Treatment Options at IROSM

At IROSM, we use a non-surgical, multi-modal approach to help relieve sciatic nerve pain and support function. Your treatment plan is tailored to your diagnosis, severity, and personal goals.

1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Customized exercises and manual therapy may help reduce nerve pressure, strengthen core muscles, and support spinal alignment:

McKenzie method and nerve gliding exercises
Core strengthening and lumbar stabilization
Postural correction and ergonomic coaching
Soft tissue mobilization and piriformis stretching

2. Medication Management

When appropriate, short-term medications may help break the pain-inflammation cycle:

NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories)
Neuropathic medications (gabapentin, pregabalin)
Muscle relaxants for associated spasms
Oral steroids (when inflammation is acute)

At IROSM, we avoid long-term opioid use and prioritize evidence-based relief strategies.

3. Image-Guided Injections

If symptoms persist or are severe, Dr. Erdman offers precise, minimally invasive injections under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance:

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI)
Selective nerve root blocks
SI joint injections
Piriformis Injections

These targeted procedures may help reduce inflammation and calm irritated nerves, which may support improved mobility and function, without surgery. If your symptoms are part of a broader pattern of ongoing back pain, see our overview of chronic low back pain causes and recovery.

Risks and Benefits of Sciatica Treatment

At IROSM, patient education is central to care. We help you understand all aspects of treatment, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Potential Benefits

Potential reduction in pain and numbness
Possible improvement in leg strength and mobility
Targeted relief without general anesthesia or surgery
A potentially faster return to daily activities
Avoidance of long-term medication reliance

Potential Risks

Temporary soreness at injection site
Rare risk of bleeding, infection, or nerve irritation
Medication side effects (drowsiness, stomach upset)
Incomplete relief in some complex cases

Dr. Michael Erdman carefully evaluates each patient to help determine an appropriate plan of care.

Why Choose IROSM and Dr. Michael Erdman for Sciatica Treatment?

Patients across Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Broward, and Miami-Dade choose Dr. Erdman and IROSM for comprehensive spinal and nerve care:

Advanced, image-guided procedures
Personalized, non-surgical treatment plans
A focus on function, not just symptom relief
Regenerative medicine options (including PRP when appropriate)
Compassionate, attentive, and personalized care

Serving Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, & All of South Florida

Providing specialized interventional pain management and sciatica care across Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica

Does sciatica go away on its own?

Mild sciatica sometimes improves on its own with rest and time, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated. Without proper care, some cases can become chronic. A clinical evaluation at IROSM can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate next steps.

How do I know if my back pain is actually sciatica?

Sciatica typically involves pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down one leg, often with tingling, numbness, or weakness along the way. Ordinary back pain usually stays localized to the back without traveling down the leg. Dr. Erdman can perform an exam to help clarify the source of your symptoms.

When should I see a doctor for sciatica?

You should consider seeing a specialist if your pain persists beyond a few weeks, is severe, interferes with daily activities, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. The last of these can indicate a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

How long does sciatica typically last?

Duration varies widely by cause and individual. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks with conservative care, while others with more complex underlying issues may need a longer course of treatment. Timing varies by patient and condition.

Will I need surgery for sciatica?

Most sciatica cases respond to non-surgical care such as physical therapy, medication management, or image-guided injections. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments have not helped or when there are signs of significant nerve compression. Dr. Erdman can help you understand where your case falls.

Get Relief From Sciatica: Book Your Visit Today

Expert Pain Specialist • Serving Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah & South Florida

Don’t let sciatic nerve pain take over your life. Trust IROSM and Dr. Michael Erdman to help you work toward greater comfort and control.