Sciatica NJ — Expert Diagnosis & Treatment in Edison

Sciatica is one of the most common and debilitating nerve conditions affecting New Jersey residents. At The Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, NJ, Dr. Alok Sharan provides expert sciatica diagnosis and treatment — from conservative care to minimally invasive surgery when needed. If you are experiencing sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down your leg, Dr. Sharan can help identify the cause and get you back to your life.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom of an underlying spinal condition compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. Most cases affect only one side of the body and range in severity from a mild ache to sharp, burning, or electric pain that makes sitting, standing, or walking difficult.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Identifying the root cause of sciatica is essential to selecting the right treatment. The most common causes Dr. Sharan sees at our Edison practice include:

• Herniated disc — The most frequent cause. When inner disc material pushes through the outer ring and contacts the sciatic nerve root, it produces the classic radiating leg pain.
• Spinal stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerve roots, often causing sciatica in older patients.
• Spondylolisthesis — A slipped vertebra can compress the nerve root as it exits the spine.
• Degenerative disc disease — Age-related disc breakdown can cause inflammation and nerve irritation at the affected level.
• Piriformis syndrome — The piriformis muscle in the buttock can tighten and compress the sciatic nerve, mimicking disc-related sciatica.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms vary depending on which nerve root is affected and the severity of compression. Common presentations include:

• Sharp, shooting, or burning pain from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg
• Numbness or tingling along the leg, calf, or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected side

Symptoms that affect both legs, or that involve bladder or bowel changes, require immediate evaluation.

How Sciatica Is Diagnosed

At The Spine and Performance Institute, Dr. Sharan conducts a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the exact source of nerve compression before recommending any treatment. This typically includes:

• Physical and neurological exam — Assessing reflexes, strength, and sensation to identify which nerve root is involved.
• MRI — The gold standard for visualizing disc herniations, stenosis, and nerve root compression in detail.
• X-ray or CT scan — Used to evaluate bone alignment, disc space height, and rule out other structural causes.
• Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) — Quantifies the degree of nerve injury when the diagnosis is unclear.

Sciatica Treatment Options in NJ

Dr. Sharan always begins with the least invasive approach appropriate for each patient’s diagnosis and severity. Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy — Targeted exercises to decompress the nerve, strengthen supporting muscles, and restore mobility.
• Anti-inflammatory medications — NSAIDs and short-course oral corticosteroids to reduce nerve root inflammation.
• Epidural steroid injections — Corticosteroid delivered directly to the epidural space for targeted relief of nerve inflammation.
• Activity modification — Guidance on posture, movement patterns, and temporary restrictions to allow the nerve to settle.

When Surgery Is Considered

Surgery is recommended when sciatica does not improve after six to twelve weeks of conservative care, when neurological deficits (weakness, foot drop) are progressing, or when quality of life is severely affected. Dr. Sharan offers the full range of minimally invasive surgical options including:

• Microdiscectomy — Removes the herniated disc fragment pressing on the sciatic nerve through a small incision. Most patients go home the same day with an 85–95% success rate for leg pain relief.
• Laminectomy / decompression — Relieves nerve compression caused by spinal stenosis with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.
• Awake spinal fusion — For sciatica caused by instability or spondylolisthesis, Dr. Sharan’s pioneering awake technique uses conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia — reducing risk and recovery time.

About Dr. Alok Sharan

Dr. Alok Sharan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating sciatica and complex spinal conditions throughout New Jersey. He holds an MHCDS from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy, is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and is the pioneer of awake spinal fusion in the United States. The practice has earned 162+ five-star Google reviews and serves patients from Edison, Woodbridge, Piscataway, New Brunswick, and across Central NJ. NPI: 1174518987.

Location: 35-37 Progress St, Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820  |  Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sciatica last?

Most acute sciatica episodes improve within four to six weeks with conservative care. Sciatica caused by a herniated disc often resolves as the disc material retracts over time. Chronic or recurring sciatica — lasting more than twelve weeks — warrants a full evaluation to identify and address the underlying structural cause.

Can sciatica go away without surgery?

Yes — the majority of sciatica cases resolve without surgery. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and epidural steroid injections relieve symptoms for most patients. Surgery is reserved for cases with progressive neurological deficits or failure of conservative treatment after an adequate trial.

What is the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a structural finding — disc material that has pushed out of its normal position. Sciatica is the symptom that results when that disc (or another structure) compresses the sciatic nerve. Not every herniated disc causes sciatica, and sciatica can occur without a disc herniation.

Is it safe to exercise with sciatica?

Gentle movement is generally beneficial — bed rest can actually prolong recovery. Dr. Sharan and our physical therapy team will prescribe exercises specific to the underlying cause of your sciatica, helping reduce nerve irritation without aggravating the condition.

How do I get a sciatica evaluation in NJ?

Call our Edison, NJ office at (732) 898-3950 or request an appointment online. Dr. Sharan will review your symptoms, imaging, and history to determine the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Schedule a Sciatica Consultation in Edison, NJ

Do not let sciatica control your daily life. Dr. Alok Sharan and the team at The Spine and Performance Institute provide expert, personalized sciatica care at our Edison, NJ office, serving patients throughout Middlesex County and all of Central New Jersey. Call (732) 898-3950 or request an appointment online to get started.