Back Pain / Sciatica / Lower Extremity Radiculopathy · scheduled consultation
Back Pain, Sciatica & Leg Weakness
Evaluation when back or leg pain, numbness, weakness, walking difficulty, or bladder and bowel symptoms raise a possible nerve-compression concern.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
Symptoms, imaging, prior care, function, and goals are organized into one clear clinical question.
Leg numbness, tingling, heaviness, or weakness
↗Walking or standing that becomes progressively limited
↗A need to connect symptoms with lumbar imaging
↗Prepare for the review
Bring the evidence—not only the label.
Lumbar MRI, CT, or X-ray images and reports
Prior physical therapy, injection, or medication history
A timeline of pain, weakness, and functional change
Emergency or hospital records when symptoms began suddenly
How this concern is approached.
The visit separates common mechanical pain from symptoms that may reflect nerve compression or instability, then defines whether conservative care, additional testing, referral, surveillance, or surgical discussion is appropriate.
Understand the decision
The details that shape the plan.
Is sciatica a diagnosis?
Sciatica describes pain traveling along a nerve distribution into the leg. It does not identify the cause by itself. The examination and, when appropriate, imaging help determine whether a spinal nerve problem fits the symptoms.
What helps distinguish pain from loss of function?
Describe where symptoms travel and whether you have trouble lifting the foot, climbing stairs or walking your usual distance. Note what changes with sitting, standing or activity. New or worsening weakness deserves prompt medical assessment.
What should the next-step plan explain?
Ask what finding is thought to account for your symptoms, which options are reasonable and how progress will be assessed. Bring a list of previous therapy, medications, injections or procedures and the response to each.
A disciplined visit
Listen. Review. Explain. Plan.
Listen
Clarify symptoms, timing, prior care, health history, daily impact, and goals.
Review
Place actual imaging, reports, comparison studies, and records in clinical context.
Explain
Translate the finding, real uncertainty, and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define who owns testing, follow-up, referral, conservative care, or surgery when appropriate.
Leadership behind the care
Clinical focus. Operational discipline.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation across brain and spine concerns, connecting symptoms, imaging, prior care, and patient goals into a careful clinical interpretation and practical next step.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
New urinary retention or incontinence, loss of bowel control, saddle numbness, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or severe symptoms after trauma require emergency evaluation.
Sources behind this overview
Patient education from established clinical organizations.
These links support the general educational overview. They do not replace a clinician’s interpretation of an individual history, examination, or imaging.
Continue exploring
Every pathway stays connected.
01Back Pain, Sciatica & Leg WeaknessYou are here02Lumbar Spinal StenosisExplore03Herniated Lumbar DiscExplore04Spondylolisthesis & Spinal InstabilityExplore05Neck Pain & Arm RadiculopathyExplore06Cervical Myelopathy & Balance ChangesExplore07Brain Tumors & Intracranial CystsExplore08Hydrocephalus & Shunt CareExplore09Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus & IIHExplore10Neurotrauma Follow-Up & Brace ClearanceExplore11Imaging Review & Incidental FindingsExplore12Neurosurgical Second OpinionsExplore
General educational information only. This page does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office, using the navigator, or reading this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship. The Care Navigator is scripted and does not diagnose or triage.