Sciatica Pain Relief Without Surgery

Every treatment plan starts with a thorough evaluation that includes your MRI, EMG, and symptom history. We identify the exact source of your nerve compression and treat it precisely.

Fast, Targeted Relief

Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural steroid injection is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for sciatica. We deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space where the sciatic nerve is being irritated.

Types we perform:

  • Transforaminal — highly targeted to a specific nerve root
  • Interlaminar — covers a broader spinal area
  • Caudal — ideal when multiple levels are involved

All injections are performed under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance for pinpoint accuracy. Most patients experience relief within days. The procedure is outpatient and takes less than an hour.

Learn More About Epidural Steroid Injections

COMPREHENSIVE AnALYSIS

Advanced Imaging (X-Ray / MRI) Review

Dr. Spiegel carefully reviews your imaging studies, such as MRI and X‑ray, through a clinical, individualized lens. Imaging often reveals multiple changes that may or may not be related to your symptoms. By integrating these findings with your history and physical examination, the goal is to identify the structure most likely responsible for your pain, such as a herniated disc, nerve compression, early facet joint arthritis, disc degeneration, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or other potential pain generators. This focused approach helps guide a thoughtful, personalized treatment plan.

Custom-Tailored

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Cookie-cutter stretching routines don’t address the structural cause of sciatica. We work with leading NYC physical therapists to build rehabilitation plans tailored to your specific diagnosis — designed to strengthen your spine, restore mobility, and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

One Doctor.
One Plan.
Your Entire Journey.

Most patients arrive having already seen two or three providers and still without a clear answer. That changes when you become a patient at UES Interventional Pain. Dr. Spiegel manages your care from your first evaluation through every stage of treatment, so your imaging, your history, your response to treatment, and your goals are all known by the physician making decisions about your care.

We always begin with the least invasive option appropriate for your condition. Most patients never need to go further. If surgery does eventually become the right answer, Dr. Spiegel will refer you directly to one of the top spine surgeons in NYC and you’ll arrive with a complete clinical history and a physician who can speak to your case, not as a stranger starting from zero.

Surgery is not your only option. But if it ever becomes the right one, you won't face it alone.

Get Help Now More About Dr. Spiegel

When Should You See a Specialist?

Mild sciatica can improve on its own within a few weeks. But if your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or disrupting your daily life, it’s time to get evaluated by a dedicated back specialist.

See a specialist if you have

  • Pain lasting more than 4–6 weeks
  • Increasing intensity of pain or spreading symptoms
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg or foot
  • Pain disrupting your sleep, work, or daily activities

Don't wait if you have

  • Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Severe or rapidly worsening leg weakness
  • Progressive numbness spreading to both legs
  • Pain severe enough to prevent any movement
Book an Appointment

Same-day appointments available.  Call 917-694-2212

Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control and severe bilateral leg weakness may be signs of cauda equina syndrome — a serious medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment. Go to an emergency room.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica isn't a medical condition by itself — it's a symptom. It happens when something irritates or compresses your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. This nerve starts in your lower spine, travels through your hips and buttocks, and runs down each leg.

When the sciatic nerve is pinched or inflamed, it can cause:

  • Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
  • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
  • Numbness or muscle weakness
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Pain that worsens when you sit, cough, or bend forward

Common causes of sciatica include:

  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Foraminal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)

While mild symptoms may improve with rest and simple at-home care, ongoing or worsening pain is a sign that it’s time to see a sciatica specialist. The earlier we identify the cause, the faster you can get back to living without nerve pain.

Woman experiencing lower back pain while leaning on a desk

Common Questions About
Sciatica Answered

  1. Can sciatica heal on its own?

    Sometimes. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks with rest, gentle movement, and over-the-counter medications. But if your symptoms last more than 4–6 weeks or are getting worse, don’t wait — see a specialist.

  2. What's the fastest way to get relief?

    For many patients, epidural steroid injections provide quick, targeted relief by reducing inflammation around the nerve. The best treatment depends on the cause of your pain, which is why accurate diagnosis is key.

  3. Is walking good for sciatica?

    In most cases, gentle walking helps improve circulation and reduce nerve pressure. But if walking increases your pain, stop and get evaluated by a medical professional.

  4. Can sciatica be treated without surgery?

    Yes. Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments like injections, physical therapy, or medicine. Surgery is typically reserved for severe or persistent cases..

  5. How do I know if I need urgent care?

    Seek immediate care if you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness, or numbness in your leg — these could be signs of a serious medical emergency.

  6. What’s the difference between an interventional pain specialist and a chiropractor for sciatica?

    A spine specialist (like an interventional pain physician) can diagnose the exact cause using imaging, and provide non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures. Chiropractors are excellent at what they do, focus on manual adjustments, and may be part of a broader care plan, but they do not typically perform injections or surgery.

  7. How long does pain relief last after treatment?

    It depends on the procedure and your condition. Some patients experience months to years of relief, especially after RFA epidural steroid injections or minimally invasive disc procedures.

Meet Your Doctor

Matthew A. Spiegel, MD

Expert in minimally invasive pain management

  • Dual Board Certified
  • Super Doctors® Rising Stars
  • NYU-recognized teaching site
“If you're dealing with nerve or spine pain, I understand how frustrating it can be. My focus is helping patients find real, lasting relief without surgery — using precise, image-guided procedures that address the actual source of the problem”
More About Dr. Spiegel
Dr. Matthew A. Spiegel in the procedure room
NYU Grossman School of Medicine Medical certification Cornell University Northwell Health Professional affiliation NYU

Your Visit, Step by Step

1

You’re Ready for Real Relief

Whether it’s back pain, nerve pain, or something you can’t quite explain, it’s disrupting your life, and you’re looking for real answers. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep living this way.

Whether it’s back pain, nerve pain, or something you can’t quite explain, it’s disrupting your life, and you’re looking for real answers. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep living this way.

2

Book Your Appointment

Choose a convenient time for your consultation — in person or virtual — and take the first real step toward relief. Our team is ready to listen.

Choose a convenient time for your consultation — in person or virtual — and take the first real step toward relief. Our team is ready to listen.

Book Online Call Now: 917-694-2212
2a – Complete Intake Forms

Fill out your intake forms online ahead of time to speed up your visit.

Form link
2b – Send Relevant Documents

Send any MRIs, EMGs, or documents you'd like us to review ahead of your visit.

Email: [email protected]

3

Get Your Personalized Care Plan

At your first visit, Dr. Spiegel will review your imaging, perform a thorough evaluation, and build a targeted treatment plan designed around your specific condition and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

At your first visit, Dr. Spiegel will review your imaging, perform a thorough evaluation, and build a targeted treatment plan designed around your specific condition and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

4

Feel Relief, Live Fully

Many patients start to feel better after just a few treatments. With expert care and ongoing support, you’ll be on the path to moving, living, and feeling like yourself again - pain free!

Many patients start to feel better after just a few treatments. With expert care and ongoing support, you’ll be on the path to moving, living, and feeling like yourself again - pain free!

Reviews & Testimonials

Browse Reviews

Google Reviews

“Glad I found Dr. Spiegel”

Offers treatment possibilities that have not been explored by other doctors I’ve consulted and been treated by. The staff is exceptional. Caring, patient. I recommend the good doctor and his aides and staff.

Google Reviews

“I truly believe this doctor cares deeply about his patients.”

His team is incredible, which speaks volumes about the quality of care and his representation in this world. He has helped me improve my health, and I feel fortunate to have met him in a city filled with millions of doctors.

Google Reviews

“Dr. Spiegel is exceptional in diagnosis and treatment”

He is thorough, efficient, caring and effective. His office staff is quite literally the kindest, most professionally managed group I’ve encountered in NYC. I highly recommend.

Google Reviews

“Dr. Spiegel is a lifesaver!”

He really took the time to listen and got me back on track fast. Super friendly staff, and the whole process was a breeze. I’m finally feeling relief, and I couldn’t be happier. Highly recommended if you’re looking for real results.

Google Reviews

“Dr. Spiegel provided fantastic and personal care”

After a long and arduous journey searching for relief Dr. Speigel helped me regain my life. I am forever thankful for Dr. Speigel’s personal care and excellent bedside manner. He had great bed side manner as well.

Google Reviews

“Caring, compassionate and helpful”

He listened carefully and was responsive to any questions that I had. His staff were also extremely helpful and kind.

Google Reviews

“This man saved my life”

After 30 years of suffering the worst neck pain anyone can endure and having multiple surgery this man fixed it with on simple injection to my neck! I wasn't planing on continuing my life like this this man saved my life!

Google Reviews

“Dr. Spiegel was phenomenal”

Dr. Spiegel was phenomenal! He asked a lot of questions about the pain I was feeling, he performed some tests, and seamlessly was able to schedule an MRI and cortisone shots for my back. Would highly recommend.

Browse Reviews

Where To Find Us

Contact Us

Upper East Side

215 E 77th St., New York, NY 10075
(Between 2nd & 3rd Ave)

6 train
1.5 blocks at 77th & Lexington Ave.

O train
72nd & 2nd Ave or 86th St & 2nd Ave.

Handicap Accessible

Nearby Parking

  • CitiParking, 77th & 3rd
  • Lenox Parking, 77th & 2nd
  • Icon Parking, 75th & 2nd

917-694-2212 Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re in pain, you need more than a quick prescription or a rushed five-minute visit. At UES Interventional Pain, we combine medical expertise with a patient-first approach so you feel heard, understood, and confident in your care.


  • Board-Certified Expertise – Our physicians are trained in the most advanced interventional pain techniques, so you get precise, targeted treatment.
  • Local Care, Global Standards – We’re right here in the Upper East Side, serving patients from across Manhattan and beyond, but we hold ourselves to the highest international standards of safety and outcomes.
  • Tailored Treatment Plans – No one-size-fits-all care. Every plan is built around your condition, lifestyle, and goals.
  • Access and Convenience – Same-day and next-day appointments, easy subway access, and nearby parking options make getting care stress-free.

Whether you need a simple injection or a minimally invasive procedure, we guide you through every step with the goal of not just easing your pain, but helping you move freely and confidently again.

Yes. We reserve slots for urgent cases so you can get relief as quickly as possible.

Our office is located on East 77th Ave, near the 6 train, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Manhattan.

Yes. Several parking garages are within a short walk, and street parking is sometimes available. For details, see our Contact Us page.

Your journey to pain-free living starts here.

Let’s take the first step — together.

At UES Interventional Pain, we’ll identify exactly what’s causing your sciatica and build a targeted plan to address it — without surgery, without guesswork, and without a long wait.

Call us at 917-694-2212, text us, or book online. Same-day and next-day appointments available

Book Online Call Now: 917-694-2212