Sciatica
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg, can be affected by various factors.
One of the primary causes of sciatica is the pressure exerted on the nerve by a herniated disc or bone overgrowth. This pressure leads to inflammation, resulting in pain and occasionally numbness in the leg on the affected side.
At NeuroSpine Plus, our team of neurosurgeons specializes in providing comprehensive treatment options for sciatica, ensuring a swift recovery for our patients. Don't let sciatica hold you back from living a pain-free life. Contact NeuroSpine Plus today to schedule a consultation.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica pain can present itself in various ways, ranging from a mild tingling sensation to a dull ache or burning feeling. In severe cases, it can even render individuals immobile.
Typically, the pain is localized to one side of the body. Some may experience sharp pain in specific areas of the leg or hip, accompanied by numbness in other regions. The discomfort or numbness may extend to the back of the calf. Weakness in the affected leg is also common.
The onset of sciatica pain is often gradual, with symptoms worsening under certain circumstances:
- Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
- Specific times of the day, such as nighttime
- Actions like sneezing, coughing, or laughing, especially if caused by a herniated disc
- Activities that involve bending backward or walking longer distances, particularly if resulting from spinal stenosis
- Straining or breath-holding, such as during a bowel movement
At NeuroSpine Plus, our team of experts is dedicated to helping individuals find effective solutions for sciatica pain. Through a personalized approach, we aim to address the underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs.
What are the causes of sciatica?
At NeuroSpine Plus, we understand that sciatica can stem from various factors, including:
- Slipped or herniated disc
A condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine slip out of place or rupture.
- Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.
- Pelvic injury or fracture
Damage or breakage to the bones in the pelvic region.
- Tumors
Abnormal growths that can develop in or around the spine.
- Spondylolisthesis
A condition where one vertebra slips forward or backward onto the vertebra below it.
Our team of neurosurgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating sciatica, ensuring that you receive the personalized care you deserve.
What are the treatments for sciatica?
NeuroSpine Plus offers a range of treatments to address sciatica. Our conservative treatments include:
- Prescription medications
Our experienced providers may prescribe painkillers, muscle relaxers, or other medications to alleviate sciatica symptoms.
- Physical Therapy
Stretching exercises and low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or water aerobics can help decrease sciatica discomfort.
- Spinal Injections
In certain cases, injections containing corticosteroids can provide short-term relief from sciatica symptoms.
For cases where sciatica is more severe, surgery may be the best option. At NeuroSpine Plus, we carefully evaluate each patient to determine if surgical intervention is necessary. Surgical options for sciatica include:
- Discectomy
This surgical procedure involves removing fragments or small sections of a herniated disc that are pressing on the nerve.
- Laminectomy
In this procedure, a section of the lamina, located on the rear side of each vertebra, is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the best course of action for your sciatica management.
Sciatica FAQ
Sciatica is a common condition, affecting a significant portion of the population. It is estimated that approximately 40% of individuals in the United States experience some form of sciatica during their lifetime. Sciatica rarely occurs before the age of 20, unless it is injury-related.
During your evaluation, our specialists may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Spine X-rays or CT scans
- MRI scans
- Electromyography
- Myelogram
When it comes to managing mild cases of sciatica, self-treatment can often bring relief. However, it’s important to note that if your sciatica pain is severe, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, it’s crucial to seek professional medical care rather than attempting self-treatment.
Here are some self-treatment options you can consider:
- Ice: Applying cold or ice packs to the affected area during the initial few days can help reduce pain and swelling. Remember to wrap the ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel to prevent any cold-related injuries to your skin. Apply cold for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Heat: After the first few days of using cold therapy, you can switch to a heating pad or warm compress. Applying heat for 20 minutes at a time can provide soothing relief.
- Over-the-counter Medicines: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended as the first line of defense. These medications can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Stretching