Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that arises from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The longest nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve branches from the lumbar spine (low back) and runs through the buttocks and down each of your legs.

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying problem, not a condition in and of itself. Sciatica can cause nerve pain that ranges from mild to severe.

Sciatica can feel like a bad leg cramp or like sharp, shooting electric-shock sensations that leave you in excruciating pain. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness anywhere along the nerve, from the low back to the leg.

What causes sciatica?

The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. When the soft, gel-like substance inside a disc protrudes, it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

Other causes of sciatica include:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal injury or infection
• Spinal tumors
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Piriformis syndrome

Certain factors may increase your risk for sciatica, including obesity, prolonged sitting, and having a job that requires heavy lifting. 

How is sciatica diagnosed?

First, your provider at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine conducts an individualized and comprehensive medical evaluation. One-on-one time with your specialist will help achieve an accurate diagnosis.

In addition to a physical exam and review of your medical history, the team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine may use imaging tools such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to confirm a diagnosis and determine the root cause of sciatica.

How is sciatica treated?

About 80-90% of people with sciatica get better without surgery. The team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine uses a variety of nonsurgical treatments for sciatica, including:

• Pain-relieving medications
• Physical therapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Hot and cold packs
• Corticosteroid injections
• Regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and Discseel®
• Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic

If your sciatica pain persists despite conservative treatments, the team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine may recommend surgery.

For personalized treatment of sciatica, call your nearest Performance Pain and Sports Medicine office today.