Sciatica
Effective relief for sciatic nerve pain
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body and occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, most commonly by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis.
True sciatica indicates nerve root compression typically at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels. The condition affects approximately 40% of people at some point in their lives, with peak incidence in the 40s and 50s. While most cases resolve within 4-6 weeks with conservative treatment, severe cases may require interventional procedures.
Common Causes
Herniated Lumbar Disc
Disc material pressing on the sciatic nerve root, most common cause
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing nerve roots, more common in older adults
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc changes causing instability and nerve irritation
Spondylolisthesis
Forward slippage of one vertebra over another compressing nerve roots
Piriformis Syndrome
Tightness or spasm of the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve
Spinal Tumors or Infections
Rare causes of nerve compression requiring urgent evaluation
Symptoms
Sharp, shooting pain from lower back down leg
Burning or tingling sensation along nerve path
Numbness or weakness in affected leg or foot
Pain worsening with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Difficulty moving the leg or foot
Pins and needles in leg, foot, or toes
Pain that may be constant or intermittent
Loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases
Advanced Treatment Options
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
Targeted delivery of corticosteroids to specific nerve root
Selective Nerve Root Blocks
Both diagnostic and therapeutic, identifying pain-generating nerve
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy
Surgical removal of herniated disc material with small incisions
Percutaneous Disc Decompression
Procedures like nucleoplasty to reduce disc pressure
Radiofrequency Ablation
For facet-mediated pain contributing to sciatica symptoms
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For chronic, refractory sciatica not responding to other treatments
Laminectomy or Laminotomy
Surgical decompression of the spinal canal for stenosis-related sciatica
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