What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs from compression or irritation of your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in your body.
It’s made up of several nerve roots that exit from different levels of the lumbar spine, join together in your buttocks, and travel down the back of each leg.
Your sciatic nerve is a sensory and motor nerve for your legs and feet. Compression or irritation along any part of the sciatic nerve may cause pain.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Pain that travels from your low back into your buttocks and down the leg on one side of your body is the telltale symptom of sciatica. The type of pain you feel varies, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting sensation.
You may also experience a burning, tingling, or numbness, as well as muscle weakness in the affected leg. Your pain may worsen during movement.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica most often develops from problems related to the spine. Some of the most common causes of sciatica include:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs
- Spinal stenosis
- Vertebrae slippage
- Osteoarthritis
Your risk of developing sciatica increases as you get older because of the degenerative changes that occur in your spine with age.
What happens during a sciatica consultation?
When you visit The Spine Group with concerns about sciatica, your pain physician conducts a comprehensive exam to find the underlying cause of your pain.
They review your symptoms, medical history, and usual activities. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your provider at The Spine Group runs imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
How is sciatica treated?
The Spine Group takes a collaborative approach to care and works closely with you and your other health care providers to develop the most effective treatment plan for your sciatica.
Treatment for your sciatica may depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Most people get relief from sciatica pain with conservative care, including physical therapy, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle relaxants.
If these treatments fail to provide significant relief, The Spine Group may suggest interventional pain treatments such as epidural injections. The practice may also suggest spinal cord stimulation if you have chronic pain and other treatments fail to provide significant relief.
For expert care for your sciatica, call The Spine Group or book an appointment online today.
