Sciatica

Sciatica stems from issues affecting the lower back, where pain can travel down the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, through the buttock and the back of the leg. Patients with sciatic nerve pain can experience pain and various symptoms that affect all aspects of their daily life and their ability to enjoy activities they once did.

Sciatica at a Glance

Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It typically travels from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg.

• Symptoms include: Burning or shooting leg pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness.
• Causes include: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs or other conditions that compress the sciatic nerve.
• Sciatic nerve pain usually affects only one side of the body and often improves with conservative treatment.
• When to see an orthopedic specialist: If symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening or limiting daily activities.

Hoag Orthopedic Institute provides advanced diagnosis and treatment options for patients with back and leg pain.

Treating Sciatica

Because sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, there are many lower back problems that can lead to painful symptoms and decreased mobility. As such, treatment is targeted to the underlying problem rather than the symptoms a person experiences.

Treatment for common causes of sciatica:

• Degenerative disc disease – A condition characterized by the natural wear and tear that comes with aging, degenerative disc disease results in weakened spinal discs that may protrude into the spinal column and place pressure on spinal nerves. This condition can be treated through non-surgical means, including pain management and physical therapy, but may require surgery when patients continue to experience pain and limited motion.
• Herniated or slipped discs – Herniated and slipped discs commonly affect the lower back (lumbar), and occur when the spinal disc, or its soft inner portion, protrude out of the disc and into the spinal column, creating pressure on nerve roots, inflammation, and pain. In severe cases, as well as chronic cases where conservative care does not provide relief, surgery may be required to remove the affected disc or bone fragments, relieve pressure, or fuse vertebrae.
• Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows as a result of congenital disorders, aging, and / or arthritis, and can cause sciatica nerve pain when it affects the lumbar region of the spine (lower back). When non-invasive methods do not provide relief, surgical procedures will focus on decompression (removal of bone spurs, bones, or ligaments that place pressure on nerves) and / or fusion to join vertebrae in the affected area.
• Spondylolisthesis – A spinal disorder in which a vertebra slides over the bone below it, spondylolisthesis typically affects the lower back (lumbar) and can commonly cause sciatica. Rest, physical therapy, pain management, and bracing may be used to treat the condition initially, but more severe grade slippage, slippage that progressively worsens, and conditions that do not respond to non-surgical treatment may necessitate surgery, such as spinal fusion.

Our Orange County spine doctors at the Center for Spine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute leverage their expertise to diagnose your underlying issue and provide the targeted non-surgical and / or surgical treatment needed to get you back to an active and healthy life. Because we prioritize personalized care, patients also have access to a dedicated spine nurse navigator to help them prepare for their surgery and recoveries.

Find a Spine Doctor Online

Sciatica pain can intrude upon your daily life and keep you sidelined from the activities you enjoy, which is why it is vital to work with specialists and support staff who value comprehensive and effective care using the most advanced techniques.

To find a spine doctor with Hoag Orthopedic Institute, browse our online physician directory and schedule an appointment!