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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.

Press Releases

1 /

View All Press Releases