Sciatica
The Center for Spine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute: Award-Winning Orthopedic-Only Hospital
The Center for Spine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is an orthopedic-only
hospital that specializes in treating a range of conditions and injuries
that affect the neck, back, and spine – all of which can have an
impact on other areas of the body and a person’s overall health.
This is especially true when it comes to sciatica, the term used to describe
pain, numbness, and tingling which runs down one or both of the legs.
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. These symptoms can include chronic pain that
usually affects one buttock / leg, intensified pain with sitting, standing,
or walking, searing or tingling sensations, and radiating pain that may
extend into the foot or toes.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 the Center for Spine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, browse our online
physician directory and schedule an appointment!
Find a Spine Doctor