Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is inflammation in your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve goes from the lower part of your lumbar spine into your pelvis and divides in two, with one branch going into each leg. From there, the nerves travel down your legs and into your feet.

Sciatica pain usually affects only one leg, and it develops when another one of your tissues starts pressing on the nerve. The most common causes of sciatic nerve pressure are:

• Bulging or herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis 
• Bone spurs

Sciatica is a common problem for women when they’re pregnant, as the developing baby puts additional pressure on the sciatic nerve.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The main symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that goes from your lower back, through your hip and buttock, and into one leg. The pain can make it difficult to stand or walk.

You might also experience weakness or numbness in your leg, and even your foot in some cases. Some people have other symptoms, like burning sensations down their legs.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

The Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care team is experienced in diagnosing sciatica. They ask you to describe your symptoms, how they started, what kind of pain you have, and whether certain movements make the pain worse or better.

They then perform a physical exam and assess your movement. You might also need to have diagnostic imaging tests done, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, to confirm a diagnosis of sciatica.

How is sciatica treated?

The team at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care creates an individualized treatment program for your sciatica. Your plan might include treatments such as:

• Activity modification
• Pain-relieving medication
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Heating pads
• Steroid injections
• Muscle relaxants

In most cases, these treatments are effective in relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and relieving your symptoms. 

However, in some cases, surgery might be appropriate. This is most likely when you have a problem like a herniated disc, where conservative approaches can’t relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

If you have symptoms of sciatica or any musculoskeletal pain, call Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.