What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg that originates in the lower back. It’s caused by an issue with the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower back down the back of the leg to the foot.

Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms typically affect one side of the body and can include:

• Sharp Pain: Radiating from the lower back to the buttock and down the leg.
• Numbness or Tingling: Felt in the leg or foot.
• Weakness: Difficulty moving the leg or foot.
• Worsening Pain: Pain intensifies with prolonged sitting, standing, or sudden movements like coughing or sneezing.

Treatment

The treatment for sciatica aims to relieve pain, address the underlying cause, and restore normal function. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and the specific cause of the pain.

Conservative Treatments include short periods of rest, avoiding prolonged inactivity. Physical therapy with targeted exercises can strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Hot and cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and relieve pain, while muscle relaxants may be prescribed for muscle spasms.

Injections such as corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around the affected nerve, providing temporary relief from pain and swelling.

Minimally Invasive Procedures like epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area of the spine to reduce inflammation and ease nerve pressure.

Surgical Options are considered for severe cases or when conservative treatments fail. Common surgeries include discectomy, where a portion of a herniated disc is removed to relieve nerve compression, and laminectomy, where part of the vertebra is removed to reduce pressure on the nerve.

Additional treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can provide relief for some people. Lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding prolonged sitting, can also help prevent flare-ups and reduce sciatica symptoms over time.