Sciatica pain is usually felt in the lower back and down into the legs. While very common, it is one of the most misunderstood conditions, and the symptoms of sciatica can be debilitating. Anyone who suspects they have sciatica should have themselves evaluated by an orthopedic doctor to find out their treatment options.
In this blog, we will provide an introduction to sciatica and talk about its causes, symptoms, and how it is usually treated.
What Are the Causes of Sciatica?
The compression of the sciatic nerve is what causes sciatica symptoms. The most common underlying conditions that are associated with sciatica are:
- A herniated disc – when the soft inner core of a vertebral disc pushes out through the outer layer and presses on a nerve root.
- Spinal stenosis – the narrowing of the spinal canal, usually a result of arthritis.
- Spondylolisthesis – when one vertebral body slips forward over another.
- Degenerative disc disease – due to aging or injury.
- A tumor or infection in the spine.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back down to one leg. The pain can be described as a sharp, shooting pain that feels like an electric shock. It can also be accompanied by numbness, a pins and needles tingling sensation, and muscle weakness in the affected leg.
A severe symptom of sciatica is urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence, which means a loss of control over urination or defecation.
How is Sciatica Treated?
A thorough review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination are used to diagnose sciatica.
Treatment is individualized to the patient and may include some of the interventions below:
- Use of hot or cold packs
- Avoiding prolonged sitting/standing
- Improving posture
- Exercises to increase core strength
- Gentle stretching exercises
- Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or aqua therapy
- The use of proper lifting techniques
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants
- Anticonvulsants for neurogenic pain
- Opioid and nonopioid analgesics
- Oral corticosteroids
- Localized corticosteroid injections
- Spinal manipulation
- Deep tissue massage
- Physical therapy
In most cases, patients can manage sciatica symptoms well without surgery.
Surgery for Sciatica
An orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to relieve compression of the sciatic nerve. The type of surgery needed depends on the underlying condition.
Some commonly performed orthopedic procedures to relieve sciatica include:
- Discectomy – the partial or total removal of a herniated or damaged disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve.
- Foraminotomy – involves the enlargement of the area around the spinal column to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Laminectomy – involves the removal of the lamina, a bony structure in the spine, to alleviate sciatic nerve compression.
- Microdiscectomy – involves the removal of a small portion of the herniated disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve.
If measures are not taken to relieve compression of the sciatic nerve, it could lead to increased pain over time and permanent nerve damage.
Orthopedic Doctor in Hartford and Tolland Counties, CT & Springfield, MA
The orthopedic team at Advanced Orthopedics New England is trusted in the treatment of sciatic nerve compression resulting from spinal disc issues. Our spinal surgery team is led by Dr. David Kruger, the medical director of the Spine Institute of Connecticut. We can determine the best approach for treatment and ensure you are supported every step of the way.
To schedule an appointment with a top spine surgeon, call us today at (860) 728-6740. Advanced Orthopedics New England has five convenient locations, serving the residents of Enfield, Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, and Vernon, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts. We look forward to serving you!
