What Is Sciatica and What Can I Do About It?

Are you experiencing sharp, shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg? If so, you may be dealing with sciatica. Sciatica, also known as radiculopathy, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and sometimes debilitating pain.

Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, helps his patients understand the cause of their sciatica and provides a tailored treatment plan to manage and alleviate their symptoms. Call his office, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to better understand how we can help you with your sciatica today. 

WHAT IS SCIATICA?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It typically affects one side of your body and can range from mild to severe. The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.

CAUSES
1) Herniated Disc: One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc. When the soft inner core of a disc in your spine pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior, it can irritate the nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
2) Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
3) Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs in our spine can wear down, leading to degenerative disc disease. This can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve
4) Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can compress the nerves in the spinal column, including the sciatic nerve.

SYMPTOMS
1) Pain: The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, often following the path of the sciatic nerve.
2) Numbness/Tingling: Some people with sciatica may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg or foot.
3) Worsening Symptoms: Symptoms may worsen after prolonged sitting, standing, sneezing, coughing, or straining.

TREATMENT
1) Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can help prevent further aggravation of sciatica symptoms. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. Excess weight can put added pressure on your spine and worsen sciatica symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce strain on your back.
2) Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate mild to moderate sciatica pain.
3) Physical Therapy: Structured exercise program can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
4) Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from sciatica pain.
5) Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be recommended to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as a discectomy or laminectomy/foraminotomy.

Sciatica can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment approach and lifestyle modifications, many people can find relief from their symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent or severe sciatica pain, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Remember, you are not alone, and there are effective treatments available to help you manage sciatica and get back to enjoying life pain-free.

For compassionate and expert care, book an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, spine surgeon in Torrance and Long Beach, California, to discuss how we can help address your sciatica today.