SCIATICA

Sciatica is a common condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve (which is the longest nerve in the body) becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve originates in the lower back and travels through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. When pressure is placed on the nerve, it can result in significant pain and a decrease in mobility.

As the condition progresses, the pain may become more frequent or intense, making it difficult to maintain a normal routine or perform day-to-day activities.

If you have sciatica, the common symptoms can include:

• Pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg
• Numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in the leg or foot
• Sharp, electric-like shooting pain
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements (like sneezing)
• Burning sensations in the lower body

Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, but treating sciatica in its early stages can prevent symptoms from getting worse. At Sano Specialty Care, our Spine team treats patients with sciatica so they can live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical treatments and surgical procedures.

Many treatment options can relieve nerve pressure and eliminate the symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica is usually effectively treated using non-surgical treatment options, and the specialists at Sano create treatment plans based on your lifestyle and goals. These treatment plans may consist of any combination of the following non-surgical treatment options:

• Physical therapy to improve core strength and spinal flexibility
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce nerve swelling
• Epidural steroid injections to provide targeted relief at the source of the pain
• Activity modification and posture training

Surgery is only recommended if sciatica does not respond to non-surgical treatment options or if there is evidence of progressing nerve damage. Our spine specialists at Sano Specialty Care specialize in advanced, minimally invasive procedures such as microdiscectomies and spinal decompressions to remove pressure from the nerve with smaller incisions and faster recovery times. 

With our advanced training and passion for musculoskeletal health, patients seek out Sano for definitive relief from nerve pain.