Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
To help you discuss symptoms and treatment options with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body that extends from the lower back through to the thighs and feet. Sciatica can be acute (short term), lasting for a few weeks or chronic (long term), persisting for more than three months. While in most cases, sciatica will resolve itself within a few weeks or months, sometimes surgical and non-surgical treatment options are necessary.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Sciatica?
While anyone can develop sciatica, there are certain risk factors, including:
- Increased age
- Poor physical fitness or inactive lifestyle
- Occupational risks
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Other medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer
- Smoking
What Are the Causes of Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a medical diagnosis or condition. Sciatica can be caused by herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, diabetes, tumors, and trauma.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The symptoms of sciatica are:
- Pain in the buttock area and leg
- Sharp, intense, shooting pain down the leg
- Numbness, burning or tingling sensation in the leg or foot
- Weakness of the leg or foot
- Lower back pain that radiates down the buttock and leg
- Pain that increases with coughing, sneezing or straining
- Pain that increases with bending backward and with prolonged sitting or standing
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
To diagnose and develop a treatment plan for sciatica, your orthopedic surgeon will perform the following:
- Medical history: Your orthopedic surgeon physician will gather a detailed history of your symptoms and any treatments received.
- Complete physical examination: Your orthopedic surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your neuromuscular functions.
- Investigations: Your orthopedic surgeon may order diagnostic imaging, including X-ray, MRI, CT scan, CT scan with myelogram, electromyogram, and nerve conduction.
What Are the Treatment Options for Sciatica?
Your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend conservative treatment measures for sciatica, such as physical exercises, physical therapy, over-the-counter medications, cold/hot packs, prescription medication, epidural steroid injections, massages, and chiropractic manipulation.
If those prove ineffective, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend treating the underlying condition causing sciatica, such as herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease.
Worried your sciatica isn’t getting better after weeks, months, or even years? It may be time to consider other options. Let us help you make the right choice for your health and happiness.