Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that shoots down your leg from your lower back and is commonly mistaken for a regular “back ache.” It happens when the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body, becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause pain that travels from the lower back into the buttocks and down the leg. Some people may also experience numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness depending on how much the nerve is being affected.
Sciatica can have several different causes, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, or other changes in the spine that put pressure on the nerves. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes everyday activities like walking, sitting, standing, or exercising difficult. It is also possible for sciatica symptoms to come and go, which can sometimes make people think the problem has gone away when the underlying cause may still be present.
Treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve compression and how severe your symptoms are. Many patients may start with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, activity modifications, or injections. If symptoms continue or the nerve remains significantly compressed, surgery may be considered.
At Axis Spine and Orthopedics, we can help treat sciatica with minimally invasive spine surgery when surgery is appropriate. Depending on the cause of the compression, the procedure may target the source of the problem or create more space around the affected nerve. Both techniques aim to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and ultimately reduce pain and other nerve-related symptoms.
If you are experiencing pain that travels from your lower back into your leg, especially if you are also experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated. Understanding what is causing your pain is the first step toward finding the appropriate treatment and getting BACK to It.
