Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg. The condition usually affects only one side of the body and can range from mild discomfort to intense, debilitating pain. If you’ve experienced sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in your lower back, hips, or legs, you may have sciatica.

What Causes Sciatica?

The primary cause of sciatica is the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can happen due to:

• Herniated Disc: When a disc in the spine slips out of place and presses on the nerve.
• Bone Spurs: Growths that can narrow the space where the nerve exits the spine.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis: When a vertebra slips out of alignment.

In some rare cases, sciatica can also be caused by a tumor or diabetes.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg. Other common symptoms include:

• Sharp or burning pain along the path of the sciatic nerve.
• Numbness or tingling in the affected leg or foot.
• Weakness in the leg, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.

Treatment for Sciatica

In most cases, sciatica can be treated without surgery. Common treatment options include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged sitting.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Medications: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage symptoms.
• Epidural Injections: Steroid injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve.

In rare cases, when conservative treatments don’t provide relief, surgery may be recommended.

If you’re experiencing sciatica pain, Dr. Manojkumar Gaddikeri, an orthopedic spine surgeon, can help you find an effective treatment plan to get back to living pain-free.