Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a common contributor to back and leg pain. It’s often caused by pressure, inflammation, or irritation of the sciatic nerve that runs down your lower back into the buttocks and down each leg. While sciatica may respond to rest and other conservative treatments, surgery is sometimes the best way to fully eliminate long-lasting discomfort.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms may include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Back pain
• Radiating pain down one leg
• Electric shock-like pain
• Mild aching
• Burning 
• Sharp pain
• Muscle weakness
• Urinary incontinence
• Fecal incontinence 
• Excruciating pain 

The pain experienced might worsen when you bend or lift your legs while lying down, sneeze, sit for a long time, or cough. It often affects just one side of the body.

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

While the exact cause of sciatica isn’t always known, its risk factors include:

• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Tumors
• Being aged 20-50
• Carrying excess body weight
• Prolonged sitting
• Diabetes
• Physically demanding job
• Carrying heavy loads
• Frequent driving
• Slipped vertebrae
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease

Adopting healthy habits, such as maintaining an ideal weight, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and using proper techniques when lifting heavy things, may reduce your chance of developing sciatica. 

How is sciatica diagnosed?

At Advanced Spine Care, Dr. Verma discusses your symptoms and medical history, completes a physical exam, and offers nerve testing and imaging procedures to diagnose the cause of ongoing discomfort and personalize a treatment plan that provides the utmost relief.

How is sciatica treated?

Treating sciatica at Advanced Spine Care involves a concierge-level approach and personalized care. Conservative treatments for sciatica include rest, physical therapy, hot or cold packs, healthy lifestyle changes, and corticosteroid injections. 

Dr. Verma also offers minimally invasive surgery using the latest advances in procedures and technologies. He can remove a bone spur or herniated disc, correct spinal stenosis, or address other causes of chronic pain to eliminate pressure placed on your sciatic nerve. 

The type of surgery needed depends on your sciatica’s underlying cause. Dr. Verma offers:

• Discectomy
• Disc replacement
• Laminectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Spinal fusion
• Spinal decompression surgery
• Revision spine surgery

He uses computer-assisted technology as needed during spinal surgeries to maximize accuracy and precision. Dr. Verma follows up after the procedure to ensure long-lasting relief. 

Schedule a sciatica evaluation at Advanced Spine Care by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.