Sciatica Symptoms and Treatment

Sciatica describes pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the spine. However, sciatica also can be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal stenosis, bone spurs caused by arthritis, or nerve compression (pinched nerve) caused by injury.

Sciatica Treatment Options

In many cases, sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medicines and exercises to relieve pain. Additional treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest physical therapy, injections of medicines such as steroids, stronger medicines or even surgery in severe cases.

Sciatica Symptoms

Symptoms of sciatica include pain that begins in your back or buttock and moves down your leg and may move into your foot. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg may also occur.

Hoag's Spine Neurosurgery program offers a comprehensive treatment program for patients with Sciatica.