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.