Sciatica (Lumbar or Sacral Radiculopathy)

Sciatica is a common form of back pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Irritation of any of the nerve roots that contribute to it can lead to back pain that travels through the buttock and into the lower extremity.

Sciatica can be caused by various degenerative changes of the spine, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritic changes of the lumbar facet joints, and previous surgeries with formation of scar tissue around nerve roots. The primary cause of sciatica (present in about 90 percent of cases) is spinal disc herniation pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots.

Sciatica itself actually refers to a symptom rather than a specific disease. The symptom is likely caused by a lumbar or sacral radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include pain in the lower back that travels to your buttocks and down the back of your thigh to your calf.

Diagnosis

To diagnose your condition, we will take a medical history and conduct a medical exam. We may use the following diagnostic tools:

• Imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI
• EMG (nerve study), sometimes ordered if there is concern for nerve health with prolonged symptoms

Treatment (Non-Surgical)

Treatments include improving core strength and exercise to help with musculoskeletal pain associated with nerve irritation, and medications that decrease nerve irritation. If these are not effective, spine injection therapy such as epidural steroids may decrease inflammation around affected nerves.

Contact Us

You're about to make an important decision, and we want to help you make a good one. Our staff will be glad to talk with you about your options and how we can help. Please visit our Make an Appointment page for more information.