Sciatic Pain

Sciatic nerve pain or “Sciatica” is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and extends all the way to the feet. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can result in a condition known as sciatica.

The most common symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The pain may be sharp, shooting, or burning in nature and can vary in intensity.

Other symptoms of sciatica may include:

– Numbness or tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs, or feet may accompany sciatica. These sensations may be felt in specific areas or throughout the entire leg.

– Muscle weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the leg or foot on the affected side may occur with sciatica. This can result in difficulty in lifting the foot or toes or performing normal leg movements.

– Lower back pain:  Low back pain is a very common symptom of sciatica, although the pain typically radiates down the leg and is more pronounced in the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet.

– Pain aggravated by movement: Sciatica pain may worsen with certain movements such as bending forward, sitting for prolonged periods, coughing, or sneezing.

Sciatica is often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve due to conditions such as:

– Herniated disc: When the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc leaks out and presses against the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica.

– Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal or the spaces where the nerve roots exit the spine can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica.

– Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes tighten or spasm and compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica.

– Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on the spinal discs over time can cause them to degenerate, which may result in pressure on the sciatic nerve.

At Disc Centers of America, we are able to treat all of these common causes of sciatica to help you get relief fast.  The treatment needed depends on the cause of your sciatica.

The first step is to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Raymond Taylor.  He will discuss your situation with you so that he has a better understanding of what is going on.  After that, if he feels he can help, he will make recommendations on what to do next.

It is critical to get an accurate diagnosis in order to treat the condition correctly.  It is also vitally important to get started sooner rather than later, as some conditions can worsen with time, thus reducing the likelihood of recovery.