Sciatica is a painful condition that can seriously impact your ability to move and engage in day-to-day activities. With proper treatment, it’s possible to recover from sciatica and restore your quality of life.

No one deserves to live with persistent pain. Connect with a physician today to address sciatica pain. 

What Is Sciatica?

Pain along the sciatic nerve — which is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down through the legs — is referred to as sciatica. Typically, sciatica does not exist independently. Instead, it’s a consequence of another condition or injury, such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disk.

Sciatica Pain Symptoms

You may be wondering: What distinguishes sciatica from other types of back pain? It’s possible to identify sciatica based on the location of the discomfort. Pain can range anywhere from a mild ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation located in the lower back, buttocks, or down the legs.

Some other sciatica symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling
• General weakness when attempting to stand or walk
• Poor balance or coordination
• Worsened pain when sitting or standing for long periods

What Causes Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica is prompted by any injury or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some common causes include:

• Herniated discs: Also known as a slipped or bulging disc, this occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc cracks and pushes past the disc’s tough outer layer. This can occur over time due to aging, or suddenly due to an injury during exercise or other heavy lifting.
• Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spaces in the backbone narrow and become too small, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Again, this can be due to age, arthritis, or sudden injury.
• Bone spurs, tumors or cysts: Abnormal growths (either benign or malignant) along the spine can push down on the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica.
• Infections: Certain infections can lead to swelling/excess fluid along the spine, leading to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Age: Natural wear-and-tear on the spine can impact the sciatic nerve as well.
  

Sciatica Pain Treatment

Treatment for sciatica depends on a myriad of factors, including the cause, duration, and severity of your condition. Your care team will likely recommend one or more of the following options:

• Conservative treatment and rest: Simply resting, applying a cold compress, or taking over-the-counter pain relief medication can improve sciatica symptoms. For milder cases, this conservative treatment may be sufficient.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist may recommend personalized exercises targeting your back and core strength, improving your overall flexibility and thus reducing pressure on your sciatic nerve.
• Prescription medications and corticosteroid injections: If over-the-counter medicine is not sufficient to reduce your pain, a doctor may recommend stronger painkillers or muscle relaxants. Additionally, you may benefit from corticosteroid injections to target inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In more severe, chronic cases, a spinal surgeon or neurosurgeon may become involved to address structural issues like herniated discs or spinal bone spurs.

How Long Does Sciatica Last?

Sciatica can last anywhere from a few days to many months, depending on how a patient responds to treatment. Most individuals will see improvement within a couple of weeks. However, if sciatica pain persists for more than six weeks, it is considered chronic.

Remember that even in severe, chronic cases, treatment options are available to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Who Can Treat Sciatica?

Several types of physicians and health care providers may be involved in your treatment. These include:

• Orthopedic specialists: These physicians are skilled at identifying the source of sciatica, whether it be a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or another musculoskeletal condition. From there, they can suggest both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
• Neurologists and neurosurgeons: Since the sciatic nerve is part of your nervous system, neurologists and neurosurgeons can perform diagnostic tests and surgery as well.
• Pain management specialists: For chronic cases of sciatica, pain management specialists can help you identify sustainable ways to reduce the discomfort associated with this condition.
• Physical therapists: Physical therapists can focus on improving your core and back strength, reducing the risk of recurring sciatica.