Sciatica

Pain is the primary symptom of sciatica, though the location and type of pain varies depending on the overlying condition you are suffering from.

Some people experience a dull ache in their lower back, while others have radiating pain through the buttocks and typically down one leg. Other types of pain include a sharp pain, pain that is described as electrical-feeling, or moderate leg cramping. Typically, the pain is more severe during certain movements, after coughing or sneezing, or while sitting still or standing for longer periods of time. Other symptoms include tingling or burning in the legs, muscle weakness and numbness.

The six most common spinal conditions that can cause sciatica are a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and piriformis syndrome.

• Spinal Stenosis: Sciatica may be caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal, which is also known as spinal stenosis. When narrowing occurs, tension is placed on the nerves in the spinal canal, causing pain that radiates to the legs and feet.
• Piriformis Syndrome: Piriformis muscles are located in the buttocks, and they bring about movement and balance when walking. The sciatic nerve travels so close to the piriformis muscles and can easily get compressed when the muscles expand or contract. This leads to sciatica.
• Spondylolisthesis: Sometimes, the vertebrae in the spinal column can slip forward in a condition known as spondylolisthesis. This causes compression of the nearby nerves, leading to sciatica.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: As the discs in the spinal column age, they begin to degenerate and break down. This process changes the make-up of the spine causing sciatica.
• Herniated Disc: Also known as ruptured or slipped disc, a herniation is a tear that occurs in the outer layer of the discs. This tear allows the inner liquid-like matter to leak into the spinal canal. Pressure is built up resulting in compression of nerves, leading to sciatica.
• Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: Sacroiliac joint fusion can also cause strain and compression to the muscles and ligaments in the spine, leading to sciatica.

The earlier you visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of sciatica, the better your results will be. Finding the source of the sciatic nerve pain is usually the first step in determining the proper treatment, as treating the underlying condition often resolves the pain. Conservative and non-surgical treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory injections are typically successful for sciatica, but when these treatments do not eliminate your pain, surgery is often required.

Surgery is reserved for patients whose sciatica has caused three months or more of intense nerve pain or lack of mobility in the legs. The most typical surgical procedures for sciatic nerve pain based on condition type are a laminoforaminotomy or microdiscectomy. Both of these procedures are outpatient and minimally invasive, which means your pain is eliminated through a small incision, roughly 2 centimeters in length, to minimize risks.

The internationally recognized team of surgeons at NJ Spine and Orthopedic offer a broad range of minimally invasive treatments options to effectively treat sciatic nerve pain, regardless of your condition. Try our Candidacy Verification tool to find out if minimally invasive surgery can eliminate your pain.