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What is Sciatica?

What is sciatica? You may find yourself asking this question if your doctor diagnoses you with this potentially serious condition. The answer is that sciatica is a term that collectively describes the symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest, thickest nerve in your body, originating near the base of the spine and traveling down the leg.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica arises when a degenerative spine condition causes compression of the sciatic nerve. Degenerative spine conditions are the result of the natural aging process, as the spinal anatomy – discs, bones, joints, etc. – gradually deteriorate over years of wear and tear. When a bone spur or herniated disc, for example, come into contact with the sciatic nerve, this compression – or "pinching" – of the nerve, is what causes sciatic symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sciatica are typically felt in the lower back and legs, since this is the location of the sciatic nerve. They can include:

• Localized pain
• Pain traveling the length of the nerve into the thighs, calves, ankles, and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling sensations
• Numbness

Treatment Options

The good news if you have been diagnosed with sciatica is that conservative, nonsurgical treatment options are usually very effective in managing the symptoms this condition causes. Your doctor might recommend you try any of a variety of options, such as physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, pain medications, stretching, exercises, and others.

Minimally Invasive Alternatives

However, some individuals simply can't find relief through conservative methods and instead turn to surgery. If you've failed to ease your back or leg pain due to sciatica after weeks or months of conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute today to learn more about our?advanced endoscopic procedures that are alternatives to invasive open back surgeries. Our safe, effective procedures have helped tens of thousands of patients rediscover their lives without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.