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• Slipped Disc Sciatica

Slipped Disc Sciatica

There are a number of painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with a lower back slipped disc. Sciatica is one of them.

The most common cause of sciatica is a slipped or herniated disc in the lumbar (lower) spine. When a disc becomes herniated, it can place pressure on surrounding nerves and nerve endings. In the case of sciatica, the slipped disc places pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is a large nerve that begins at the base of the spine and runs vertically down the back of each leg.

Symptoms of slipped disc-induced sciatica are the same as those of sciatica caused by spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, bone spurs, or many other lower back conditions. Depending on the amount of disc matter pressing against the sciatic nerve, symptoms can range from a dull ache to a sharp burning sensation to a quick jolt of pain. Most of the time, symptoms begin in the lower back and radiate through the buttocks, down the legs, and sometimes to the feet. In rare and severe cases, leg weakness or bladder and bowel dysfunction may be present. This may indicate a life-threatening condition called cauda equina syndrome which requires immediate medical treatment.

Certain actions can intensify slipped disc sciatica symptoms, so your doctor may evaluate your lifestyle and recommend that you modify any activities that could potentially worsen your condition. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time, as well as any forward-bending motions, can aggravate sciatica symptoms.

Fortunately for those who suffer from the unpleasant symptoms of slipped disc symptoms like sciatica, there are quite a few treatment options available, such as:

• Exercises to help correct your posture and strengthen your core muscles to adequately support your spine
• Stretches to help manage leg and lower back pain
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
• Steroid injections for patients with more severe symptoms
• Hot and cold therapies
• Massage

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

The course of sciatica treatment your doctor prescribes will largely depend on the severity of your symptoms. For individuals who continue to experience extreme, painful, and debilitating slipped disc sciatica after weeks or months of conservative treatment, a minimally-invasive endoscopic procedure from Laser Spine Institute (LSI) may be the solution. Our revolutionary procedures have an extremely high success rate and significantly fewer side effects than traditional open back surgery. We can review your MRI or CT scan for free; contact LSI today to learn how we can help you reclaim your life.

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