sciatic nerve pain

Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is pain traveling along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, starting with a bundle of nerve roots from the lower spine that combine and extend from the buttocks down each leg.

Those with sciatica may experience sharp or achy pain ranging from mild to severe in the lower back, hips, buttocks and back of the legs into the calf or toes. The pain is often accompanied by tingling and numbness.

Sciatic nerve pain occurs when pressure is placed on nerve roots in the lumbar spine or on the sciatic nerve itself. This can be caused by several injuries or conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar stenosis, pregnancy, pelvic injuries, cysts and tumors. Other conditions may also lead to sciatic nerve pain and symptoms. It is best to speak with your provider to determine the cause of your sciatica.

Some people may be at a heightened risk of developing sciatica, including those with:

  • Injuries
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyles
  • Occupations that require heavy lifting or twisting
  • Tobacco use

Sciatica is relatively common. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10% of patients reporting lower back pain are experiencing sciatica.

Symptoms

  • Sharp or achy pain along the lower back, hips, buttocks and/or legs
  • Burning or shock-like pain down the leg
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged siting
  • Pain radiating down only one leg
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Incontinence may be experienced with extreme cases and should warrant an immediate evaluation in an emergency department

Treatment Options

Most individuals with sciatica can recover on their own by placing some extra attention on managing the condition. Commonly, ice or heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and basic stretching and strengthening exercises can relieve sciatica pain.

Smoking cessation, weight loss and good control of diabetes can also help relieve symptoms. Your primary care provider can offer advice on how to best care for your mild sciatic pain and determine if further workup is needed.

In cases where self-treatment is not sufficient in relieving pain, physical therapy, injections and other medications can help resolve the condition. Some severe cases may require surgery to relieve pressure from the nerve roots and prevent nerve damage.

UofL Health is Here to Help

You don’t have to suffer from sciatic nerve pain. UofL Physicians – Orthopedics and UofL Health – Comprehensive Spine Center, part of UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute, are here for you. To make an appointment with an orthopedist, please call 502-588-4521. For more information on the Comprehensive Spine Center, please call 502-588-2160.

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Article by: Lauren Boden, M.D.

Lauren Boden, M.D., is a board eligible, fellowship-trained spine surgeon. She provides high-quality comprehensive spine care including primary and revision surgery of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Throughout her medical career, Dr. Boden has published many peer-reviewed articles and presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Boden completed a combined orthopedic and neurological spine fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic (Oh), where she worked with world-renowned spine surgeons. She received training in both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgery techniques and continues to combine them into her practice. Prior to fellowship, Dr. Boden completed her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was selected as an inaugural fellow in the Wharton Penn Orthopedic Leadership Academy. She earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree at Pomona College.

All posts by Lauren Boden, M.D.
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