Traveling from the base of your spine, through your pelvis next to your hip joint, then down your leg, your sciatic nerve can be a source of pain. It’s the largest nerve in your body, and when it’s compressed, it’s called sciatica.
Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis, but instead describes the result of numerous conditions. Providers at Apex Medical Center see patients who have sciatica as a result of bulging or herniated discs, a bone spur, or a recent hip replacement, among other conditions. One thing that’s important to remember is that treatments for back pain are available, but sometimes it takes some investigation to find which treatment, or which set of treatments, works best for you.
Sciatic pain happens when the nerve root, in the bottom part of your spine, is compressed. But the pain doesn’t necessarily remain in your lower back. It usually follows the path of your sciatic nerve.
Remember, your sciatic nerves (one in each leg) are the largest in your body and extend from your lumbar spine to your feet. Sciatic pain often begins in the lower back and radiates through the hip and down the thigh.
Sometimes people describe sciatica as feeling like a bad leg cramp, while others say it’s more of an electrical pain. You may also feel numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your leg. The pain may be more intense when you sneeze or cough, or even when you just move around.
The most common cause of sciatica, especially in people younger than 40, is a herniated disc. Your vertebrae are separated by donut-shaped discs that have a tough outer layer and a soft, squishy center. Your spinal cord runs through the center.
Over time, the outer layer of those discs can become worn, allowing the soft inner part to squish up on one side or the other. That’s a bulging disc. When the outer layer ruptures, you have a herniated disc.
In either case, the discs in your lower spine may press against your sciatic nerve, causing pain from your back, radiating down your leg.
The best treatment for sciatic pain depends on the cause of the pain. If you have a herniated disc, it’s very likely to get better within a few weeks. If the problem is bone spurs or spinal stenosis, you may need other interventions.
Some of the common treatments include:
Finding the most effective treatment begins with a diagnosis of what’s causing your sciatic pain. If you have back pain, schedule an appointment at the most convenient location of Apex Medical Center.
