Sciatica

Sciatica Treatment Clearwater

Sciatica is a general term used to describe pain in the back, hip, and legs caused by compression of the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower end of the spinal cord down to the lower extremities. This is also know as lumbar radiculopathy.

Contact the professionals at Comprehensive Spine Institute today by calling (727) 300-2537. Schedule an appointment and learn about sciatica treatment in Clearwater.

The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body in diameter and length and is made up of our L4, L5, S1 and S2 nerve roots at the end of the spine. The lower lumbar region of the spine is particularly susceptible to injury because of the wear and tear it takes on a daily basis.

These injuries and abnormalities can impede on the space allotted for the sciatic nerve, therefore compressing it and leading to pain called sciatica.

Patients often refer to the pain as:

Radiating
Weakness
Tingling
Numbness
Or shooting that travels down the back, buttocks and legs

Sciatic pain often affects only one side of the body at a time, but in rare cases can affect both. Although sciatica often referred to as a “condition” it is actually a symptom of a more severe medical disorder.

Herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, inflammation and other spinal abnormalities in the lower back can cause compression of the sciatic nerve resulting in sciatic or lumbar radiculopathy.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

Radiating pain is the number one symptom of sciatica.

Stemming from the lower back, sciatic pain can travel into the:

Buttocks
Thighs
Calves
And feet

Although sciatic pain is most commonly felt on only one side of the body, patients have experienced bilateral lumbar radiculopathy resulting in pain down both lower extremities.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

Lower Back Pain
Leg Pain
Hip Pain
Calf Pain
Foot Pain
Radiating Pain
Shooting Pain
Tingling and Numbness
Weakness In Legs
Sharp or Stabbing Pain
Burning Sensations

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What Causes Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica is a description of symptoms occurring from inflammation, pressure or injury to the sciatic nerve. Although lower lumbar radiculopathy, or sciatica, is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, it can also be a result of a bulging disc and degenerative disc disease.

It can be a result of stenosis or changes in the vertebra alignment as occurs with a spondylolisthesis or slippage of one vertebra on another. Less commonly, it can be caused by infection or a spinal tumor.

Sciatica can be caused by:

Herniated Disc
Degenerative Disc Disease
Bulging Disc
Slipped Disc
Stenosis
Bone Spurs or Osteophytes
Arthritis
Spondylolisthesis
Injury
Repetitive Motion or Overuse
Poor Posture
Obesity
Genetics
Poor Health

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Where is Sciatic Pain Coming From?

L4 NERVE ROOT DAMAGE
A pinched nerve root in the L4 section of the vertebral column usually results in radiating pain in the thigh. This pain can come in the form of numbness, tingling, weakness and shooting. Radiculopathy of the L4 nerve root can also cause this pain to extend into the lower leg, ankle and foot. In addition, patients may experience difficultly moving the foot in an upward motion.
L5 NERVE ROOT DAMAGE
A pinched L5 nerve root usually results in radiating pain in the foot. This pain can come in the form of numbness, tingling, weakness and shooting and is commonly felt in the big toe, inside of the foot, top of the foot and ankle. Radiculopathy of the L5 nerve may also cause loss of coordination in the foot and toes.
S1 NERVE ROOT DAMAGE:
A pinched nerve in the S1 section of the vertebral column usually results in radiating pain down the backside of the leg and into the outside of the foot. This pain can come in the form of numbness, tingling, weakness and shooting. S1 nerve root Radiculopathy may cause pain or numbness in the little toe and top of the foot. Consequently, patients find it difficult to stand on their tip-toes or raise their heel off the ground.

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?

After a full clinical evaluation and medical history review, your physician may request and x-ray of your lumbar spine to check the alignment and disc height. Further detail of herniated or bulging discs, stenosis or any soft tissue decline is more readily seen on an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging, which will likely be the next step.

He/she may also request a nerve test or EMG (electromyography) or NCS (Nerve Conduction Study), which will identify if the muscle has lost it nerve response. This test can also help to identify if there is permanent damage to the nerve and potentially lead to sciatica surgery.

How is Sciatica Treated?

If the sciatica is caused predominantly by irritation and inflammation and not severe compression, conservative care is recommended. Physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy and interventional procedures such as epidural shots can reduce the inflammation and the symptoms will resolve.

Management such as good posture and body mechanics, strengthening core muscles and maintaining spinal flexibility can prevent it from reoccurring.

Conservative care options for sciatica are:

Can Sciatica Be Prevented?

While certain risk factors for sciatica, such as age and genetics, cannot be controlled, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing proper posture, and engaging in exercise can help reduce the risk of developing sciatica. Contact the professionals at Comprehensive Spine Institute to learn more.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Sciatica Treatment?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. While some patients experience relief shortly after starting conservative treatments, others may require several weeks to months to achieve optimal results, particularly following surgical intervention.

Sciatica Surgery in Clearwater

If there is compression from a disc herniation, osteophytes, stenosis or mal-alignment of the spine, sciatica surgery may be recommended. Depending on the severity of the pathology surgery may only need to be a minimally invasive procedure such as a laminotomy or microdiscectomy to free the nerve.

However, it may require more complex surgery that clears the area around the nerve and maintains this space with a cage or rods and screws as used for a spinal fusion. Your physician will review and discuss your problems and help you to choose the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect at my first appointment for sciatica at Comprehensive Spine Institute?

During your initial consultation, our doctor will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and daily activities. A physical examination may be performed to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. Depending on your case, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs might be recommended to identify the underlying cause of your sciatica. Based on the evaluation, our doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What are the benefits of physical therapy for sciatica?

Physical therapy offers several benefits for sciatica:

Pain relief: Exercises strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Improved mobility: Physical therapy can help restore your range of motion and improve your ability to perform daily activities.
Preventative care: Learning proper body mechanics and stretches can help prevent future sciatica flare-ups.

Can I still exercise with sciatica?

Exercise is generally safe and encouraged for sciatica, but it's crucial to choose low-impact activities that don't aggravate your pain. Our physical therapists can design a safe and effective exercise program tailored to your needs and limitations.

Contact us today at (727) 300-2537 to learn more about our Clearwater sciatica treatments.

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