What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a form of nerve pain that originates in your sciatic nerve. Pain from sciatica starts in your lower back and tends to radiate through your buttock and down your leg, usually only on one side.
Sciatica can come with a few different symptoms ranging from pain to numbness. You might also feel like the affected leg is heavier than the other. Certain movements might amplify or relieve your sciatica symptoms. You can find temporary relief by walking or by applying heat to the leg.
You should consider booking an appointment with Susan Gutierrez, MD, and her team if your sciatica symptoms are severe or ongoing. Sciatica can affect your sleep and focus, and finding relief can make a big difference.
What causes sciatica?
There are a few different conditions affecting the spine that can cause sciatica. Certain structural issues can place pressure on your sciatic nerve, leading you to experience symptoms of sciatica. Dr. Gutierrez finds out if your sciatica is from:
Herniated discs
A herniated disc happens when part of a disc, a soft cushioning structure between two vertebrae, ruptures, or moves out of place.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when your spinal canal is too narrow and places pressure on nerves inside.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is often associated with herniated or degenerative discs. It happens when one of your vertebrae tilts and places pressure on nearby nerves.
Other conditions
Many conditions and even some musculoskeletal injuries or irregularities can lead to pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Which treatments are available for sciatica?
Dr. Gutierrez finds the cause of your sciatica before composing an individualized treatment plan for symptom relief. At her office, she offers injections, electrical treatments, and more to affect the nerve signals causing your sciatica symptoms. In your case, she might recommend:
- Epidural injections
- Facet blocks
- Discography
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Radiofrequency ablation
Alongside treatments like these, Dr. Gutierrez might encourage you to lose weight, get regular exercise, stop smoking, or make other healthy lifestyle changes to help you achieve optimal results. You may need to book a follow-up appointment after treatment to check back in and assess your progress.
If sciatic pain or numbness frequently makes you uncomfortable or affects your day, call Susan Gutierrez, MD, or book an appointment online today.
