Sciatica, or lumbar radiculopathy, refers to a collection of symptoms caused by the compression or irritation of one or more lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots. Rather than being a standalone diagnosis, sciatica indicates an underlying issue affecting the nerve roots that leads to pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The symptoms of sciatica can vary among individuals, but they commonly include:

• Lower Back Pain: Pain that may range from sharp to dull in the lower back.
• Buttock Pain: Discomfort that radiates into the buttocks, often accompanying lower back pain.
• Leg Pain: Pain that travels down the back of the leg, potentially reaching the foot, which can vary in intensity.
• Numbness and Tingling: Many patients experience numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation in the leg and foot.
• Weakness: Difficulty moving or controlling the leg, leading to weakness in the affected limb.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Several underlying conditions can contribute to nerve root irritation, including:

1. Herniated Discs: Bulging or ruptured discs can compress nearby nerve roots.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related changes can lead to reduced cushioning and increased risk of nerve compression.
3. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can exert pressure on nerve roots.
4. Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips out of place, potentially pinching nerve roots.
5. Injuries: Trauma to the lower back can lead to sciatica.
6. Tumors: Rarely, tumors can grow in or near the spinal canal, compressing nerve roots.

Diagnosis of Sciatica

Diagnosing sciatica involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Key components include:

• Medical History: Understanding the patient's symptoms and potential causes.
• Physical Examination: Evaluating range of motion, reflexes, and signs of weakness or sensory abnormalities.

Imaging Studies: Tests such as MRI, CT scans, or lumbar discograms may be ordered to identify the underlying cause of sciatica.

The straight leg raise test is a commonly used diagnostic test. It is considered positive if pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve is reproduced when the leg is passively flexed between 30 and 70 degrees.

Sciatica Management

When lumbar disc herniation is the cause of sciatica, most cases resolve spontaneously over several weeks to months. The initial treatment during the first 2 to 4 weeks should be conservative, including:

• Conservative Therapies: Heat modalities, massage therapy, physical therapy, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are effective initial treatments.

If conservative management fails, other modalities should be considered:

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Lumbar interlaminar or transforaminal epidural steroid injections can be extremely effective in treating lumbar radiculopathy. These nerve blocks typically involve local anesthetics and steroids to provide relief.
• Medications: In addition to NSAIDs, neuroleptics like Lyrica and Neurontin, along with antidepressants such as Cymbalta, can effectively manage neuropathic pain conditions like lumbar radiculopathy.
• Surgery: For unilateral sciatica, surgical intervention may involve a discectomy, which removes part of the disc to alleviate pressure on the nerve roots.

Finding Relief in California

If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, it is crucial to seek professional help. At the California Sports & Spine Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you find relief and regain your quality of life.

Contact Us

• Arcadia Location: 51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006 | (818) 338-6860 | (626) 460-1096
• Glendale Location: 317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204 | (818) 338-6860 | (626) 460-1096
• Palmdale Location: 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551 | (626) 389-3893 | (626) 460-1096

Don’t let sciatica control your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options. Relief is within reach!