As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us feel the urge to get outside and move. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, or jogging, spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter sluggishness and embrace an active lifestyle. But if you’ve been less mobile during the colder months, you may experience back pain that could be linked to sciatica.

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots. It’s not a diagnosis but rather a set of symptoms that indicate nerve root irritation.

Symptoms of Sciatica:

• Lower back and buttock pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
• Shooting pain down one leg
• Difficulty moving or controlling the leg

If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to address them before they interfere with your springtime activities.

Managing Sciatica for an Active Lifestyle

Conservative Treatments:

For many, sciatica resolves on its own within weeks or months. Initial treatments include:

• Heat therapy and massage
• Physical therapy to strengthen the back and core
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

If conservative methods aren’t enough, additional treatment options may include:

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Targeted nerve blocks to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Medications: Prescription medications like Lyrica, Neurontin, or Cymbalta may help manage nerve pain.
• Surgery: In severe cases, a discectomy may be necessary to remove part of a herniated disc.

Diagnosing Sciatica

Sciatica is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Straight Leg Raise Test: Reproducing pain by lifting the affected leg.
• Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans provide detailed views of the lumbar spine.
• Additional Tests: Discograms, bone scans, or X-rays may help identify specific causes of nerve compression.

Keep Moving This Spring

If sciatica pain has been holding you back, don’t let it keep you from enjoying the activities you love. California Sports & Spine Institute is here to help you manage your pain and get back to a full, active life.

📍 Locations:

• Arcadia: 51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006
• Glendale: 317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204
• Palmdale: 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551

📞 Call: (818) 338-6860 | (626) 460-1096

📅 Schedule an Appointment Online: Click Here