Sciatica Pain Relief and Treatment

Common Causes of Sciatica Pain

Sciatica is typically caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, most commonly due to one of the following:

• Herniated or slipped disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc bulges or leaks through a tear in its outer layer. This can put pressure on the nearby sciatic nerve, causing inflammation and pain. Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of sciatica, and they often result from age-related wear and tear, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly. 
• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica pain. Spinal stenosis is usually caused by age-related degeneration of the spine, and it most commonly affects people over the age of 50. 
• Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and ability to absorb shock over time. As the discs degenerate, they may cause the vertebrae to shift, leading to spinal instability and nerve compression. Degenerative disc disease can cause sciatica by either contributing to herniated discs or spinal stenosis. 
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra in the spine slips forward over the vertebra below it. This misalignment can narrow the spinal canal and compress the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica pain. Spondylolisthesis can result from congenital factors, stress fractures, or degenerative changes in the spine. 
• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttocks and runs across the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome occurs when this muscle becomes tight, inflamed, or spasms, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can cause sciatica-like symptoms, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks and legs. Piriformis syndrome can be caused by repetitive strain, prolonged sitting, or trauma to the area. 
• Injuries: Injuries to the spine, such as fractures, dislocations, or direct trauma, can also cause sciatica pain. These injuries may damage the spinal structures, causing inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries are common causes of spinal trauma that can lead to sciatica. 

Available Treatments for Sciatica 

Treatment for sciatica typically involves a combination of conservative approaches aimed at reducing pain, inflammation, and pressure on the sciatic nerve. In cases where conservative treatments are not effective or the patient’s condition is more severe, your doctor may suggest the following: 

• Epidural steroid injections: Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) involve injecting a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory medication, directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pressure on the sciatic nerve, providing temporary relief from sciatica pain. ESIs are often used for patients who have not found relief through conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy. The effects of an ESI can last from a few weeks to a few months, and the injections can be repeated if necessary. 
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that entails inserting small needles into certain points on the body to help balance the body’s energy flow and promote natural healing. Acupuncture may help relieve sciatica pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and reducing inflammation around the sciatic nerve. While the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating sciatica remains a subject of debate, some patients find relief through this alternative therapy. 
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of sciatica. A physical therapist will assess the patient’s condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that includes stretching, strengthening, and low-impact exercises. The goals of physical therapy for sciatica are to improve flexibility, build muscle strength, maintain proper posture, and promote a healthy lifestyle. Physical therapy can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent the recurrence of sciatica symptoms. 
• Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments have not been effective or if the patient’s condition is severe, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the underlying cause of the sciatica pain. Common surgical procedures for sciatica include: 
  • Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the herniated portion of a disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve. This surgery can provide immediate relief from sciatica pain and typically has a shorter recovery time compared to more invasive surgeries. 
  • Laminectomy: A laminectomy is a more invasive surgery that involves removing part of the vertebral bone, called the lamina, to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. This procedure is typically performed for patients with spinal stenosis causing sciatica. 
  • Spinal fusion: In cases of severe spinal instability or spondylolisthesis, a spinal fusion surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. 

Why Lonseth Interventional Pain Centers?

At Lonseth Interventional Pain Center, we understand the challenges of living with sciatica, which is why we offer our patients access to experienced and specialized medical staff, personalized treatment plans, and a wide range of treatment options. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that we address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of managing pain, while our focus on patient education empowers individuals to understand their condition and self-care strategies better. We encourage you to consult with us to make an informed decision about your care.