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Sciatica

Sciatica
Overview

Sciatica is a type of pain symptom that occurs when a herniated disc or bone spur compresses part of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body that runs from the lower back to the legs and toes. Usually, sciatic pain only affects one side of the body, and it typically arises when you make sudden, jolting movements like coughing, sneezing, or tripping over something. Pain can also occur from prolonged sitting. If you’re experiencing sciatica, you will need to undergo a thorough physical examination so Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine can determine the exact cause of your ailment. If a herniated disc or bone spur is to blame, he may recommend a minimally invasive spine surgery to remove portions of the damaged disc that’s compressing the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica
Causes & Symptoms

As we mentioned previously, one of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the sciatic nerve. In other instances, sciatica may be caused by spinal stenosis and other spinal conditions. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, patients may experience an array of symptoms, including pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, numbness and tingling in the affected extremities, and swelling around the sciatic nerve. In severe cases, patients may develop bowel and bladder problems and significant weakness in their lower extremities, affecting their mobility and quality of life. If this occurs, patients will need to see Dr. Mark Giovanini immediately to remedy these symptoms. A minimally invasive spinal surgery will be performed to alleviate the compressed nerve, preventing further damage.

Sciatica
Treatments

Initially, conservative therapies may be recommended to reduce mild sciatic pain that comes and goes over the span of several months or years. As the condition progresses, interventional procedures will be administered to provide pain relief that lasts longer than a few hours or days. Ultimately, if the underlying issue is a herniated disc or bone spur, an interventional pain management procedure will do little to correct the problem and provide long-lasting pain relief. Call NeuroMicroSpine today to learn more about your treatment options for sciatica. If Dr. Mark Giovanini believes you could benefit from a minimally invasive spinal procedure, like a discectomy or decompression surgery, he will explain what you can expect before, during, and after these procedures. It’s imperative you seek medical treatment right away to prevent long term damage caused by a herniated disc or bone spur.