Sciatica is the term describing pain that runs from your back or buttocks down your leg and into your foot. This condition is caused by either compression or trauma of the sciatic nerve and is made worse when you cough or lift your leg up while laying down.
Sciatica symptoms may begin abruptly and often grow worse at night. Sciatica implies that there is an irritation of your nerve root in the lower part of your spine. In some instances, this could be due to a ruptured or herniated disc in your lower back.
How is sciatica treated?
There are many non-operative treatments to alleviate sciatic pain and discomfort, including heat and ice treatments and over-the-counter or prescription medications.
If your pain is severe, Dr. Siddiqi may recommend an epidural steroid injection, which delivers steroids directly to the painful area around the sciatic nerve to help decrease the inflammation that may be causing the pain.
Surgical treatments for sciatica
If sciatica pain does not improve in six to twelve weeks, Dr. Siddiqi may discuss spinal surgery options with you. Once such procedure is microdiscectomy.
If you are experiencing sciatica pain, contact the Texas Spine Center today for a diagnostic evaluation.
