Conditions We Treat
Sciatica
Do you have charley horse cramps that just won't go away, or persistent pains in your legs and buttocks? You might have a treatable condition called sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is also known by the technical term radiculopathy. Sciatica is caused when a herniated disk in the lower part of your spinal column presses against your spinal nerves. With sciatica, you'll typically feel pain in your buttocks and down your leg.
Sciatica can feel like a lingering, uncomfortable leg cramp or cause extreme pains that feel like sharp knives. Sneezing, coughing, or moving can make the pain worse. You may also feel burning and tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Sciatica is most common from ages 30-50. It's generally caused by wear and tear on your body as you age, or a sudden pressure on the disks in your lower spine.
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Your doctor at The Spine Center of Louisiana will ask you about your medical history and overall health. You'll want to be ready to answer questions like these:
Come Prepared to Answer
- How did the pain start?
- How long have you been in pain?
- What does it feel like?
- Does the pain move?
Our experienced physicians at The Spine Center of Louisiana conduct a physical exam to determine the source of your pain. Your doctor might ask you to squat, bend forward, backward, or move from side to side. Your doctor may also want to see images of your back and might order an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
How Is Sciatica Treated?
Roughly 80-90% of patients with sciatica get better after several weeks. You can find some relief by finding a comfortable position that doesn't aggravate the pain. However, it's important to remain as active as you can because regular movement helps to reduce inflammation.
Medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxants may help soothe your pain. Applying a heating pad or cold packs may also help your condition.
If you're feeling debilitating pain for 3 months or longer, you might need surgery. The typical surgery for sciatica is a laminotomy with discectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgery where doctors take out the portion of herniated disk that's pressing on your nerve.
If you're worried you might have sciatica, or have been coping with the condition for months, get the help you deserve by requesting an appointment today with The Spine Center of Louisiana.
Your Care Path
From First Symptoms to Relief
Most sciatica improves without surgery. Here is how treatment typically progresses.
First Several Weeks: Conservative Care
Find comfortable positions, stay as active as you can, and use medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxants along with heating pads or cold packs. Roughly 80-90% of patients get better in this window.
Ongoing Pain: Specialist Evaluation
A physical exam plus imaging such as an X-ray or MRI helps our physicians pinpoint the source of your pain.
3+ Months of Debilitating Pain: Surgical Option
The typical surgery for sciatica is a laminotomy with discectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of herniated disk pressing on your nerve.
Your Specialists
Spine Surgeons Who Treat Sciatica
The Spine Center of Louisiana is staffed by surgeons who specialize in spinal conditions like sciatica.
Leg Pain That Won't Let Up?
Get the help you deserve. Our spine specialists will find the source of your pain and build a plan to fix it. Urgent, same-day appointments are often available.