Sciatica: Pathways to Pain Relief

Sciatica is a condition characterized by sharp pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically affecting only one side of the body, sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Symptoms:

The hallmark sign of sciatica is a pain that radiates from your lower spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. Discomfort can vary widely from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms.

Treatment Options:

Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver steroids directly into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 

Nerve Blocks: This treatment can help determine the specific nerve roots that are causing pain and reduce inflammation in the affected areas. 

Radiofrequency Ablation: Used for longer-term pain relief, this procedure disrupts nerve function with heat to reduce pain signals from the sciatic nerve.

If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica and need relief, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Parul Goel.