SCIATICA TREATMENT

Pain shooting from your lower back into your buttock or down your leg can make even simple activities difficult. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may have sciatica.

At Narayana Healthcare Alliance, we provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans for patients with sciatica. Our goal is to identify the source of your pain, reduce inflammation, improve function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself—it’s a term used to describe pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.

The sciatic nerve begins in the lower spine, travels through the buttocks, and extends down each leg. When the nerve becomes irritated, pain may radiate from the lower back into the hip, buttock, thigh, calf, or foot.

Some patients experience pain in only one leg, while others may have symptoms affecting both sides.

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What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can develop for several reasons, including:

Herniated Disc

A bulging or ruptured spinal disc can press against a nerve root, causing inflammation and radiating pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress spinal nerves, especially in older adults.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Age-related changes in the spine may contribute to nerve irritation.

Bone Spurs

Arthritic changes can create bone spurs that place pressure on nearby nerves.

Spondylolisthesis

When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can narrow the space around spinal nerves.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Pain from the SI joint may mimic sciatica and requires a careful evaluation to distinguish between the two.

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Common Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms vary from person to person but may include:

Pain radiating from the lower back into the leg

Burning or electric shock-like pain

Numbness or tingling

Weakness in the leg or foot

Pain that worsens with sitting

Difficulty walking

Pain when coughing or sneezing

Foot or toe weakness

Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can significantly affect daily activities.

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How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?

Your evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination.

Depending on your condition, your provider may review:

MRI scans

CT scans

X-rays

Previous medical records

The goal is to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms so that treatment can be tailored to your specific diagnosis.

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Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Your individualized plan may include:

Physical Therapy

Exercises designed to improve flexibility, strength, and mobility.

Medication Management

When appropriate, medications may be used as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Image-guided epidural steroid injections may help reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves and improve pain.

Activity Modification

Temporary changes to daily activities may help reduce stress on the affected nerve.

Additional Interventional Procedures

Depending on the source of your pain, your provider may recommend other image-guided treatments.

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Can Sciatica Go Away on Its Own?

Some episodes improve over time with conservative care. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Ignoring severe symptoms may allow nerve irritation to continue and could delay appropriate treatment.

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When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Schedule an evaluation if:

Pain lasts longer than several weeks

Pain is becoming more severe

Numbness or weakness is worsening

Symptoms interfere with work or daily activities

Conservative treatments have not provided relief

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly progressing weakness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is sciatica always caused by a herniated disc?

No. While herniated discs are a common cause, sciatica can also result from spinal stenosis, arthritis, bone spurs, or other spinal conditions.

Does everyone with sciatica need surgery?

No. Many patients improve with conservative or minimally invasive treatments. Surgery is not necessary for everyone.

Can pain management help sciatica?

Pain management specialists evaluate the cause of your symptoms and may recommend treatments such as physical therapy, medications when appropriate, or image-guided procedures depending on your diagnosis.

Does insurance cover treatment?

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary evaluations and treatments when clinical criteria are met. Coverage varies by plan.

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Why Choose Narayana Healthcare Alliance?

At Narayana Healthcare Alliance, we understand how frustrating sciatica can be. Our providers focus on identifying the cause of your pain and creating a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and goals.

We proudly care for patients throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and surrounding Brevard County communities.

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Schedule a Consultation

If pain is traveling from your back into your leg, don’t ignore it. Contact Narayana Healthcare Alliance today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn about the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.

(321) 254-9060