Sciatica affects the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back down each leg. Because of the nerve’s location, sciatica can affect the lower back, leg and foot.
Sciatica and Radiculopathy Diagnosis and Treatment at Inspira
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain, burning or tingling sensation in the leg
- Hip pain
- Difficulty moving the leg or foot
- Severe pain that affects your ability to stand
- Pain in the sciatic nerve can arise for many reasons, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, pregnancy and muscle spasms
Nonsurgical methods such as anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and spinal injections are often pursued before surgery is considered. If those treatment methods fail, which they do for about 5 to 10 percent of patients, your doctor will recommend a discectomy or laminectomy to correct or remove the affected disc.
Inspira’s skilled neurosurgeons are standing by to answer your questions.
