Sciatica

Sciatica

Sciatica Treatment and Surgery in Wayne, Parsippany & Paramus, NJ

Nerve compression at the lumbar spine causing pain, and sometimes numbness, to the
lower back which radiates to the hips, buttocks and down the back of the legs.

Sciatica is a relatively common condition that causes pain and burning along the path of the sciatic nerve — typically from the lower back which radiates to the hips, buttocks and down the back of the legs. This is most commonly due to a protruding (herniated) disk, a bone spur on the vertebrate or narrowing of the lumbar spine (spinal stenosis), all of which can compress the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve. Symptoms of sciatica include pain, a burning sensation and sometimes numbness along the sciatic nerve distribution route. The pain can present in varying degrees, from a mild ache to a sharp “knife-like” burning sensation. Usually only one side of the body is affected. Risk factors for developing sciatica include age, obesity, prolonged sitting, occupations that require frequent twisting or carrying heavy loads, and some conditions like diabetes and pregnancy. Sciatica is almost always treated conservatively (See our “Treatments” section for more sciatica treatment information). You should see your doctor if the symptoms persist, if the pain is severe and numbness or weakness present in your leg, or if you have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder.