Sciatica is a fairly common spinal condition that refers to inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, beginning in the lower back and extending down the length of the leg. Individuals with sciatica may experience pain, numbness, and/or tingling at any part of the nerve or down the entire length of the leg and into the foot.The pain due to sciatic nerve irritation is often fleeting and well-managed by a variety of conservative therapies. For some individuals, however, sciatica can become a chronic and debilitating source of pain. Several minimally invasive procedures, including laser spine surgery and microsurgery, can be used to decompress the area around the sciatic nerve and provide lasting relief.
The team at ProMedSPINE is comprised of board-certified neurosurgeons who specialize in orthopedic and neurological spine surgery. Each of our expert back doctors takes pride in offering the most sophisticated technology and cutting-edge minimally invasive spine procedures to provide the highest quality of care for his patients. To learn more about our comprehensive treatment approach to sciatic pain, or to schedule an initial consultation, please call 888-75-SPINE. If you would like to know more about sciatica treatment options and pain management, please visit the sciatica page on Spine-Health.com.
What Causes Radicular Nerve Pain?
Herniated (bulging) discs account for the majority of sciatica cases. When a spinal disc is weakened as a result of aging, strain from heavy lifting, poor posture, or obesity, it can bulge out from between the vertebrae and press against the sciatic nerve.
Another common cause of sciatica is spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal or space from which nerves exit the spine (foramen) becomes narrowed and compresses the sciatic nerve. Stenosis may be result of age-related settling of the spine or traumatic injury to the lower back.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many instances of sciatic pain can be resolved with conservative therapies aimed at reducing inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve. When rest alone does not alleviate sciatica, Dr. Gravori may recommend the following non-operative pain management measures:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy, walking, and stretching
- Epidural steroid injections
Some patients suffer from extended periods of sciatica or radicular pain that does not respond to conservative measures. In this case, surgery may be used to resolve the underlying compression of the sciatic nerve within the spine.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
At ProMedSPINE, we routinely perform a variety of minimally invasive and laser spine surgery procedures for the treatment of sciatica. Our patient-centered approach to care ensures that all surgical options are considered and treatment is tailored to each patients’ needs and specific condition. Our minimally invasive sciatica treatments include:
- Laser spine surgery: A laser can be used to vaporize and remove bits of bone, ligament, or disc material that have compressed the sciatic nerve; common procedures include percutaneous discectomy and percutaneous foraminotomy which are performed through tiny incisions directly over the affected level of the spine
- Mild Procedure: Performed through an incision about the size of a baby aspirin, the mild procedure involves removing small pieces of bone and excess ligament that can cause compression in the lumbar spine and lead to sciatic pain
- Microdiscectomy: Microsurgery involves using an operative microscope through a small incision directly over the spine to perform a variety of procedures with unparalleled precision; during a microdiscectomy, part of a bulging or herniated disc is removed to relieve compression in the lower spine
Minimally invasive sciatica treatments are typically performed under local or spinal anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Our team’s expertise in the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures translates to substantial benefits for out patients, including an expedited recovery time, less blood loss, low risk of infection, increased post-surgery mobility, and minimal incisions and scarring.
Watch a Sciatica Patient Testimonial
Contact Expert Encino Neurosurgeons
ProMedSPINE is a Los Angeles-based practice dedicated to state-of-the-art, comprehensive, individualize care for diseases and conditions of the spine. Led by renowned neurosurgeon and leading expert in minimally invasive spine surgery, Todd Gravori, MD, we offer the most advanced and effective treatment options available to relieve chronic pain associated with spinal degeneration or injury.
To learn more about sciatica relief or to schedule an initial consultation, please call 888-75-SPINE or fill out our online contact form.
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