When experiencing symptoms of sciatica or sciatic pain, it is recommended to understand it before starting treatment.
Symptoms of sciatica are generally associated with pinched or compressed nerve roots that are connected to the spinal cord. As the spinal column runs down from the base of the skull to right above the hip, nerves exit through the foramen (tiny holes on either side of the spinal bone) at each level of the spine. These are called radicular nerves or nerve roots. Beginning from the nerve roots in the lumbar spinal cord, the sciatic nerve extends onwards through the buttocks and down the limbs.
Sciatica can occur in both the left and right legs. This type of pain is also called radicular pain or radiculitis (inflammation of the nerve root). Radicular pain often occurs as a result of a compressed or inflamed spinal nerve. This type of pain sits deep and often worsens with certain activities like standing, walking or even sitting.
walking or sitting. Documented nerve dysfunction condition is referred to radiculopathy.
- Cramping in muscles
- Burning sensation
- Numbness in the affected area
- Tightness in the affected area
- Weakness in muscles
Treatment Options
In case you’re experiencing on or more of the mentioned symptoms, it is advisable to consult a medical professional as soon as possible. If you’ve tried conservative treatment methods like physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) exercise strengthening for six months or more, but your pain still persists, surgical intervention may be prescribed.
In such cases an MRI or CT scan may also be required in order to proceed with further treatment.
At Houston Neurosurgery and Spine, we offer the following treatment options for Sciatica:
Endoscopic Discectomy:
This is, to date, least invasive and requires the smallest incision to be made in the spine during surgery. The surgery is carried out under conscious sedation.
An HD camera is paired with an endoscope and is used to surgical visualize and remove any bulging or herniation found in the disc material which is compressing the nerve root. This procedure greatly reduces post-operation pain and the time needed to recover.
Endoscopic Foraminotomy:
This is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to decompress the area around the nerves experiencing pressure in order to open a narrowed spinal canal and relieve pain symptoms.
The endoscopic technique is used along with special tools such as laser, rongeurs, motorized diamond burrs reamers and kerrisons to carry out the procedure.
The Anatomy Of Sciatica
Symptoms of Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is caused by the ‘pinching’ of the sciatic nerve root in the spinal cord.
The spinal cord begins at the base of the skull and travels down the vertebral column passing through the cervical region, thoracic region and the lower back.
The vertebral column contains holes at either side of the spine called the foramen, where a pair of spinal nerves, called nerve roots or radicular nerves, exit at each level.
The sciatic nerve splits in the back, right above the hip and runs down on each leg, connecting with the muscles and tendons in the hip, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves and feet. Even though it is more common to experience sciatic pain in one leg, it may be present in both. This type of pain may also be referred to as radicular pain or radiculitis (inflammation of the nerve root).
Radicular pain occurs when a spinal nerve root is compressed or inflamed. This pain is often described to be deep and steady, and worsen with certain physical activities and positions such as walking, standing for a long time or sitting.
Once diagnosed, a nerve dysfunction is referred to as radiculopathy, by a specialist. There are treatments available for sciatica nerve pain. You can contact us to make your appointment today and learn more about sciatica treatment options.