Pain in your legs? It could be Sciatica.
One of the largest nerves in your body is the sciatic nerve which stretches from your lower back, along your hips and down your legs to your feet. When your sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed, you may experience pain and tingling. In some instances, you may not experience anything at all- just an unusual numbness. Your physician may classify the sciatica pain as lumbar radiculopathy.
When we report that we are suffering from sciatica, we are actually describing a symptom, not a medical condition. In most cases, the root cause of the sciatica pain is a herniated disc in your lumbar spine (L4, L5) or lower spine (S1, S2 or S3). Part of the disc may be compressing the sciatic nerve in such a way that it causes the nerves in your legs to trigger a pain response.
How is Sciatica diagnosed?
Like the pain from a herniated disc, the radiating pain along your sciatica occurs when a protruding disc in your lower back causes pain in the surrounding area and into the back of your thighs and legs. Like herniated discs, sciatica is often brought on by age and is not usually remedied by surgery.
How is sciatica treated?
Dr. Nourian will steer clear of any opioid-based treatment plan and will suggest a holistic approach that may include acupuncture sessions, chiropractic adjustments, stretching exercises, yoga and other integrative medicine techniques that allow the body to heal itself.
If the radicular pain does not subside, then an EMG (electromyography) test may be recommended. The test will confirm nerve compression along your spine and help pinpoint the area or areas where the nerve compression is occurring.
When the conservative, non-invasive measures do not relieve the acute sciatica pain, and you experience weakness or have continence problems, then surgery may be the best solution to decompress the sciatic nerve.
Dr. Nourian is experienced at performing a minimally invasive procedure called a microdiscectomy which only removes the part of the disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve. The out-patient surgery leaves a tiny scar and requires no opioids during or after the operation. Recovery is usually swift with a low risk of infection.
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Neck & Spine Specialities
Dr. Nourian has an enviable record of successfully treating the full spectrum of neck and spine problems.
Arthritis
Bulging/Herniated Discs
Disease & Disorders
Degeneration
Fractures
Infections
Injuries
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Stiff Neck
Tumors
General Orthopedics
Specialist in treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that impact bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
Arthritis
Bursitis
Chronic Pain
Deformities
Disorders
Fractures
Injuries
Sprains
Strains
Tendonitis
