Sciatica

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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?
Finding the root cause of your sciatica pain requires clear communication between the patient and the doctor. You may be asked to walk on your heels or toes; or lie on your back and raise your legs, one at a time. What’s interesting about sciatica is that the radiating pain in certain parts of your legs, hips or thighs relate directly to specific vertebral discs in your lower back. During your physical examination, your doctor will also test for cauda equina syndrome and referred leg pain.

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?
Once your doctor has determined that the root cause of your pain is compression of your sciatic nerve, the initial conservative treatment usually consists of anti-inflammatory medications and dramatically reduced physical activity. For extremely acute cases, bedrest of no longer than two weeks is often suggested. Some physicians may prescribe muscle relaxants, anti-pain medications, tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medications.

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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What Patients Think About Dr. Nourian

Awesome awesome doctor!!!very nice to all his patient! Dr. Nourian is very kind and caring. A very pleasant man and easy to communicate with. He saw my son when he injured his hip and He took extra good care of him. After 2 wks he was able to resume sports. He’s not only a very good orthopedic surgeon but also an amazing Spine doctor. He always make sure he always gets the job done. 2 Thumbs up to this Doctor!!!??

Regz Ramos

Patient

Dr. Nourian was fantastic! He was able to alleviate my back pain. I would recommend him to anyone

Nikesh Patel

Patient

Dr. Nourian is the best. His bedside manner is friendly and professional and his staff is excellent. I went to see him after a terrible whiplash injury when I rear-ended while driving. After receiving my MRI results, the doctor was quick to reach out and went over my options with me. He really cares about his patients.

Michelle Sadighpour Shophet

Patient

Dr. Nourian is an outstanding physician. I injured my back while exercising recently. I went to see him, and he explained my injury to me in detail. He told me that my injury would most likely heal without surgery, but if I needed surgery in the future he would get me through it. He is honest, intelligent, and forthcoming. I am thankful for him as my spine physician.

Michael Broukhim

Patient

Dr. Nourian was absolutely fantastic. I was struggling with intense lower back pain. He took his time 40 minutes to be exact to see me and review everything with me after another follow up we decided to do surgery. Thank god!!! I’m back to working out, picking up my child, and living my best life. I was so hesitant to do surgery but he was a true god send. He would call me weekly to see how I’m doing.

Sara Sadig

Patient

Dr. Nourian is smart, caring, attentive and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend him as an orthopedic surgeon!

Sharon Darouvar Greiner

Patient

Great with patients and consciences of patient’s time as well as needs. He will spend time to assure the patients with respect to treatment plan and follow-up was amazing with my auntie’s back issues.

Connie Esparza

Patient

An extremely knowledgeable doctor with wonderful bedside manner. He clearly explained every step of the procedure and eased all my worries. My back is feeling great thanks to Doctor Nourian

Ashley Sadig

Patient

After seeing three doctors and all of them saying I should operate Dr Nourian was able to address and issue without and surgery. I got an epidural and did physical therapy and I’m able to run around with my grand child. He’s truly a gem. Everyone at the office was friendly and supportive.

Katrin Sadighpour

Patient

Dr. Nurian explained everything very well and preformed the surgery exactly as planned. I woke up pain free and the surgery pain was gone in five days. Could not give him enough praise.

Wade Savage

Patient