Sciatica is a common health problem affecting as many as 40% of people at least once in a lifetime. Rather than a specific condition, sciatica is a syndrome – an array of symptoms caused by compression of the sciatic nerve root in the lower back.
Lumbar radiculopathy is a term for compression of the spinal nerve root in the lower back (lumbar spine). It may be used to describe the cause of sciatica or pain resulting from compression of other nerves.
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Some specific risk factors for lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica include:
In most cases, radiculopathy and sciatica are caused by a herniated, bulging, or degenerated disc. They can also be caused by narrowed spinal joint spaces (stenosis), bony cysts, or tumors and infections.
Even though sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy originate in the lower back, back pain isn’t usually the main symptom. Instead, people often experience:
These symptoms can get worse or better depending on time of day, activity, and even stress level. In severe cases, sciatic nerve pain can make work, exercise, and sleep seem next to impossible. And unless the underlying causes of your sciatica or radiculopathy are addressed, your symptoms can recur.
Sciatica is often perceived as a temporary discomfort, but without proper treatment, it can progressively worsen. Untreated or mismanaged sciatica can evolve into a chronic issue. The pain may intensify, spread further down the leg, and interfere with everyday activities like walking, working, or sleeping. In severe cases, prolonged compression of the sciatic nerve can lead to nerve damage, resulting in muscle weakness or even permanent loss of sensation in the affected leg. Early medical intervention, combined with appropriate pain management strategies, is essential to preventing long-term complications. If you're experiencing symptoms that persist or worsen, it's important to consult with a qualified specialist as soon as possible.
Our multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive and customized pain relief for sciatic nerve pain. We may recommend:
We’re not trying to mask symptoms – we want to help you find a lasting solution. The overall goal is to reduce irritation and compression of the nerve, accelerate healing, and help you avoid recurring problems.
Although both nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat sciatica, they serve distinct purposes and are administered in different ways. A nerve block involves the injection of a local anesthetic directly around a specific nerve or group of nerves. This is often used to diagnose the source of the pain and provide temporary relief. In contrast, an epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve roots, offering longer-lasting relief for conditions like sciatica.
Don't let sciatic nerve pain limit you. At American Pain Consortium, we help patients from get control of their pain.
Complete our form online or call (888) 615-2726 today to schedule your consultation.