Sciatica Symptoms, Prevention Tips, and Treatment Options

‘Sciatica’ describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back down through the buttock and into the lower leg. It is the longest nerve in the body. Pain results when this nerve is compressed or injured. It most commonly results from inflammation, bony enlargement due to arthritis, or a displaced (herniated) disk in the lower spine. Sciatic pain symptoms can be felt at any part of the nerve or along its entire length. Sciatica may take several forms, including:

  • Numbness
  • Dull or sharp pain in the buttocks area or leg that worsens with standing
  • Mild to extreme pain
  • Burning sensation
  • “Pins and needles” or a tingling sensation down the leg
  • Pain that makes it difficult to stand up and lasts for weeks or occurs only “now and then”
  • Weakness in the the leg, knee, or foot
  • Pain when sneezing or coughing

Activity may make the pain more intense. For some patients, sciatica is worse at night.

Herniated (Slipped) discs account for most cases of sciatica. Discs are rings with tough exteriors and soft insides. They are located between the bones of the spine and act as shock absorbers.

Discs can become weak because of pressure from twisting and bending movements, heavy lifting, bad posture, pregnancy, obesity or other conditions that place strain on them. A weakened disc may herniate (bulge out). If the bulge pushes up against the sciatic nerve or crushes it, sciatica occurs.

In most cases, sciatica goes away on its own after a few days or weeks, and the patient is able to go back to routine activities.

In order to pinpoint the exact diagnosis, physicians must first determine if evidence of compression or irritation of the spinal nerve root exists. X-rays do not show the nerve or nerve roots; however, MRI scans are utilized if treatment options such as injections or surgery are a possibility. For this reason, a combination of diagnostics is often used. Common diagnostics include:

  • X-rays: X-rays show the bones and tissues located in the back and can help pinpoint any fractures or bone abnormalities.
  • Computer Tomography (CT scan): CT scans use an X-ray machine and computer to take photos of the legs, thighs, and hips. CT scans use resulting images to depict the sciatic nerve, blood vessels, and muscles. Dyes are sometimes injected into a patient beforehand to help the CT images appear more clearly.
  • Myelogram: Although older technology, a myelogram is the only test that can show nerves in a standing posture. This is important if instability is a suspected symptom. This procedure involves an x-ray and the injection of a dye.
  • Nerve conduction tests: Nerve conduction tests monitor how nerves near the surface of the skin and in related muscles respond to electrical stimulation. Small electrodes are placed on areas near the buttocks and legs for the most accurate readings.
  • Electromyography (EMG): An EMG test measures muscle function and nerve function. It uses electrodes to measure the electrical activity of the muscles in multiple situations.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans utilize magnets and a computer in order to take photos of the hips, legs, and thighs. This tool can show damage in muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Much like CT scans, dye is sometimes used to improve imaging.

Prevention

Once the pain of sciatica passes, there are exercises, stretches and other measures that may prevent it from returning. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to develop a personalized program. Here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

  • Practice good posture. Stand up straight with your ears aligned with your shoulders. Align your shoulders with your hips and your buttocks tucked in. Your knees should be bent slightly.
  • Do abdominal crunches. These exercises strengthen the abdominal muscles that help to support your lower back. Lie with your back on the floor, hands behind your head and knees bent. Press your lower back to the floor. Lift your shoulders up about 10 inches off the floor and then lower them. Don’t go that high if it causes more pain. Repeat 10 to 20 times, once a day.
  • Walk/swim. Walking and swimming can help to strengthen your lower back.
  • Lift objects safely. Always lift from a squatting position, using your hips and legs to do the heavy work. Never bend over and lift with a straight back.
  • Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods. If you sit at work, take regular breaks to stand and walk around. If you must be on your feet, prop one foot on a small block or footrest. Switch feet throughout the day.
  • Use proper sleeping posture. Take pressure off your back by sleeping on your side or on your back. Put a pillow under your knees.
  • Stretch. Sit in a chair and bend down toward the floor. Stop when you feel just slight discomfort, hold for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat 6 to 8 times.
  • Avoid wearing high heels. Shoes with heels that are more than 1 1/2 inches high shift your weight forward, throwing the body out of alignment.

Treatment

At first, rest may be necessary until inflammation in the nerve is reduced. To keep the patient comfortable, anti-inflammatory drugs or simple pain medications may be taken. Applying heat or cold to the affected area may also help relieve the symptoms.

As soon as possible, the patient should resume being active by going back to work, doing physical therapy, walking, and stretching. This is the best way to reduce inflammation in the sciatic nerve.

Nonoperative treatment may include epidural injections into the spinal canal.

Surgery is recommended only if sciatica becomes overwhelming and lasts for an extended period of time. The surgeon will remove part of the bulging disc so that it is no longer pressing against the nerve.

Kim BKim B
16:04 07 Feb 23
Dr Bruggerman operated on my neck last year and I can move it, I no longer am staring at the ground 24/7, I can turn it, twist it and look at the sky! I believe he uses magic in his surgeries. Kim is wonderful, kind and understanding of what I’m going through with my pain. She helps me understand what can be done to make my back better and their team has already improved my quality of life. They are now working on making my lower back pain better.Let’s not forget the office staff, they are all so nice and welcoming and clarify everything I need to do for my upcoming procedures and appointments.
Denise GarzaDenise Garza
19:24 08 Jan 23
This was my 1st visit. I’ve never been more impressed with a medical practice. The entire staff was very friendly and professional. The medical staff made me feel heard. Very clean and well organized I felt a peace in trusting them with my problems.
Robert HarrisRobert Harris
16:35 10 Nov 22
From the time I entered the reception zone until the time I left their office, I was VERY impressed by the congenial, caring and very professional atmosphere and the personnel that made it so!I was the VP of Operations for a large cardiology practice and I can say from experience that Dr. Bruggeman and his entire staff are exceptional! One of the BEST practices I’ve ever stepped foot in for sure and I am left wondering how you were able to recruit Angels to work for you?THANK YOU Dr. Bruggeman for the peace and assurance that you imparted to me and kudos to you and all of your precious staff members for working to go way beyond being good to being totally exceptional!
Montgomery StewartMontgomery Stewart
15:42 21 Oct 22
Dr. Bergerman is very friendly attentive and is very prompt in getting you the best treatment needed for your complaints. His staff is very helpful and professional. The front desk is is exceptional and helpful. At this office I don’t feel like some other health care providers where everything is just professional and once you pay you get treated and leave. You are free to ask questions and if you are not sure they’re never too busy to help. I would recommend others to this off.
Excellent care, the level of care and expertise are commendable. Complete and precise explanation of what is happening and the potential plan of care was discussed at length. We never felt rushed and our questions were answered with care and compassion. Highly recommend
Admin UserAdmin User
21:18 01 Aug 22
Fantastic. Very efficient and friendly office. Very competent at providing services and scheduling. Dr. Bruggeman did two surgeries on me. Both came out absolutely fantastic! I could not recommend him more. Dr. Bruggeman does not need the practice at surgery. If he says you need surgery, you really should listen to him.
Cynthia LockeCynthia Locke
17:46 12 Jul 22
Absolutely the best in SA! Can never thank Dr.Bruggeman and his extraordinary staff enough, for giving me the absolute best care and treatment before and after my disc replacement. Wouldn’t trust anyone but them for any spinal surgeries. So happy with my results!
Army VeteranArmy Veteran
18:49 21 Jun 22
Went to Texas Spine Care Center for the first time today, and my experience was AWESOME! From the two ladies at the front office counter who greats you with a smile and professionalism. The office is very upscale, clean and very inviting. The wait time was short to be called back to see the care representative. The exam room was clean, bright and upscale. I was seen by Dr. Yvonne Paredes who was very professional, and provided in detail information about my medical concerns. She explained what her recommendations would be to bring me some relief from my condition and pain. I highly recommend giving TSCC an experience, you will definitely enjoy it.James W
Gloria FulkersonGloria Fulkerson
18:04 14 Jun 22
I have had two surgeries performed by Dr. Bruggerman since Feb. 2019. One was a fusion in the lower neck/upper spine. The other was implanting a spinal cord stimulator. Both surgeries were successful and helped me to get my life back. I would highly recommend his office! His team of employees are awesome! Everyone is very nice, compassionate, and helpful. My stimulator is made by Boston Scientific. Dr. Bruggerman’s office coordinated my appointments with Boston Scientific so that a representative was there for the appointments along the way. He also worked very well with my pain management doctor, Dr. Tisdell. I had a wonderful team of medical professionals all the way around!
Johnny BacyJohnny Bacy
17:49 26 May 22
I am very happy with the results from my neck surgery. I also really enjoy seeing ladies at the front desk, Faby does it all. Ms Dora is always so pleasant and great at her job. I have already recommend my family to come here. Very Happy!!! 😃
Jeff TuffsJeff Tuffs
16:55 13 Apr 22
Very professional, and the conversation was understandable to even a layman. They didn’t try to push an agenda, but instead provided options.Very satisfied with my visit.
Yesenia MartinezYesenia Martinez
16:42 04 Apr 22
Thank you Everyone from Texas Spine & NuHope for offering what was needed in the process of a journey & a chapter of my life. With the hope and believing God was with me every step of my journey. I was bless to meet Dr. Adam Bruggeman as my spine doctor/surgeon & his medical team assistants, the care that was much needed!The surgery was a success, recovered well, was active again going back to the gym faithfully but after 2 years feeling pain again due to alarming physical and mental pain.By the Grace of God I am healed in not needing a second surgery that was going be quite different than the laminectomy surgery.God is Good. I thank God for medical teams and doctors that have the knowledge and guidance with the gift of helping others that are in need of Medical Necessity, God bless you All.Do not have fear of what God is able to do and what a surgery can do that is needed to live a better lifestyle to reduce the pain or have no pain at all.Thank you.-Yesenia
Lupita FloresLupita Flores
18:43 11 Mar 22
I have had 2 surgeries with Dr. Bruggeman and have done well. Dr Paredes is very courteous, professional, and treats us like family. All the staff is super friendly. I highly recommend this practice.
Mario GonzalezMario Gonzalez
20:16 28 Feb 22
This was my first time surgery and I was confident to leave this kind of surgery on Dr Adam Bruggeman.
Heather BlakleyHeather Blakley
12:04 01 Feb 22
I could write a novel but will try to be brief. I spent a large portion of my life ignored for the serious pain I lived with and Dr. Bruggeman discovered exactly what I was living with. It’s a rough road but he has made such a huge difference in my quality of life. I thank God I am in his care. His staff is hands down the best I have ever experienced. Dr. Bruggeman and his staff are all smart, kind, professional and there to help in every way. God bless you.
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