Sciatic Pain

What is sciatic pain?

Sciatic pain refers to discomfort caused by a pinched or compressed sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerves are the longest in the human body and run from either side of your lower back, over the buttocks, and into the legs and feet. 

Anyone can experience sciatic pain, but it commonly affects adults 40 and older. Most symptoms occur in the lower back and buttocks but can extend into the legs and feet, depending on which part of the sciatic nerves are affected.

What causes sciatic pain?

The Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine team treats sciatic pain caused by various things, including:

• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Traumatic injuries
• Pregnancy
• Tumors, cysts, and other growths

Sometimes, sciatic pain is due to cauda equina syndrome –– a condition caused by damage to the cauda equina, a group of nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord. 

How is sciatic pain diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They also conduct several tests, including:

A walking test

Your provider has you walk around the exam room. Since sciatic pain often affects the gait, your provider checks for postural changes that might exacerbate your symptoms. 

Straight leg raise test

During this test, you lie on your back on an exam table with your legs straight. Your provider then has you slowly raise each leg one at a time toward the ceiling. As you raise each leg, they ask you to describe your symptoms and pain level to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. 

Imaging tests

Lastly, your provider orders magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a nerve conduction test to confirm a sciatica diagnosis. These tests can also identify conditions that present similar symptoms to sciatica.

How is sciatic pain treated?

The Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine team treats sciatic pain using an integrative and minimally invasive approach. They could suggest:

• Ice and heat therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Stretches and strengthening exercises
• Prescription pain medication or muscle relaxers
• Epidural injections
• Therapeutic nerve blocks
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Spinal cord stimulator
• Pain pump
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine

Call the nearest Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine office to schedule sciatic pain treatment, or book your appointment online today.