Sciatica

Pain that stems from the irritation of the sciatic nerve is called sciatica.

You might feel stabbing/shooting pain, tingling, or numbness in your back, buttocks, leg, and/or foot. Sciatica can come and go and is not considered a serious or dangerous condition. Most people with sciatica improve on their own with time, but in severe cases, you may need surgery to relieve pain.

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Causes of sciatica

Sciatica is usually caused by an underlying condition that injures or pinches the sciatic nerve. It can also stem from a condition affecting one of the five spinal nerves that makes up the sciatic nerve.

Conditions that commonly cause sciatica include:

Cauda equina syndrome
Conus medullas syndrome
Degenerative disc disease
Foraminal stenosis
Herniated disc
Osteoarthritis
Pregnancy
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Tumor or cyst growth

Treatment

Treatment for sciatica may vary depending on the location of the pain, the severity of the pain, and how difficult it is for you to perform everyday activities.

If you are experiencing sudden numbness or weakness in your leg, back or leg pain after a violent injury, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, you should seek immediate medical help.

1 / At-home treatment

Most cases of sciatica are treatable at home with time and minor care including applying ice and heat to the area, taking over-the-counter pain medications, or stretching.

If you are still experiencing pain after a few weeks, you should speak with your primary care doctor.

2 / Conservative treatment

Your primary care doctor may offer conservative treatment options if your pain continues. These options may include prescription medications, physical therapy, nerve injections, or other therapies (like massage therapy or acupuncture).

3 / Surgical treatment

If your sciatica is severe, long-lasting, and doing permanent damage to your nerves, your primary care doctor may recommend surgery.

The type of surgery you undergo may vary depending on what's causing your sciatica. Our specialists will help you decide which treatment option(s) will best meet your needs.

Prevention

Although sciatica can be unpredictable, you can take steps to lower your likelihood of developing the underlying conditions that cause pain.

Let yourself recover. If you are injured or in pain, don't try to work through it--you may worsen your injuries. Give yourself time to recover before you return to your usual activities.
Maintain good posture. Your posture when sitting, standing, sleeping, or lifting heavy objects can affect your risk of developing sciatic pain.
Maintain a healthy weight. Alongside your primary care doctor, you can create a plan for eating and physical activity that allows you to reach and maintain a healthy weight for your body.
Protect yourself from falls. Spine injuries may causing lasting damage to your nerves; always be aware of your surroundings and take steps to prevent falls, especially from a height.
Quit using tobacco products (including vaping). Nicotine lowers the supply of blood to your bones, which can weaken your spine.
Stay active. Core strength and flexibility can help to decrease the likelihood of injuring yourself.

Why choose University of Utah Neurosurgery Spine Group?

We are the destination for complex spine patients in the Mountain West. Our spine surgeons perform a high volume of procedures each year, and are both experienced and successful. We also publish our research findings for other physicians and surgeons to learn.

With the University of Utah Health Neurosurgery Spine Group, you will receive care from an experienced team of experts who are national leaders in spine surgery and train residents, fellows, and other physicians.