When people complain about sciatica, it's easy to assume they're describing a standalone medical condition. In reality, sciatica refers to a specific pattern of nerve pain that originates in the lower back and radiates through the hip, buttock, and down the leg.
Symptoms begin when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed. That means lasting relief requires identifying and treating whatever is causing that compression. The team at Metro Pain Centers specializes in diagnosing pain conditions, including the most frequent causes of sciatica.
Herniated Discs
An estimated 90% of sciatica cases stem from herniated discs in the lumbar spine. Spinal discs sit between each moveable vertebra, acting as cushions. Each disc has a tough outer wall and a soft, gel-like interior. When a disc herniates, that soft center pushes through the outer wall and presses on nearby nerve roots. The disc material also contains hyaluronic acid — an acidic irritant — which can further inflame the nerve.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The vertebrae are connected by facet joints, but these joints can break down over time. This degeneration leads to joint inflammation and abnormal bone growths called bone spurs. Both bone spurs and inflammation add bulk around the spine, compressing nerve roots. Degenerating discs may also release inflammatory proteins, intensifying irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis
Older adults are particularly susceptible to sciatica caused by spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the space surrounding the spinal column. Each lumbar vertebra has small openings through which nerve bundles pass, exiting via narrow channels called foramina. In a healthy spine, these nerves move freely. When stenosis develops, degenerative changes like bone spurs reduce these spaces, constricting the nerves.
Treating Conditions That Cause Sciatica
Fortunately, sciatica symptoms often respond well to the right treatment plan. Noninvasive approaches are preferred whenever possible, with physical therapy playing a central role in relieving symptoms, strengthening the back, and restoring mobility.
Additional treatment options may include:
- Medications
- Steroid or epidural injections
- Lumbar decompression
In most cases, sciatica symptoms improve within a few weeks. With targeted treatment addressing the root cause, patients can expect long-term results.