Questions to Ask Your Sciatica Doctor

Sciatica can be caused by several different medical conditions, primarily those that affect the pressure exerted on the sciatic nerve, including:

Herniated or Slipped Disk: A herniated or slipped disk can place pressure on a nerve root, which is the most common cause of sciatica. About 1% to 5% of the population in the United States will experience a slipped disk at one point in their lives. Disks are the cushioning pads between each vertebra of the spine, and if they undergo a lot of pressure, the soft, gel-like center can bulge and press on the sciatic nerve.

Degenerative Disk Disease: Degenerative disk disease is caused by the natural wear down of the spinal disks located between each vertebra.

Spinal Stenosis: when the spinal canal abnormally narrows, it is known as spinal stenosis. This narrowing reduces the available space for the spinal cord and nerves, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.

Spondylolisthesis: if a vertebra slips and remains out of line with the one above it, it can narrow the opening through which the nerve exits; this is spinal stenosis. The extended spinal bone can pinch the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica.

Osteoarthritis: Bone spurs are jagged edges of bone that can form from weakened bones, and is common in patients with osteoarthritis. This can compress lower back nerves, ultimately causing sciatica.

Trauma: Injury to the lumbar spine or sciatic nerve can directly result in sciatica.

Tumors in the Lumbar Spinal Canal: Tumors located in the lower part of the spinal canal can compress the sciatic nerve, causing painful symptoms.

Piriformis Syndrome: Piriformis syndrome is a condition that develops when the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttocks, becomes tight or spasms. This can compress the sciatic nerve.

There are several triggers for sciatica, including:

• High heels and shoes that lack cushioning
• Large objects in the back pocket, including wallets and cell phones
• High levels of stress
• Tight-fitting clothing
• Being overweight or obese

Sciatica has several diverse causes, and in most cases, the damage can be reversed and the body can heal itself. Depending on the cause of sciatica, this can take several months to a few years, and treatment options greatly vary. The most important aspect of healing sciatica pain is to implement preventative strategies every day that help the body to recover; this cannot be performed by a professional, but can only be personally implemented into one’s daily routine.

At Northstar Joint and Spine, we care about your wellbeing. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating sciatica and are well-versed in several different treatments and therapies that help to improve this condition. For more information contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Plano TX, McKinney TX, Richardson TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, Carrollton TX, and beyond!