Sciatica

Patients with sciatica experience pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts at the lower back and moves through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:

Tingling
Mild ache
Numbness
Excruciating pain
Sharp, burning sensation
Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot

Female patient receiving treatment for sciatica

Digital illustration of joint and soft tissue injection for sciatica

Pain that worsens when coughing or sneezing
Pain in one part of the leg and numbness in another part

Mild forms of sciatica typically resolve over time. However, patients should seek medical attention if they experience:

Pain after a violent injury
Numbness or muscle weakness in the leg
Difficulty controlling the bowels or bladder
They have sudden, severe pain in the lower back or leg

Patients experiencing symptoms of sciatica should schedule an

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appointment at Las Vegas Primary Care for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica may be caused by a pinched nerve, either by a herniated disc or a bone spur. Other rare causes of sciatica include a tumor or disease, such as diabetes.

Risk Factors

The following factors may increase an individual’s risk of developing sciatica:

Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage, which may lead to sciatica.
Obesity places extra stress on the spine and contributes to spinal changes that trigger sciatica.
Occupations that require sitting for prolonged periods or having a sedentary lifestyle contributes to sciatica.
Older individuals may experience age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs.
Occupations that require frequent twisting of the back, carrying heavy loads, and driving a motor vehicle for long periods of time may increase the risk of sciatica.

Treatment Options for Sciatica

The right treatment for sciatica will depend on the severity of the patient’s symptoms and their overall condition. At Las Vegas Primary Care, patients may be treated with pain management therapy, joint and soft tissue injections, and occupational medicine.

Joint and soft tissue injections, such as piriformis injections, may help alleviate pain from sciatica.

Pain management therapy at Las Vegas Primary Care may encompass a range of treatments, such as hot and cold therapy, massage, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, cognitive behavior therapy, deep breathing, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, opioids, beta-blockers, and antidepressants.

Some cases of sciatica interfere with daily life and impair a patient’s ability to perform job responsibilities. In these cases, occupational medicine could help the patient continue working in the workplace as they pursue treatment for sciatica.

Staff at Las Vegas Primary Care are also trained to help employers adapt the workplace to the limitations of employees diagnosed with sciatica. Occupational medicine specialists can help both employers and injured employees create a plan moving forward.

Advanced Treatment for Sciatica

Some patients may need advanced treatment for sciatica. Advanced treatment may include chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Patients should speak to their physician at Las Vegas Primary Care to learn more about obtaining advanced treatment for sciatica.