Sciatica Overview

Lumbar radiculopathy, which is commonly referred to as just sciatica, is inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve and accompanying burning pain. Sciatica is uncomfortable and unpleasant and will not improve unless it is properly treated. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists prescribe treatment plans that ensure fast and long-lasting sciatica relief.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options treat sciatica. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend:

• Heat
• Ice
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy

A physical therapist can be a great treatment resource. They can prescribe a variety of treatment modalities that quickly decrease sciatic nerve inflammation. Surgery is rarely if ever recommended to treat sciatica.

Diagnosis:

A CONA specialist asks important questions, like:

• When did sciatic first present?
• What other symptoms have presented?
• What treatment options have been tried?
• Do certain activities and movements make sciatica worse?

Neurological and physical examinations are performed. X-rays, an MRI and/or a CT scan may be ordered to see if a herniated disc is present and causes sciatica.