Conditions Sciatica by Santa Ana Clinic 1 1 - Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that is experienced along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down into your hips, buttocks, and legs.

Causes

It is not always easy to determine what causes sciatica. Typically, the pain is caused by pressure that is placed on the nerve roots that are located in the lower spine. This pressure can exist due to osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or an injury.

Symptoms

The pain associated with sciatica can be sudden and short-term, or long lasting. Chronic, or long lasting pain, lasts for longer than three months.

Conditions Sciatica by Santa Ana Clinic 2 1 - Sciatica
Sciatica pain is usually felt on one side of the body. It can be accompanied by tingling, weakness, and numbness. It often starts in the lower back and then extends down the leg.

Treatments

An epidural injection can help to deliver pain medication to the fluid located around the spinal cord. Nerve blocks are another type of injection that may be used to block pain signals that are sent to the brain. In some patients, spinal cord stimulation can be used to block pain signals as more of a longer term solution.