The ABCs of Sciatica

By Kristen L. Willett, DO

If you have pain radiating from your lower back down your leg or foot, it might be sciatica. Here’s some helpful information to guide you through it.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to symptoms caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the body’s longest nerve. Originating in the lower back, the sciatic nerve travels through the buttocks, down the back of the thigh, and splits near the knee into nerves that extend to the calf and foot.

Sciatica can cause sharp, achy or burning pain that radiates from the back or butt down the back or side of one leg.
It may intensify when standing from a seated position or when coughing or sneezing.
In severe cases, it may be accompanied by weakness or numbness in the affected leg that could extend as far as the foot

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can be triggered by various factors, with the most common being:

Herniated Disc: The leading cause, where a disc in the spine bulges out and compresses the nerve.
Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the nerve passageway, often due to arthritis or disc degeneration.
Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another, pinching the nerve as it exits the spine.
Other Causes (Very Rare): Conditions like infections, tumors, or other disorders that disturb or compress the sciatic nerve.

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?

If you show signs of sciatica, see a physician. They will review your symptoms and injury history, conduct a physical exam, and may order x-rays. If needed, advanced imaging like a CT or MRI may be recommended.

How is Sciatica Treated?

Most cases of sciatica can be treated with a few options, including:

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen
A physical therapy program focused on core strengthening, stretching, and pain management techniques for home use
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or chiropractic careIf conservative measures don’t work, epidural steroid injections may help reduce nerve inflammation. In cases of severe or persistent pain or neurological symptoms, surgery might be recommended.

How Can Sciatica Be Prevented?

To prevent spine issues, it’s essential to maintain a strong core with regular exercise and keep your body flexible through stretching. Participating in your company’s health and wellness programs, if available, and maintaining a healthy weight with low-impact exercises can also help. If you experience sciatica symptoms, the physicians and team at Resurgens Spine Center are here to help.

Kristen L. Willett, DO, earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a fellowship in Musculoskeletal and Interventional Spine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. Willett is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, North American Spine Society, and the American Medical Association. She practices at Resurgens Orthopaedics’ Cumming and Johns Creek locations.