Sciatica Treatment in Encino and Valencia

Name: Sciatica
Brand: California Neurosurgical Institute
Rating: 5 (1407 reviews)

Sciatica is a common condition characterized by pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. This discomfort can range from mild to debilitating, significantly affecting your daily life. At California Neurosurgical Institute, we recognize the impact of sciatica on your well-being and offer world-class, compassionate treatments to help you find relief.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica typically occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Common causes include the following:

Herniated Disc: A bulging disc in your spine can press on the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Discs lose their cushioning over time, leading to nerve compression.
Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra slips out of place, potentially pinching the sciatic nerve.

Understanding the cause of your sciatica is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Sciatica Symptoms and Side Effects

If you are uncertain whether or not you have sciatica, consider the following listing of symptoms and side effects to see if any apply to your current condition. Ultimately, your condition will be determined by a diagnosis from a qualified doctor at California Neurosurgical Institute during your initial consultation.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Lower Back Pain: Mild to severe pain originating in the lower back.
Radiating Leg Pain: Sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of one leg.
Tingling or Numbness: A tingling sensation, "pins and needles," or numbness in the leg or foot.
Burning Sensation: A burning or searing pain along the path of the sciatic nerve.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the affected leg or foot, making it difficult to move or stand up from a sitting position.
Difficulty Walking: Challenges with walking or maintaining balance due to pain or weakness.
Hip Pain: Pain that extends into the hip area, often making it hard to sit or lie down comfortably.
Worsening Pain When Sitting: Pain that intensifies when sitting, especially for prolonged periods.
Shooting Pain When Standing Up: Sudden, intense pain that occurs when standing up or changing positions.
Pain in the Buttocks: Persistent pain in one buttock, often deep and aching.

Side Effects of Sciatica

Reduced Mobility: Limited ability to perform daily activities due to pain and discomfort.
Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain may become persistent if left untreated or not effectively managed.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping due to pain, especially when lying in certain positions.
Emotional Distress: Increased stress, anxiety, or depression due to chronic pain and reduced quality of life.
Fatigue: Tiredness or exhaustion from dealing with constant pain or disrupted sleep.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: Rare but serious side effect indicating severe nerve compression requiring immediate medical attention.

Conservative Approaches to Treatment

Our primary goal is to address your sciatica with conservative treatments that minimize the need for surgery:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can help strengthen your lower back and improve flexibility, reducing nerve pressure.
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage your symptoms.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs can alleviate inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve and can significantly relieve some patients.

Surgery Mastery When Required

If conservative treatments are not providing sufficient relief or if your symptoms are severe, surgical options may be necessary. Our expert team of neurosurgeons are experts in their craft and offer several advanced procedures, including:

Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve.
Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Fusion: Fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and alleviate nerve compression.

Recovery time for each treatment varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and overall health. The doctor will discuss the details with you before your procedure.

Take Your Next Step Towards Relief with California Neurosurgical Institute

At California Neurosurgical Institute, we are dedicated to helping you overcome sciatica and regain your quality of life. Our skilled surgeons and caring staff are here to guide you through every step of your sciatica treatment in Valencia & Encino, from initial evaluation to personalized care plans and ongoing support after your procedure. Don't let sciatica hold you back any longer. Reach out to California Neurosurgical Institute today to schedule a consultation and explore the right treatment options for you.