SCIATICA

DEFINITION

Sciatica refers to pain radiating down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. Dr. Pauza would like patients to know that sciatica is not caused by a pinched nerve, but in reality is caused by inflammation of the nerve roots caused by leaky discs. This inflammation occurs because the disc’s gel, known as the nucleus pulposus, is perceived as a foreign substance by the human body when it leaks through annular tears and onto spinal nerve roots.

SYMPTOMS

Due to the variable nature of sciatic pain, a wide range of symptoms may arise. Like disc herniation, sciatic pain radiates to the legs and this is also where it is felt the most. Below are some of the most common symptoms of sciatica:

  • Constant pain felt in only one side of the buttock or leg.
  • Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot.
  • Pain that feels better when lying down or walking, but worsens when standing or sitting.
  • Pain that is typically described as sharp or searing.
  • A numbness or prickling sensation down the leg.
  • Weakness or numbness when moving the foot or leg.
  • Severe or shooting pain in one leg, making it difficult to stand up or walk.
  • Pain and other symptoms in the toes, depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected.

TREATING SCIATICA

There are many treatments for the pain associated with sciatica such as physical therapy, exercise, bed rest, hot and cold packs, and medication. Unfortunately none of these options are guaranteed to work, and for patients that truly need regenerative or restorative treatment, these options cannot provide that.

However, treating sciatica with the Discseel® Procedure allows damage to be reversed. The unique biological therapy of the Discseel® Procedure is applied to wherever cartilage or bone may need to be repaired near the sciatic nerve. Regardless of where the procedure is is performed, most patients are up and walking in 24 hours.

Scroll to Top