Sciatica/ Radiculopathy/ Radicular pain

The sciatic nerves are the longest and thickest nerves in the body that supplies each leg with sensation and the ability to move. Sciatica is a common disorder caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve as it exits the spinal cord. Sciatica is often seen as a result of a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or movement of a vertebrae forward from the spine -- called spondylolisthesis. Sciatica is characterized by shooting pain or an electric shock from the lower back to the leg(s).

To determine whether you are suffering from sciatica or from another condition, your provider will start with a comprehensive medical review and physical exam. Diagnostic tests that include x-rays, electromyography, lab results, and/or MRIs will also be reviewed.

Sciatica may be treated in many ways including non-opioid adjuvant medications, epidural injections, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Sciatica may be treated as part of a care team model involving pain psychology, pain management, surgery, and primary care specialties working together.