Dr. Gregory Gebauer | Sciatica Pinched Nerves

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Sciatica/Pinched Nerves

TREATMENT

Sciatica is a broad term for pain that radiates into the buttock and back of the leg. In more severe cases, it can cause pain and/or numbness extending into the legs and feet, or even weakness. The term sciatica describes the symptoms, but it is not a diagnosis and there are many causes for it. One of the most common is a pinched nerve in the spine. This often occurs as a result of a herniated disk or stenosis (degeneration and arthritis in the spine that causes compression of the nerves). The cause of the patient’s sciatica – whether it’s a herniated disk, stenosis, or another problem that compresses the nerve – is the actual diagnosis. Pinched nerves can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). This can cause pain, numbness, and/or weakness that extends into the arm and hand. Like problems in the low back, this is usually caused by herniated disks or compression of the nerves due to degeneration in the disks and arthritis in the facet joints (the joints in the back of the spine).

Most patients who have pain from a pinched nerve will find that it improves over time. Initial treatments are focused on decreasing your pain and allowing the body time to heal. Dr. Gebauer will work with you to find the treatment that is best for your individual condition. These treatments may include anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications and physical therapy. In some cases, injection of steroids (an anti-inflammatory medication) can help. While the majority of patients will improve with non-operative care, some find that their pain and other symptoms persist. In these cases, surgery may be an option. Dr. Gebauer can perform a procedure to relieve the pressure on the nerves, physically removing the cause of the pain. In rare cases, pressure on the nerves can cause significant weakness or problems with bowel and bladder function. In these cases, surgery may need to be considered more urgently.