Dallas Sciatica Care

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that extends from the lower back into your legs. Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, causing severe pain in your lower back and legs. If you have been dealing with a chronic, radiating pain in the legs, sciatica may be the cause.

At Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute, we provide diagnosis and treatment for sciatica and other forms of back pain. If your pain has lasted for more than a week, you should consult a medical professional.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica can be caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs. These conditions put strain on the spine and cause inflammation near the sciatic nerve.

Some noticeable symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Hip pain
• Shooting pain in the legs
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

Sciatica often goes away over time, but if you have persistent pain or pain that is very severe, you should seek medical attention. You should also consult a doctor if your pain started after you were in an accident or if it is making it difficult to control your bladder.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy are often all it takes to treat sciatica. However, your doctor may recommend surgery in severe cases where the pain causes weakness or loss of bladder control. Surgery usually involves removing the offending bone spur or disc herniation.

For more information about sciatica and back pain treatments, contact Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute at call (214) 948-2076.