Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in our bodies. This nerve begins in the lower back, travels behind the hip joint and through the buttocks, continues down the back of each leg, and ends at each foot.
Serving such a long-distance within our bodies, the sciatic nerve also has branches that reach out from its direct path, to provide sensation and mobility to the lower extremities and hips.
An Overview
The term “Sciatica” is used to describe radiculopathy that is affecting the sciatic nerve itself. Radiculopathy is caused when the nerve root(s) leaving the spine are pinched or compressed by a herniated disc, bone spur, collapse, slippage, or other spinal problem.
​This pinching or compressing of the nerve root(s) can cause:​
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Numbness, loss of sensation, and/or tingling
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A “Pins and Needles” sensation
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Radiating electrical pain
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Weakness in the distribution of the nerve
Symptoms
In most cases, sciatica only affects one side of the body. It can, however, also occur in both legs simultaneously. Patients typically experience burning or shooting pain in the back of the thighs or the buttocks and down the leg.
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Signs of sciatica can include:
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Pain ranging from mild to severe
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Pain aggravated by coughing, sitting, squatting
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Burning, numbness or tingling that travels a linear path
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Loss of feeling and/or weakness in the legs (rare)
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Causes
Sciatica and the associated painful symptoms can be caused by any injury or condition that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some common injuries and conditions are:
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Trauma (i.e., back injury)
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Pregnancy
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Herniated disc, degenerative spine conditions
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Tumor
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Infection
Diagnosis
Dr. Akamnonu's vast experience and knowledge weigh in on all aspects of your condition. Issues with one’s nervous system can result from many other issues, all of which must be accurately addressed yield the optimal outcome. Pinching or compression of neurological structures can create symptoms far from the source, which can be misleading. Relief from sciatica may be easier to achieve than one might think, and surgery is not always necessary.
Treatment
To start, sciatica is not something that will be resolved overnight; it typically will take several weeks, if not longer, to recover.
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Treatment for sciatica includes a personalized and tailored approach, utilizing a combination of physical therapy, medical management, and activity modification. Surgery is seldom required.
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Dr. Akamnonu works closely with other highly skilled medical professionals, providing a multi-disciplinary approach to his treatment plan and resulting in the very best care possible.
Typical forms of sciatica treatment may include:
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Short-term rest
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Physical therapy
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Topical analgesics
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Anti-inflammatory medication
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Oral Steroid medication
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Interventional Pain Management
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Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment
For those patients who do require surgical treatment, Dr. Akamnonu offers a variety of treatment options including endoscopic discectomy and minimally-invasive microscopic discectomy.
Do I Need Surgery?
When feasible, Dr. Akamnonu will always strive to provide treatment, care, and results without a surgical operation. Surgical care is recommended as the last resort.
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When surgery is deemed necessary, Dr. Akamnonu will offer several solutions such as a minimally invasive microscopic discectomy or neurologic decompression. This procedure can decompress the nerve root(s) and spinal cord, allowing you to quickly return to your usual lifestyle and mobility.
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Dr. Akamnonu will manage your specialty care throughout your sciatica diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedure. This means you won’t have to be referred to a specialist or do extra paperwork, and you will continue your relationship with the doctor you’ve come to trust and respect: Dr. Akamnonu.