Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Sciatica is a painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often caused by issues within the spine that put pressure on the sciatic nerve. At Bay Area Disc Centers, we specialize in treating sciatica with proven, non-surgical methods that provide long-term relief. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe pain, this guide will help you understand sciatica, its symptoms, and how our expert team can help you feel better.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through the hips and down each leg, becomes compressed. This compression usually results from an underlying spinal issue, such as:

• Herniated or bulging discs: When the outer layer of a spinal disc weakens or tears, the inner material pushes outward, pressing on the sciatic nerve.
• Degenerative disc disease: As we age, spinal discs can lose hydration and elasticity, which may cause them to collapse and irritate nearby nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that can squeeze the nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
• Bone spurs: Overgrowth of bone can press on the sciatic nerve, triggering pain.

These conditions are most often linked to aging, injury, or prolonged stress on the spine.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms typically affect only one side of the body and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Lower back pain: This pain can be sharp, burning, or radiating, often extending down the back of the leg.
• Numbness or tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation may occur in the leg or foot.
• Weakness in the leg: Muscle weakness may make it difficult to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods.
• Shooting pain: Sudden, intense pain that travels down the leg, which can be triggered by coughing, sneezing, or sitting.

If left untreated, sciatica can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or long-term nerve damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing the condition effectively.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Several conditions can contribute to the development of sciatica. These include:

1. Disc Herniation or Protrusion: One of the most common causes of sciatica, herniated discs occur when the outer shell of a disc tears, allowing the inner material to bulge out and press against the nerve.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs naturally deteriorate with age, they become more prone to collapsing and compressing nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
3. Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of spaces within your spine can put pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that radiates down the leg.
4. Bone Spurs: The excess growth of bone can pinch the sciatic nerve, contributing to severe pain in the lower back and leg.
5. Injury or Trauma: A fall, car accident, or sports injury can damage the spine or discs, which may lead to sciatica.

Diagnosing Sciatica

Because the symptoms of sciatica can mimic other conditions like arthritis or nerve disorders, diagnosing it accurately is crucial. At Bay Area Disc Centers, we use the latest technology, including MRI scans and thorough physical examinations, to determine the exact cause of your sciatic nerve pain. Once we identify the source of your pain, we can create a personalized treatment plan to address it effectively.

Non-Surgical Sciatica Treatment at Bay Area Disc Centers

At Bay Area Disc Centers, we specialize in non-invasive, non-surgical treatments to alleviate sciatica pain and prevent it from returning. Dr. Ferrigno and his team focus on restoring the health of your spinal discs, which are often the root cause of sciatica.

Our approach includes:

• Spinal Decompression Therapy: This method gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, allowing the discs to heal and regenerate.
• Physiotherapy: Electric muscle stimulation and cold laser therapy help reduce inflammation and relax muscles, which can alleviate pain and promote healing.
• Exercise Rehabilitation: Strengthening the muscles around the spine can prevent further injury and reduce the likelihood of sciatica recurring.
• Nutritional Support: Maintaining the health of your spinal discs is key to preventing further degeneration.
• Exercise Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles that support your lower back and spine.

These treatments are designed to not only relieve your current symptoms but also promote long-term spine health.

Why Choose Bay Area Disc Centers for Sciatica Treatment?

Bay Area Disc Centers is dedicated to providing effective, non-surgical solutions for sciatica pain. With a focus on holistic healing and individualized treatment plans, our team is committed to helping you regain your quality of life. Dr. Ferrigno and his team have extensive experience in treating severe disc injuries, ensuring that you get the care you need to find relief.

We serve patients at two convenient locations in California:

Campbell, CA – Center

420 Marathon Dr., Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: 408-866-0300

San Mateo, CA – Center

177 Bovet Rd. #150, San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: 650-375-2545

Take Control of Your Sciatica Pain Today

Don’t let sciatica disrupt your life any longer. At Bay Area Disc Centers, we offer effective, non-surgical treatments that can help you get back to living pain-free. Contact our Campbell or San Mateo office today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to recovery.

Whether you’ve just started experiencing symptoms or have been dealing with chronic pain for years, Bay Area Disc Centers is here to help you find relief from sciatica.