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Sciatic Nerve Pressure

  • Each nerve has specific patterns of painThe location of pain and numbness in the legs will vary depending on which disc is herniated
  • Symptoms can settle with time80% of disc herniations will resolve with conservative treatment
  • Surgery is an option if pain lingersMicrodiscectomy has extremely high rates of success and return to activity
  • Disc herniations can be an emergency.If you notice weakness or loss of control in the legs you need to seek help urgently

The spinal column is composed of 33 vertebrae separated by rubbery fibrous discs with a core of cartilage. These discs cushion the spine, allowing it to bend and flex with body movements. These discs undergo changes with aging. They may thin, dry out, or crack, or the softer cartilage core may begin to bulge out and cause pressure on the spinal canal.

 

Although the degeneration that comes with aging is normal, it is not recognized as degenerative disc disease unless it causes pain or other symptoms.

Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy may include:

Back pain
Numbness in the legs
Pain radiating down the leg
Weakness in the legs

Treating Lumbar Radiculopathy

Saville Spine Institute may recommend any or all of the following treatments to patients:

Physical therapy
Epidural injections
Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy
List treatment options here

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about lumbar radiculopathy.

  • How do epidural injections work?

    Epidurals work in two main ways. The first is the fluid from the injection washes away inflammatory chemicals from the disc that irritate the nerve and cause pain.. The second is the steroid helps reduce inflammation and swelling on the nerve from being pinched.

  • Can the disc herniation be pushed back in?

    No, unfortunaltey the disc herniation won't go back inside the disc. Your body may dissolve it over time however, and this is why most people will improve with conservative treatment.If symptoms persist suergy is an option.

  • When is surgery an option?

    A microdiscectomy is usually offered after 6 weeks of symptoms because after this the chances of spontaneous resolution are much lower. Occasionally we will offer surgery before this if the pain is severe, or there are neurological deficits such as weakness.

  • What is Cauda Equina Syndrome

    This is when a very large disc herniation pinches all of the spinal nerves. It can cause pain in both legs, weakness, and urinary incontinence as well as numbness in the saddle area. This is an emergency and requires surgery ASAP.