Sciatica is a common health problem affecting as many as 40% of people at least once in a lifetime. Rather than a specific condition, sciatica is a syndrome – an array of symptoms caused by compression of the sciatic nerve root in the lower back.
Lumbar radiculopathy is a term for compression of the spinal nerve root in the lower back (lumbar spine). It may be used to describe the cause of sciatica or pain resulting from compression of other nerves.
Some specific risk factors for lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica include:
In most cases, radiculopathy and sciatica are caused by a herniated, bulging, or degenerated disc. They can also be caused by narrowed spinal joint spaces (stenosis), bony cysts, or tumors and infections.
Even though sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy originate in the lower back, back pain isn’t usually the main symptom. Instead, people often experience:
These symptoms can get worse or better depending on time of day, activity, and even stress level. In severe cases, sciatic nerve pain can make work, exercise, and sleep seem next to impossible. And unless the underlying causes of your sciatica or radiculopathy are addressed, your symptoms can recur.
Our multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive and customized pain relief for sciatic nerve pain. We may recommend:
We’re not trying to mask symptoms – we want to help you find a lasting solution. The overall goal is to reduce irritation and compression of the nerve, accelerate healing, and help you avoid recurring problems.
Don't let sciatic nerve pain limit you. At American Pain Consortium, we help patients from get control of their pain.
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