Sciatica Treatment in Louisville, KY

Sciatica is a group of uncomfortable symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve is irritated, inflamed, or pinched. The longest and thickest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve originates at the base of the spine and extends down the back of each leg, then branches into other nerves that continue into each foot and toes.

The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or herniated spinal disc that is pressuring the sciatic nerve in the lower back. Because degenerative changes in the discs and other spinal components gradually take place during the natural aging process, the risk of developing sciatica generally increases with age.

In addition to stabbing pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, sciatica can cause numbness, tingling or burning sensations, and muscle weakness in the legs and feet. The symptoms may be constant, or they may come and go, often worsening with sudden body movements, such as a sneeze or cough.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

Sometimes, a bout of sciatica will resolve on its own within several weeks. However, until it does, the discomfort can be severe, and sciatica treatment may be helpful for getting through a painful episode. Many people benefit from conservative therapies, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Hot/cold compresses
• Corticosteroid injections
• Ultrasound therapy

If the discomfort becomes intolerable, surgery may be an appropriate next step. The board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky, are experienced in performing the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures, to address sciatica at its source.

If you’d like to learn more about the sciatica treatment options available at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic, contact us to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist at our location in Louisville, KY.