Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the low back through the buttock and down the back of the leg, sometimes into the foot. It often comes with burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis: it means a nerve root in the lower spine is compressed or inflamed.

What causes it?

The most common culprits are a herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal that houses the nerves), degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another. Less commonly, the piriformis muscle in the buttock can irritate the nerve directly.

How is sciatica treated?

Most sciatica improves with conservative care, and the goal of interventional treatment is to relieve pain enough to restore activity while the underlying inflammation settles. Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the irritated nerve root under X-ray guidance, often producing meaningful relief within days. Dr. Eaddy pairs injections with medication management and coordinates physical therapy. For the small group of patients with persistent, severe nerve pain, neuromodulation options are available.

Will I need surgery?

Usually not. The large majority of sciatica resolves without an operation. Surgery is generally reserved for progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or disabling pain that fails months of well-executed nonsurgical care. Dr. Eaddy will tell you plainly if your situation calls for a surgical opinion.