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Sciatica Specialist

Western Orthopaedics, P.C. Our Services Sciatica

Western Orthopaedics, P.C.

Orthopedic Surgeons & Physical Therapists located in Denver, CO

Of the 80% of adults in the United States who experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, up to 10% of these cases are due to sciatica. Western Orthopaedics, P.C., spinal specialists have extensive experience in helping patients find relief from the moderate-to-severe pain that often accompanies sciatica. To learn about your options in sciatica care, call the Colorado location in Denver or request an appointment.

Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition in which your sciatic nerve is compressed, which can lead to radiating pain, numbness, and tingling. Your sciatic nerve is the largest in your body. It begins in your lower back and branches out to travel down either side of your buttocks and down the back of each of your legs.

In 90% of sciatica cases, the problem develops on the heels of a ruptured or bulging disc in your lumbar spine, which compresses or irritates the nerve roots that come together to create your sciatic nerve. In less common cases, stenosis (a narrowing of your spinal canal) may lead to sciatica, as well as bone spurs that develop along your spine.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica is unique in that this condition causes symptoms that often radiate out of your lower back and down through your legs, usually just on one side.

This pain can extend down your buttock or travel as far as your calf and feet, depending upon the degree of the nerve impingement.

The pain may also come and go with certain movements, or it may present as a constant and dull ache.

In addition to the pain, you may experience radiating numbness and tingling that also travels down your leg.

In extreme cases, sciatica can affect bladder and bowel function.

How is sciatica treated?

Sciatica is usually an acute problem that Western Orthopaedics, P.C., treats with:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Rest
  • Physical therapy
  • Steroid injections

Sciatica rarely requires surgery and most patients are able to find relief within a few weeks if they follow the instructions of their provider at Western Orthopaedics, P.C. To keep yourself comfortable while you heal, they recommend icing and heating the area on and off, and they provide you with gentle stretching exercises that can help decompress the nerve.

If your sciatica resists treatment or you display some of the more serious, and thankfully less common, symptoms like loss of balance or bladder and/or bowel control, your doctor may recommend a surgical solution that will relieve the pressure on your nerve.

For relief from your sciatica, call Western Orthopaedics, P.C., or request an appointment using the online scheduler.