Sciatica

Sciatica is generally defined as leg pain and/or tingling, numbness or weakness that originates in the lower back and radiates through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

Causes 

A primary cause of sciatica is a herniated or bulging intervertebral disc that compresses the nerve root before it joins the sciatic nerve. Extreme trauma is not typically the cause of sciatic pain. An action as simple as bending over may bring on symptoms. Standing, lifting, sitting or straining may aggravate it. 

Symptoms

Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated or bulging intervertebral lumbar disc. Its distinguishing feature is pain in the buttocks and behind the thighs.

Sciatica along with a number of other spinal or nerve issues can often turn into a more debilitating chronic pain state, that some would consider "Fibromyalgia". 

Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is characterized by chronic widespread pain and allodynia (a heightened and painful response to pressure) a central nervous system disorder. Its exact cause is unknown but is believed to involve psychological, genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors. Fibromyalgia symptoms are not restricted to, but primarily result in, severe pain throughout the body. Other symptoms include debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbance, and joint stiffness. Some patients also report difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder abnormalities, numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction. FM and many of these associated troubles, actually derive from an unhealthy spine and nerve system. 

 

Possible Treatment – 

The Bonati Spine Procedures 
The Bonati Procedures performed by Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, Alfred O. Bonati M.D., or another Bonati Spine Institute surgeon, can provide immediate relief with sciatica treatment, especially if your symptoms of sciatica pain are related to a herniated or bulging lower lumbar intervertebral disc that is compressing one of the nerve roots before it joins the sciatic nerve. Our sciatica surgeries are an excellent alternative to open back surgeries that often result in long recuperation times.