Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower spine through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying problem, most often a herniated disc or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve.

Common Causes and Risk Factors
Sciatica is typically caused by:

Risk factors include:

Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms vary but typically affect one side of the body. Common signs include:

Symptoms may come and go or remain constant, depending on the cause and severity.

Diagnosing Sciatica
Our spine specialists at Iowa Ortho start with a thorough evaluation that includes:

Treatment Options
Most cases of sciatica improve with conservative, non-surgical treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Surgical Treatment
If symptoms persist beyond several weeks or cause significant nerve issues, surgical options may be considered. These include:

Recovery and Outlook
Most people recover from sciatica with non-surgical care in a matter of weeks. Staying active, stretching, and strengthening your core are key to preventing future flare-ups. For those who undergo surgery, outcomes are generally positive, with many patients reporting significant pain relief.

Our multidisciplinary team of spine specialists provides personalized treatment plans backed by the latest techniques and technology.