Sciatica Treatment Options in Atlanta

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body.

The sciatic nerve forms from several nerve roots in the lower spine. It travels through the buttocks and down each leg. When something presses on or inflames this nerve, pain can develop anywhere along its path. This is why sciatica pain often spreads instead of staying only in the lower back.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis on its own. It’s a symptom that points to an underlying problem affecting the nerve. We provide a variety of sciatica treatment options in Atlanta that start with identifying what is irritating the nerve.

What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?

One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc in the lower back. The bones of the spine are separated by discs that act as shock absorbers. Over time, or after an injury, the outer layer of a disc can weaken or tear, allowing the softer inner portion to bulge or leak outward. When this material presses on a nearby nerve root, sciatica pain can occur. Other common causes of sciatica include:

• Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal
• Bone spurs related to arthritis
• Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips over another
• Muscle-related conditions, such as piriformis syndrome

See more: What Does Hip Pain That Radiates Down the Leg Mean?

What Is Sciatica Pain Like?

Sciatica pain usually affects one side of the body, although it can occasionally involve both legs. Pain often begins in the lower back or buttock and travels down the thigh, calf, or foot. Many people describe it as:

• Sharp
• Burning
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Electric in nature

In addition to pain, muscle weakness can also occur if the nerve is significantly affected.
Signs of more serious symptoms that need medical attention right away include:

• Worsening leg weakness
• Difficulty lifting the foot, known as foot drop
• Severe or rapidly escalating pain
• Changes in bowel or bladder control

See more: Sciatic Nerve Pain: How to Manage It

What Sciatica Treatment Options are Available?

Many cases of sciatica improve in four to six weeks with conservative care. The majority of cases do not need surgery. Early treatment focuses on:

• Reducing inflammation
• Relieving pressure on the nerve
• Restoring movement

Movement

Spending extended time in bed to rest is no longer recommended. Too much time off your feet can weaken the muscles that support your spine and slow the healing process. Most doctors now encourage you to stay as active as you comfortably can. Gentle movement, along with small adjustments to your activity, helps your body recover.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Both ice and heat therapy can help you feel better, but they are used at different times depending on where you are in your recovery. Ice is often useful early on to calm inflammation, while heat may reduce muscle tension later.

Medications

• Anti-inflammatory medicines. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and swelling around the irritated nerve.
• Muscle relaxants. Sciatica can cause nearby muscles to tighten as your body tries to protect the nerve. This tightening may make pain and stiffness worse. Medicines like cyclobenzaprine can help reduce muscle spasms.
• Steroids. Oral steroids may be prescribed to lower inflammation around the nerve. If the pain is more severe or does not improve, your provider may recommend a steroid injection.
  Epidural steroid injections place anti-inflammatory medicine near the irritated nerve root. Many people experience pain relief that can last for weeks or even months. This relief may make it easier to take part in physical therapy and continue healing.
  These injections help control symptoms, but they do not fix the underlying cause of sciatica.

Physical therapy

Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises can help your spine move better and may reduce pressure on the nerve.

Some exercises focus specifically on the nerve itself. Nerve glide stretches for sciatica can help the sciatic nerve move more freely without overstretching it.

See more: Sciatica Stretches That Work

Surgery

Surgery is considered only for a small percentage of people with sciatica. It may be an option when pain persists, and symptoms significantly limit function, or when there is:

• Progressive weakness
• Nerve damage
• Bladder or bowel control issues

Discectomy

This procedure removes the part of a herniated disc that is pressing on the sciatic nerve. It is often used when a disc is causing nerve pressure.

Microdiscectomy

A microdiscectomy is a less invasive version of a discectomy performed through a smaller incision. It removes the disc fragment pressing on the nerve while minimizing disruption to nearby muscles and tissues.

Laminectomy

Laminectomy is a spinal decompression surgery that removes part of the back portion of a vertebra to create more space within the spinal canal. It is often used when narrowing of the spinal canal, spinal stenosis, is contributing to pressure on the nerve.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy enlarges the natural opening where the nerve exits the spine. By widening this space, pressure on the affected nerve root can be relieved.

Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion joins two vertebrae together to stabilize the spine. When there is severe wear and tear in the spine or repeated disc problems along with nerve pressure, this procedure may help relieve pain.

Find Sciatic Treatment Options in Atlanta

If you’re living with nerve pain that won’t go away, you don’t have to manage it alone. Our team offers sciatic treatment options in Atlanta to help relieve pressure on the nerve and get you moving again. Schedule an appointment today to find the right treatment plan for you.

1. Is sciatica pain the same as low back pain?

No. Sciatica is nerve pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, often down one leg. Low back pain can come from muscles, joints, or discs. It does not always involve a nerve.

2. Can sciatica come back after it improves?

Yes, it can. Some people have repeat episodes, especially if spine changes or movement habits are not addressed. Physical therapy and core exercises may help lower the risk of it coming back.

3. Where can I schedule a sciatica pain consultation?

Consultations are offered in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and College Park.

4. How do I get started?

Request an appointment or call (470) 579-3962.

Shane Mangrum, MD

Christopher Tomaras, MD

David Tran, MD

Raymond Walkup, MD