If you have sciatica pain, you know how disruptive it can be to your daily life. From sharp, shooting pain to numbness in your legs, sciatica can make even simple tasks challenging.
While sciatica pain is common, finding relief can often feel complex. One question many patients ask is whether a spine surgeon can treat sciatica pain. The answer is yes — a spine surgeon can play a significant role in diagnosing and treating sciatica, especially in advanced or severe cases.
Let us explore how a spine surgeon can help. We will also highlight treatment options like minimally invasive spinal surgery and explain when you should consider seeing a spine surgeon for your sciatica pain.
What Is Sciatica
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, gets irritated or compressed. This nerve extends from your lower spine down to your legs and feet.
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in your spine. Other causes include bone spurs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine), or injuries.
Sciatica symptoms can range from mild tingling to sharp, burning pain. You may also feel numbness or weakness in your leg. These symptoms often worsen when sitting, coughing, or sneezing.
How a Spine Surgeon Treats Sciatica Pain
A spine surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine, including sciatica. They utilize advanced techniques and tools to provide effective care.
Here is how a spine surgeon can assist.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
First, the spine surgeon will perform a detailed evaluation, which may include the following.
Reviewing Your Medical History and Symptoms
The first step in diagnosing nerve compression involves discussing your medical history and current symptoms. Your doctor will ask about any previous injuries, health conditions, or activities that may contribute to nerve issues.
They will also want detailed information about the type, location, and duration of your pain or discomfort, as well as any numbness, tingling, or weakness you may be experiencing.
Conducting a Physical Examination
A thorough physical exam is performed to assess your overall nerve and muscle health. This includes testing your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion.
The doctor may also examine specific areas of your body for tenderness, swelling, or other physical signs of nerve compression. These tests help pinpoint the affected area and evaluate the severity of the condition.
Using Imaging Tests
To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be recommended. X-rays help identify structural issues like bone spurs or arthritis that could compress nerves.
MRIs provide detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles and nerves, to detect any abnormalities. These imaging tools help pinpoint the exact cause and location of the nerve compression, guiding the treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Sciatica
Many people find relief from sciatica with non-surgical methods. Spine surgeons often recommend starting with these treatments, especially if the condition is mild or moderate.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can relieve nerve pressure and improve mobility.
- Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or muscle relaxants may reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: An injection can reduce inflammation around the nerve, offering temporary relief.
Surgical Interventions for Sciatica
If non-surgical options fail, a spine surgeon may recommend minimally invasive spinal surgery to alleviate nerve compression.
Minimally invasive spinal surgery is a cutting-edge technique that uses smaller incisions and advanced tools to reduce damage to surrounding tissue. Compared to traditional surgery, these procedures offer several benefits, including the following.
- Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
- Faster recovery times
- Less pain after surgery
- A lower risk of infection
Common minimally invasive procedures include the following.
- Microdiscectomy: This procedure removes a small portion of the herniated disc compressing the sciatic nerve.
- Laminectomy: This involves removing part of the bone or ligament to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
If you are in Colorado and seeking spine care, consider consulting with a spine surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive techniques.
When Should You See a Spine Surgeon
While many cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatment, you should consult a spine surgeon if you experience any of the following.
- Severe, unrelenting pain that interferes with daily activities
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (this may indicate a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome)
- Persistent numbness or weakness in the legs
- No improvement despite months of non-surgical treatment
A qualified spine surgeon can determine the root cause of your pain and offer tailored solutions to improve your quality of life.
Spine Surgeon in Colorado Springs and Aurora, CO
Living with sciatica pain does not have to become your new normal. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it might be time to explore your options with a spine surgeon.
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our board-certified spine surgeons are leaders in minimally invasive spinal surgery and personalized patient care. With years of experience treating sciatica and other spinal conditions, we are committed to helping you regain your mobility and live pain-free.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
