Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment in Louisiana
Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly called sciatica, is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lower back. Because these nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet, a problem in the lumbar spine can cause pain far from where it begins. LA Pain Doctor treats sciatica for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lower spine. The most common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on a nerve root
- Lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Bone spurs from spinal arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis, when one vertebra slips forward over another
- Injuries from falls, lifting, or car accidents
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica typically causes pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of one leg. The pain may feel sharp, burning, shooting, or electric and can be worse when sitting, standing for long periods, coughing, or sneezing. Many patients also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Symptoms usually affect one side of the body.
Diagnosis
Your provider will perform a physical and neurological exam to see which nerve root is affected and review imaging such as an MRI. Because hip, sacroiliac joint, and muscle problems can mimic sciatica, an accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the right treatment.
How We Treat Sciatica
Most patients with sciatica improve without surgery. Epidural steroid injections calm the inflamed nerve and are one of the most effective treatments. Your provider may recommend a lumbar epidural steroid injections, a targeted lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections for one-sided leg pain, or a caudal epidural steroid injections for patients with prior back surgery.
Physical therapy and core strengthening help prevent future episodes. For chronic sciatica that persists despite injections and therapy, a spinal cord stimulator trial may offer lasting relief. Explore our lower back pain treatment and related conditions like Peripheral Neuropathy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment
What does sciatica feel like?
It usually causes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down one leg, often with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Is sciatica the same as lumbar radiculopathy?
Yes. Sciatica is the common name for lumbar radiculopathy, which is irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower back.
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve within weeks, but some become chronic. Treatment can help shorten flare-ups and prevent recurrence.
Can epidural injections help sciatica?
Yes. Epidural steroid injections reduce nerve inflammation and are one of the most effective non-surgical treatments.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
Gentle activity is usually better than prolonged bed rest. Your provider can recommend safe exercises.
When should I seek urgent care for sciatica?
Seek immediate care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
Where can I get sciatica treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats sciatica at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Stop Living With Sciatica
Get relief from radiating leg pain. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.