Sciatica

Pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. Some patients may only experience an irritating pain at certain times, but it can get worse. If you continue to have severe pain after six weeks of conservative treatments, DISC of Louisiana may want to schedule an appointment to consider a minimally invasive surgical option.

Sciatica

Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, refers to pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower portion of the spinal column through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.

Symptoms
Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely occurs in both legs)

Pain that is worse when in a sitting position

Inflammation, burning or tingling down the leg (vs. a dull ache)

Weakness, numbness down the back, outside or front of the leg

Difficulty moving the leg or foot

A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk

Lower back pain is sometimes present
Causes
Spinal Disc Herniation

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Degenerative disc disease

Spondylolisthesis

Piriformis syndrome

Pelvic tumors

Compression by a baby’s head during pregnancy
Treatment Options

Northshore surgeons, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, Dr. Justin L. Owen, Dr. Sean Michael Rider and Dr. Jeremy James are conservative, minimally-invasive spine surgeons. At AVALA Spine we will work with you to treat your condition non-surgically first. Typically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and short-term pain medications will resolve 90% of the cases in less than six weeks. Other drugs, physical therapy and epidural steroid injections are usually done prior to surgical intervention. When conservative treatments fail, surgery is recommended.
Potential Minimally Invasive Procedures
Laminectomy

Discectomy

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

AVALA Spine offers spinal procedures using minimally invasive techniques. It means smaller incisions, sometimes less than an inch, that is often covered with a band-aid. The minimally invasive spine surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the tiny incisions to access the damaged disc. Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, AVALA Spine provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. AVALA Spine is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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