Degenerative Disc Disease and Sciatica Treatments

Sciatica is one of the most common back problems, and degenerative disc disease is a common cause of sciatica. Sciatica can cause significant pain, muscle weakness, and numbness in the lower back and legs. Fortunately, effective treatment is available for degenerative disc disease and sciatica.

About Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the legs, and is responsible for transmitting nerve signals to and from that area. Sciatica is a syndrome with symptoms of pain, muscle weakness, or numbness that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed and/or inflamed. 

Sciatica can be caused by a wide range of problems, and medical imaging tests like MRI or CT is usually necessary to determine the exact cause. Some cases occur due to a natural tightness in the piriformis muscle, which lies in the buttocks; others develop because of spinal alignment issues, such as scoliosis. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of sciatica, especially among adults who are middle aged or older.

About Degenerative Disc Disease

Each of the vertebrae in the spine is separated by a cartilaginous disc known as an intervertebral disc. The discs are responsible for protecting the vertebrae from one another and absorbing the shock associated with activities such as walking, running, and jumping. 

With age or injury, many people experience changes to the discs that may cause symptoms in some cases. The discs become thinner and lose their fluid, and they may become misshapen (herniated or bulging). This is known as degenerative disc disease. If degenerated discs in the lower back press against the sciatic nerve and cause inflammation, then sciatica may occur.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most cases of sciatica can be treated non-surgically. The goal of non-surgical treatment is to reduce inflammation and improve alignment of the spine. Some of the most common non-surgical treatments for sciatica include: 

• Physical therapy
• Regular sciatica stretching and exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Aleve and Advil
• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Chiropractic treatment, in conjunction with medical treatment

Surgical Treatments

If symptoms are very severe and do not respond to non-surgical methods, then surgery may be required. Sciatica caused by degenerative disc disease can normally be treated with minimally invasive surgeries, such as laser spine surgery. In contrast to traditional, open back surgery, minimally invasive methods have a shorter recovery time, no hospital stay, and a minimal risk of side effects.

Only a doctor can tell you what treatment is right for your sciatica. Dr. Sukdeb Datta of the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center would be happy to meet with you about your sciatica. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.