Sciatica radiating from your low back into your leg? Oklahoma's Neuroscience Specialists offers conservative care and microdiscectomy surgery

Overview

Understanding Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is formed by the lower lumbar and sacral nerve roots. When one of these roots is compressed — most commonly by a herniated disc at L4–L5 or L5–S1 — it produces the characteristic pattern of radiating pain, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the leg and foot.

While the term 'sciatica' describes a symptom rather than a specific diagnosis, identifying the underlying cause is essential for directing appropriate treatment. Most patients improve significantly within six to twelve weeks with conservative management.

Common Symptoms

Sharp, burning, or shooting pain from the low back into the leg
Pain in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Weakness in the leg, foot, or toes
Pain worsened by sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods

Common Causes

Lumbar disc herniation (most common)
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative disc disease with foraminal narrowing
Piriformis syndrome (rare)
Spinal tumor or infection (uncommon)

Treatment

Treatment Pathway

Most spine conditions respond well to a stepped approach — starting with the least invasive options and progressing only when needed. Our surgeons evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate path.

Activity modification & physical therapy

Avoiding aggravating positions, combined with targeted physical therapy, resolves most sciatica episodes without further intervention.

Medications

NSAIDs, short-term oral steroids, and neuropathic agents can reduce nerve inflammation and improve comfort during recovery.

Epidural steroid injection

An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve root, often providing significant relief and accelerating recovery.

Microdiscectomy

When conservative measures have failed after 6–12 weeks, or when weakness or neurological function is progressing, microdiscectomy reliably decompresses the nerve root with excellent outcomes.

Surgical Considerations

When Surgery May Help

Microdiscectomy for sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation is one of the most successful operations in all of spine surgery. Clinical evidence consistently shows faster and more complete relief of leg pain compared to prolonged conservative care in appropriately selected patients. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient or overnight stay, with most patients returning to light activity within a few weeks.

General medical consensus supports surgical intervention only after conservative measures have been adequately trialed, except in cases of significant neurological compromise or progressive deficit, where earlier intervention may be warranted.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician regarding your specific condition. Surgery is not appropriate for every patient, and our physicians evaluate each case individually.

Patient Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sciatica?▼

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, often to the foot. It is most commonly caused by compression of a lumbar nerve root due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis at the L4–L5 or L5–S1 level.

How do I know if I have sciatica or back pain?▼

Sciatica typically causes radiating pain that travels down the leg below the knee, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Simple back pain tends to stay localized to the lower back. True sciatica involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve root, and an MRI can identify the underlying cause.

Does sciatica go away on its own?▼

Many cases of sciatica improve within 6–12 weeks with conservative treatment including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections. Persistent, worsening, or neurologically progressive sciatica — especially with weakness or bowel and bladder changes — requires surgical evaluation.

What is the fastest way to relieve sciatica pain?▼

Short-term relief for sciatica may include anti-inflammatory medications, ice/heat therapy, gentle stretching, and avoiding prolonged sitting. Epidural steroid injections can provide more significant temporary relief. For structural causes, treating the underlying disc herniation or stenosis — surgically if necessary — provides the most durable resolution.

When is surgery needed for sciatica?▼

Surgery is considered for sciatica when conservative treatment fails after 6–12 weeks, when there is progressive neurological weakness, or when bowel or bladder function is affected. A microdiscectomy for disc herniation typically provides excellent outcomes with rapid recovery from leg pain.

Sciatica & Radiating Leg Pain

Understanding Sciatica

Treatment Pathway

When Surgery May Help

Not Sure If Surgery Is Right for You?

Other Conditions We Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

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