Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain

Description of Sciatica

Sciatic Pain results from the inflammation of the sciatic nerve and is usually marked by pain and tenderness along the course of the nerve on through to the thigh and leg. Sciatic pain usually starts in the buttocks and extends down the rear of the thigh and lower leg to the sole of the foot and along the outer side of the lower leg to the top of the foot. Pain may also be present in the lower back.

Several nerve roots leave the spinal cord and exit through holes in the sacrum to combine and form the sciatic nerve, which then passes between layers of the buttock muscles into the deep muscles of the back of the thigh.

A primary cause of sciatica is a herniated or bulging lower lumbar intervertebral disc that compresses one of the nerve roots before it joins the sciatic nerve. Sometimes, irritation of a branch of the sciatic nerve in the leg can be so severe as to set up a reflex pain reaction involving the entire length of the nerve. For example, if the nerve is pinched or irritated near the knee, you may feel the pain in the hip and buttock.

Treatment

The Bonati Arthroscopic Laser Discectomy

The procedure is designed as an answer to stenosis, herniated discs, disc disease and spinal instability from previously failed open surgeries.

In this procedure the portion of the disc that is causing nerve compression can effectively be removed through a small incision. With the patient awake, a needle is placed into the area of the disc that is producing symptoms. A small incision is made on the patient’s back and the endoscopic tube is inserted.

Using specially adapted endoscopic instruments the diseased disc material is removed and then a laser vaporizes the surrounding problem tissue. A laser is then used to shrink and remodel the remaining disc. A small dressing is used to cover the incision.

Often patients feel immediate relief following this procedure. Rehabilitation begins within hours of surgery, and involves gait training, back or neck support, and walking. Post-operative pain management program avoids narcotics in favor of a Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulator that blocks pain messages to the brain.