Sciatica

Sciatica is a common back and leg problem that can be disabling. If you have shooting pain through your hip or buttock that could be due to sciatica, visit the Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics office in Boulder, Colorado, for a timely diagnosis and effective treatment. The practice’s experienced orthopedists offer the latest nonsurgical treatments to resolve the underlying spinal problem causing sciatica. Call your nearest office or schedule a consultation online today.

What is sciatica? 

Sciatica is a painful problem that develops when there’s pressure on the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in your lower (lumbar) spine, goes into your buttocks, and divides into two. One branch then travels down each leg and ends in your foot. Sciatic nerve pressure or damage could occur because of:

• A herniated disc
• Back or buttock muscle spasms
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing)
• Spondylolisthesis (slipping vertebrae)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Pregnancy
• Excess body weight
• Lack of exercise
• Wearing high-heeled shoes

Sciatica’s medical name is lumbar radiculopathy, meaning nerve damage occurring in the lower spine. Without treatment, sciatica could lead to permanent nerve damage.

What symptoms indicate I have sciatica?

Sciatica pain is typically stabbing, shooting, or electric shock-like. It radiates from your lower back into your hip and buttock, then down your leg, along the sciatic nerve’s path. Pain is usually worse when you sit and at night when you lie in bed. In addition to often severe pain, sciatica can cause:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Muscle control problems
• Decreased mobility
• Pins-and-needles sensation

Sciatica can affect both nerve branches, but in most cases, symptoms only develop in one leg. 

What treatment might I need for sciatica?

Initial sciatica treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Therapeutic massage
• Physical therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Epidural injections
• Lifestyle changes

Rest and gentle exercise are better for sciatica than being immobile. However, you should avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.

What can I do if my sciatica doesn’t improve?

If you don’t experience any relief with initial treatments, Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics offers specialized therapies that use nonsurgical approaches to healing. These include:

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)

ESWT treatments include extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT) and focused shockwave therapy (FSW). These noninvasive methods use pressure (shock) waves to improve blood flow, reduce nerve pain sensitivity, and promote tissue repair in the spine.

Injectable growth and repair treatments

Injectable treatments that could help with sciatica include dextrose prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microfragmented adipose tissue grafts (MFAT), and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).

These substances boost your body’s natural healing abilities, stimulating healthy new cell growth and accelerating tissue repair. Your provider injects them directly into your spine using ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy and minimize tissue damage.

Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today if you have sciatica symptoms, or go online to schedule a consultation.