Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The main cause of sciatica is compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, usually due to issues in the lower spine. Sciatica often develops when structures in the lower spine, such as displaced or damaged discs, growths of extra bone, or narrowing of the spinal canal, put pressure on the nearby nerves. Age-related wear and tear of spinal components can also contribute to this nerve irritation.

Common causes include:

• Herniated or slipped discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Bone spurs (osteophytes)

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, many patients benefit from specialized spine and pain management centers that focus on diagnosing these underlying causes with precision. Early intervention by experienced providers here can help identify the exact source of nerve irritation and provide targeted treatments tailored to individual needs, improving outcomes and reducing chronic pain risks.

Sciatica symptoms vary but typically include pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and into one leg. Patients often experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg or foot. Pain associated with sciatica often intensifies during activities such as sitting for long periods, coughing, or abrupt movements. Typically, this discomfort affects just one side of the body.

Common symptoms are:

• Intense, piercing pain following the route of the sciatic nerve

• Sensations of numbness or pins-and-needles in the leg or foot

• Muscle weakness in the affected leg

• Burning or electric shock-like sensations

• Increased pain when sitting or during certain movements

At San Antonio Pain Consultants experiencing these symptoms have access to a range of local pain management specialists who provide comprehensive evaluations. These experts use a combination of physical exams and diagnostic tools to confirm sciatica and create effective treatment plans aimed at relieving symptoms and restoring mobility.

You may be experiencing sciatica pain if you notice sharp or burning pain that starts in your lower back or buttocks and travels down one leg. This pain is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Symptoms typically worsen with prolonged sitting, coughing, or sudden movements. If your pain follows this pattern and affects daily activities, it’s likely sciatica.

Signs to watch for include:

• One-sided leg pain extending below the knee

• Feelings of tingling, “electric” sensations, or loss of normal feeling in the affected area.

• Difficulty walking or controlling foot movement

• Pain that worsens with sitting or bending

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, individuals who recognize these signs are encouraged to seek evaluation promptly. Our pain specialists provide personalized assessments to differentiate sciatica from other causes of leg and back pain and guide patients toward the most appropriate therapies.

Treatment for sciatica focuses on relieving nerve pressure and reducing inflammation. Most cases improve with conservative methods such as physical therapy, activity modification, and pain management. When needed, targeted treatments like epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation. Surgery is considered only if symptoms persist or worsen despite other therapies.

Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy and stretching exercises

• Heat and cold therapy

• Activity and posture adjustments

• Epidural steroid injections

San Antonio Pain Consultants offers a variety of treatment centers specializing in sciatica care. Patients can access state-of-the-art therapies tailored to their condition, delivered by experienced physicians who prioritize minimally invasive approaches before considering surgery. This ensures that many individuals find relief and improved quality of life with conservative or interventional treatments. For more details, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.