Sciatica causes pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back into the hip, leg, or foot. Although many people refer to sciatica as a condition, it’s actually a group of symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Sciatica symptoms affect as many as 4 in 10 Americans, causing frustration and disruptions in daily life.
At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center in Sugar Land, respected spine surgeon Dr. Rajesh Bindal brings more than 20 years of experience to the evaluation and treatment of the underlying causes of these symptoms.
What Sciatica Really Is
Sciatica describes a pattern of nerve pain rather than a single diagnosis. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body. It travels from the lower back through the hip and down the leg.
When something presses on this nerve, the signal can travel down the entire path of the nerve.
Many patients notice sharp or burning leg pain, numbness, or weakness that makes standing, sitting, or walking uncomfortable. These symptoms can vary depending on where the nerve is affected.
Why Sciatica Happens
Sciatica symptoms often develop due to inflammation of the nerve roots in the lower spine. One of the most common causes of sciatica is a lumbar disc herniation. When the soft center of a disc pushes outward, beyond its usual boundaries between the vertebrae, it can irritate the nearby nerve root. Even a small herniation can cause noticeable pain if it touches the nerve.
Other conditions that may lead to sciatica include
• Degenerative disc changes that narrow the space around the nerve
• Bone spurs (often with arthritis)
• Spinal stenosis that reduces the room in the spinal canal
• Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra shifts forward
• Muscle inflammation or spasms that increase pressure on the nerve
Although these issues differ, they all share the same result: pressure on the nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve.
How Symptoms Affect Daily Life
Sciatica can feel different from person to person. Some experience mild tingling, while others have severe shooting pain that makes it hard to sit or lift objects. Symptoms often increase with certain movements, such as bending or twisting. Many patients describe difficulty sleeping, driving, or completing work tasks during a flare.
Because sciatica is a symptom pattern, identifying the exact cause is essential. Treating the underlying spinal problem usually leads to lasting relief.
Sciatica Treatment in Sugar Land, TX
Dr. Rajesh Bindal is widely regarded as one of the state’s most experienced neurosurgeons, providing precise diagnosis and advanced treatment for sciatica and the conditions that cause it. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to understand what’s causing your leg pain, call Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center in Sugar Land at 281-313-0031 to book your appointment.