Are you experiencing sharp pain shooting down your leg, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness? These may be signs of sciatica caused by a pinched nerve. At Grossman Spine, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Seth Grossman carefully evaluates your symptoms and recommends personalized, evidence-based treatments to help you find lasting relief.
Relieve Nerve Pain at Its Source
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve, becomes irritated or compressed, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a bone spur. Rather than causing pain only in the lower back, sciatica radiates from the lower back or buttock down one leg. Depending on the severity of the nerve compression, symptoms of sciatica may include tingling, numbness, burning sensations, muscle weakness, or sharp, shooting pain.
Signs & Symptoms of Sciatica:
- Sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot
- Burning, aching, or electric shock-like pain along the affected nerve
- Numbness or reduced sensation in the leg or foot
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
- Muscle weakness that makes walking, climbing stairs, or lifting the foot difficult
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, coughing, sneezing, or certain movements
- Difficulty standing up straight or walking comfortably
- Symptoms that typically affect only one side of the body
Do You Have Another Form of Radiculopathy?
Sciatica is one of the most common forms of radiculopathy, but pinched nerves can develop anywhere along the spine. Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root becomes compressed or inflamed, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows the path of the affected nerve. Identifying the exact location and cause of the nerve compression is essential, as effective treatment depends on addressing the underlying source of your symptoms.
Procedures for Sciatica and Radiculopathy
Sciatica treatment begins with understanding the exact source of your nerve compression. Dr. Grossman evaluates your symptoms, imaging, lifestyle, and goals to create a personalized treatment plan. Whenever possible, he recommends conservative therapies first. If symptoms persist or nerve compression is significant, he may recommend one of the following procedures to relieve pressure.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding the irritated spinal nerve. Using imaging guidance for precise placement, the injection helps reduce inflammation, ease nerve irritation, and relieve radiating leg pain. While the procedure does not correct the underlying structural problem, it may provide meaningful symptom relief, improve mobility, and allow you to participate more comfortably in physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments.
Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used when a herniated disc compresses a spinal nerve root. Through a small incision, Dr. Grossman uses specialized instruments and magnification to remove the portion of the damaged disc that is pressing on the nerve, while preserving healthy tissue. By relieving nerve compression, the procedure often reduces leg pain, numbness, and weakness while allowing many patients to recover with less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to daily activities.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is performed to enlarge the neural foramen, which is the opening where spinal nerves exit the spinal column. Bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or degenerative changes can narrow this passage and compress the nerve. During the procedure, Dr. Grossman carefully removes the tissue causing the narrowing to create additional space for the affected nerve. Relieving pressure on this nerve can reduce pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness while improving nerve function and overall mobility.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who believes surgery should only be recommended when it is truly the best option for your condition. At Grossman Spine, you’ll receive personalized, evidence-based care focused on relieving pain and restoring your quality of life. If you’re struggling with sciatica, schedule a consultation at Grossman Spine in New Jersey to explore treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
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