Leg Pain
Sciatica is a condition that can cause radiating, shooting, and burning leg pain. This pain is caused by a pinched or irritated nerve and is most often the result of a herniated disc that is compressing the sciatic nerve. For individuals dealing with leg pain, it’s important to understand the possible causes so that they receive an effective and targeted treatment plan.
Several things can contribute to the development of sciatica, such as age-related changes in the spine, spinal canal narrowing, and bony growths called bone spurs that press on spinal nerves. In most cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc. This condition occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through its outer casing and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can happen because of injury, wear and tear, or degeneration due to aging.
The first step in treating sciatica is to identify the underlying cause. Once the cause has been determined, treatment can be tailored to address that specific issue. In some cases, conservative treatments like rest, ice, and heat therapy may be all that’s necessary to relieve symptoms. More severe cases may require physical therapy, medications, epidural injections, or surgery.
