Quick answer: Sciatica is nerve pain that travels from the lower back through the hip and down one leg, caused when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often by a herniated disc, stenosis, or a bone spur. Most people improve with minimally invasive, non-surgical care.
What it feels like
- Shooting or burning pain from the lower back into one leg
- Numbness or tingling along the leg or into the foot
- Weakness that makes standing or walking harder
- Pain that flares with sitting, bending, or lifting
Why it happens
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It usually traces to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a bone spur pressing on the nerve. Identifying the underlying cause early helps prevent the irritation from becoming chronic.
How we treat it
Most cases respond to conservative, minimally invasive care: image-guided epidural steroid injections, diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks, targeted physical therapy, and radiofrequency ablation when longer-lasting relief is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Will sciatica go away on its own?
Milder cases often ease within weeks, but pain that lingers or radiates below the knee should be evaluated.
Do I need surgery for sciatica?
Rarely, most patients find relief with injections, therapy, and minimally invasive procedures.
When should I see a specialist?
If leg pain lasts beyond a few weeks, worsens, or comes with numbness or weakness.
If sciatica is limiting your day, our team can locate the source and build a minimally invasive plan. Schedule a consultation with Midwest Pain Clinics: call (402) 391-7246 or Book Online Here.