Sciatica can be an excruciatingly painful condition that makes life challenging for anyone living with it, hindering mobility, sleep quality and day-to-day enjoyment. At Remix Medical in Houston, our dedicated healthcare team is committed to helping you find lasting relief - whether your discomfort is acute or chronic, our goal is to identify its source and develop an appropriate treatment plan to get back up on your feet again. When you're searching for a trusted primary care doctor in Houston, Remix Medical is your destination for expert, compassionate care.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease but instead the result of an underlying spinal condition, manifested as radiating pain along the sciatic nerve - the largest nerve in your body running from your lower back through hips, buttocks and legs.
Sciatica typically occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated due to an herniated disc or bone spur, leading to either mild ache or sharp, burning pain on one side of the body.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Understanding what's causing your sciatic nerve pain is key to effective treatment. Here are some of the more likely culprits:
1. Herniated or Slipped Disc
Herniated discs are one of the leading causes of sciatica. When their soft, gel-like center pushes out through a tear in their outer layer and presses on the sciatic nerve, they can cause intense pain, tingling or numbness that impinge on its path - something a herniated disc can also do.
2. Spinal Stenosis
This condition occurs due to age or arthritis and involves narrowing of the spinal canal. As space decreases, nerves such as sciatic nerve become compressed causing pain and discomfort.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
With age comes decreased flexibility of spinal discs, and this wear and tear can lead to vertebrae rubbing against each other and pressing against nearby nerves, creating symptoms of sciatica.
4. Piriformis Syndrome
This is a neuromuscular disorder where the piriformis muscle—located deep in the buttock—spasms and compresses the sciatic nerve. It can cause radiating pain down the leg, mimicking true sciatica.
5. Trauma or Injury
Falls, car accidents and sports can all cause injuries that result in fractures, disc damage or inflammation to the sciatic nerve.
6. Tumors or Infections
Though rare, tumors or infections near the spine may compress the sciatic nerve and produce symptoms similar to traditional sciatica.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms can vary based on the severity and cause but typically include:
- Lower back pain that radiates to the buttock and leg
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Painful symptoms often affect only one leg; however, in rare instances it could impact both. If sudden or severe symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control arise suddenly or severely, seek emergency care immediately.
How Remix Medical Can Help
At Remix Medical, our approach to treating sciatica begins with a thorough physical examination and medical history review. Depending on your symptoms, we may use imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify the source of nerve compression.
Our personalized treatment options include:
- Medication management for inflammation and pain relief
- Physical therapy referrals to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
- Lifestyle counseling to reduce strain on the lower back
- Referral to specialists (if surgery or advanced imaging is required)
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term relief and prevent recurrence
As your trusted pain medicine physicians in Houston, TX, we coordinate every aspect of your care to ensure you receive the most effective treatment available.
Relief from Sciatic Pain at Remix Medical
You don’t have to live with back and leg pain. Whether your sciatica is mild or severe, early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications. At Remix Medical, we take the time to listen, diagnose, and treat your condition with a patient-first approach.
Make an appointment today with a caring and qualified pain medicine doctor in Houston, and start your journey to a pain-free, active life.
