Overview
Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of the leg. It is most commonly caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis pinching one of the lumbar nerve roots.
Most sciatica resolves with conservative care, but when pain becomes persistent or interferes with sleep, work, or walking, an image-guided epidural steroid injection can reduce the inflammation around the irritated nerve and help patients get back to daily activities.
Common Symptoms
- Shooting pain from the buttock down the leg
- Tingling or numbness in the calf or foot
- Leg weakness or foot drop
- Pain that worsens when sitting
Common Causes
- Herniated lumbar disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Piriformis-related nerve irritation
How We Treat Sciatica
When to See a Pain Specialist
If your pain has lasted longer than a few weeks, interferes with work, sleep, or activity, or hasn’t responded to rest, physical therapy, or over-the-counter medication, it’s worth a consultation. Our team can confirm the diagnosis and walk you through the interventional options that fit your case.
What to Prepare Before Your Sciatica Evaluation: A Patient Checklist
Walking into a pain management consultation with the right information helps the clinical team give you the most complete picture of your condition. Here is what is typically useful to have on hand.
- Prior imaging reports. If you have had an MRI or CT of the lumbar spine, bring the radiology report and, if possible, the images on disc. The clinician will review them alongside your symptoms to identify which nerve root is involved and whether the findings match your pain pattern.
- A current medication list. Include any prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and supplements you take regularly. Blood thinners, NSAIDs, and some supplements are relevant to the evaluation conversation.
- A brief pain history. When did the pain start? What makes it better or worse? Has anything changed recently — a new activity, a fall, a period of prolonged sitting? Even informal notes on your phone are helpful.
- Previous treatment records. If you have completed physical therapy, chiropractic care, or tried injections elsewhere, a short summary of what you tried and how you responded is useful context.
- Your insurance card and a photo ID. New-patient paperwork at Axis Pain Group includes verification, so having these speeds up check-in.
The evaluation visit typically includes a review of your history, a focused physical exam, and a discussion of imaging findings. Your clinician will walk you through the findings and talk through what options may be appropriate for your case — there is no obligation to proceed with anything at the first appointment. To schedule, call (562) 252-0816 or email [email protected].