Sidelined By Sciatica? 4 Signs It May Be Time to Consider Surgery

Sciatica is a pain syndrome related to the sciatic nerves — the largest and longest in your body. A variety of conditions can cause sciatica or sciatica-like symptoms. 

For most people, sciatica resolves. Very few cases ever progress to the stage where surgical intervention becomes necessary. 

As specialists in treating sciatic nerve pain, our team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, can help. We’ll help you resolve your sciatica with the most conservative treatment. 

Some cases don’t heal with conservative or intermediate care. There are even cases of sciatica when surgery is recommended earlier. Here’s what you need to know about your surgical options for sciatica. 

4 signs it may be time to consider surgery

Surgery is not a first-line treatment. Conservative care and symptom management are tried first, since so many cases resolve through natural healing. 

Here are four reasons you might need to consider surgical treatment. 

1. Known cause

When we know the reason for your sciatica, we know which treatments work best. Here are some of the most common causes: 

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degeneration
• Spondylolisthesis
• Trauma

Surgery can be used in these cases when conservative care doesn’t work.  

2. Persistent symptoms

The pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness associated with sciatica usually resolve with time. If you notice no improvement after six weeks of conservative treatment, it’s time to consider other options.

3. Quality of life

Sciatica can impact your enjoyment of life when pain interferes with sleep, work, or personal care. You may begin to withdraw socially, and your mood may be impacted when conservative care doesn’t work. 

4. Neurological symptoms

Sciatica can cause weakness in your leg muscles, sometimes severe enough that balance and walking become difficult. You may lose control over your bladder or bowels. 

Any of these symptoms calls for more aggressive treatment options. Permanent damage to nerves in this location may have long-lasting consequences, making surgical care more important for your prognosis. 

While most cases of sciatica are mild, if you are feeling any pain at all, you need to schedule a visit with our team. You shouldn’t feel in pain, and even “just a little pain” is too much. We can take a look at your back and discuss treatment options if needed. 

Partner with the team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates for the finest in sciatica support. Call or click to book a consultation with our specialists today. Our friendly office staff will ask you a few questions and help you schedule a time to meet with our team.