Patient information
Sciatica and lumbar disc herniation
Pain travelling from your lower back or buttock into your leg can make sitting, sleeping and everyday movement difficult. A consultation can help establish whether a spinal nerve is involved and which treatment options fit your symptoms.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes pain associated with irritation or pressure on a nerve in the lower back. It often affects one leg and may come with tingling, numbness or weakness. Back pain on its own does not necessarily mean you have sciatica.
One possible cause is a lumbar disc herniation, sometimes called a slipped or prolapsed disc. Part of a disc between the spinal bones bulges out and can affect a nearby nerve. Other causes include narrowing around the nerves, known as spinal stenosis.
How is it assessed?
Dr Baecker reviews where the pain travels, how long it has been present, any weakness or altered sensation, and how it affects your daily life. Your medical history, examination and any previous scans help build the picture.
An MRI may be useful in some circumstances, but a scan is not always needed at the start. Imaging findings need to be considered alongside your symptoms and examination.
What treatment may help?
Many episodes improve without surgery. Treatment may include keeping active within your abilities, an exercise or physiotherapy programme, and advice on pain relief from your healthcare professional.
If symptoms remain disabling, or there is a concerning loss of nerve function, a specialist may discuss further options. These can include an injection or surgery in selected cases. A discectomy removes disc material pressing on a nerve; it is not suitable for every cause of back or leg pain.
If surgery is being considered, ask about the expected benefit, risks, alternatives and recovery for your particular situation. Improvement cannot be guaranteed.
When to seek urgent help
New difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or bottom, or rapidly worsening leg weakness needs urgent medical assessment. Go to an emergency department; call 111 if you need emergency assistance. Do not wait for a reply to an online consultation request.
Questions to discuss
- Do my symptoms and any scan findings point to the same problem?
- What can I do while recovering, and what changes should prompt another assessment?
- What would make an injection or surgery worth considering for me?
Arrange a consultation
Dr Baecker consults at Domain Orthopaedic Surgeons in Parnell, Auckland. Self-referrals are welcome.