Sciatica is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—causes of lower back and leg pain. At Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sciatica with precision, helping patients throughout the Carolinas regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Understanding what sciatica is and how it’s treated is the first step toward lasting relief.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve begins in the lower back, extends through the hips and buttocks, and runs down each leg. When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or inflamed, it can trigger a range of symptoms that may include:
- Sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
- Numbness or tingling along the nerve pathway
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Burning or electric-like sensations
- Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or bending
Sciatica is not a condition itself—it’s a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the sciatic nerve. Understanding the cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can develop from several spinal conditions, including:
Herniated Disc
One of the most frequent causes, a herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, pressing on the nerve root.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As discs wear down with age, they may collapse or bulge, narrowing the space within the spine and irritating nearby nerves.
Spinal Stenosis
This narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the sciatic nerve roots, particularly in older adults.
Spondylolisthesis
When a vertebra slips forward, it can pinch the sciatic nerve and trigger radiating pain.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle can tighten or spasm, placing pressure directly on the sciatic nerve.
At Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine, our specialists in North Myrtle Beach SC use advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to identify the exact source of your pain—ensuring your treatment is accurate, effective, and tailored to your needs.
How Is Sciatica Treated?
Treatment for sciatica depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Most patients improve significantly with minimally invasive, non-surgical therapies. At Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine, we offer a full range of evidence-based treatment options.
1. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Targeted exercises strengthen the core, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy is often the first step and can provide lasting relief.
2. Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, or nerve pain medications may help reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
3. Epidural Steroid Injections
These minimally invasive injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve root, providing substantial pain relief and helping patients resume physical therapy more comfortably.
4. Nerve Blocks
Nerve root or facet joint blocks can help diagnose the source of pain and provide temporary but effective relief.
5. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
For chronic pain, RFA uses heat to disrupt pain signals from targeted nerves, offering long-term relief.
6. Minimally Invasive Procedures
If conservative treatments are not enough, advanced interventions such as disc decompression or minimally invasive spine surgery may be recommended.
Our team prioritizes conservative, interventional approaches designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent the need for major surgery whenever possible.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should contact a spine specialist if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting more than a week
- Progressive leg weakness or numbness
- Pain after an injury
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek emergency care)
Early evaluation leads to better outcomes—and faster relief.
Find Relief From Sciatica at Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine
Sciatica can be painful and frustrating, but effective treatment is available. At Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine, we provide personalized, minimally invasive care to help you return to the activities you love—pain-free.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica, contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward long-term relief.
Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine
416 Main Street
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 755-6060
https://www.coastalcarolinasinterventionalspine.com/
info@ccispine.com
Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine
10 Doctor Circle
Suite #2
Supply, NC 28462
Areas Served:
Myrtle Beach SC, North Myrtle Beach SC, Little River SC, Shallotte NC, Calabash NC, Supply NC