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What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to a pattern of nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. Rather than being a diagnosis itself, sciatica is a symptom that points to an underlying problem in the lumbar spine or surrounding structures.

Sciatic nerve pain most often begins in the lower back or buttock and radiates down one leg. The severity and character of symptoms vary depending on how the nerve is affected. Some people experience intermittent discomfort, while others develop persistent pain that interferes with daily activity, sleep, and mobility.

Because sciatica is a symptom rather than a condition on its own, effective treatment depends on identifying what is actually irritating the nerve.

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What is Sciatica (1)

Trust & Local Signals

  • Board-certified spine specialists

  • Minimally invasive focus

  • Outpatient-first model

  • Multiple Southern California locations & WPB 

Common Causes of Sciatica (1)

Common Causes of
Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when a nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes irritated, inflamed, or compressed. The underlying cause matters, because treatment should address the source of nerve irritation rather than simply masking pain.

Common Causes of
Sciatica Include:

  • Herniated or bulging discs in the lower spine

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis that narrows nerve pathways

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Spondylolisthesis or spinal instability

  • Bone spurs or joint degeneration

  • Recurrent nerve compression after prior spine injury or treatment

Identifying the specific cause helps guide appropriate care and avoid unnecessary or ineffective treatment.

Common Causes of Sciatica Include (1)
Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist (1)

Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist

Some mild sciatica symptoms improve over time, but ongoing or worsening nerve pain should be evaluated by a spine specialist to prevent prolonged discomfort and potential nerve damage.

Schedule an evaluation if


Our process starts with a comprehensive consultation and advanced imaging to accurately identify the source of your pain.

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Symptoms Last Longer Than Two To Three Weeks

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Leg Pain Is More Severe Than Lower Back

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Walking, Sleep, Or Work Is Affected

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Numbness, Tingling, Or Weakness Is Present

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Rest, Medication, Or Physical Therapy Have Not Improved Symptoms

How we Diagnose Sciatica at DISC

Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments

At DISC, diagnosing sciatica involves more than reviewing imaging alone. Many spine changes are common on MRI and do not always cause symptoms, which makes careful clinical correlation essential.

Diagnosis typically includes a detailed symptom history, physical and neurologic examination, and movement assessment. Advanced imaging such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays may be used when appropriate to visualize discs, joints, and nerve structures.

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What the evaluation typically includes (1)

What the evaluation typically includes:

  • Comprehensive spine-focused clinical exam

  • Neurologic testing for strength, sensation, and reflexes

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Imaging review or imaging ordered when needed

  • Correlation of findings to identify the true pain generator

  • A clear explanation of diagnosis and next steps

Sciatica Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Sciatica Treatments

Most sciatica cases improve without surgery when treatment is properly targeted. Non-surgical care focuses on reducing nerve irritation, restoring movement, and preventing recurrence.

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Non-surgical options may include:


Our process starts with a comprehensive consultation and advanced imaging to accurately identify the source of your pain.

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Targeted Physical Therapy Focused On Mechanics And Nerve Tension

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Image-Guided Injections To Reduce Inflammation Around The Nerve

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Pain Management Strategies Designed To Restore Daily Function

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Activity Modification And Guided Rehabilitation Plans

When Advanced Treatment May Be Considered

Advanced treatment may be discussed if sciatica persists, worsens, or causes neurologic symptoms despite appropriate conservative care. When needed, treatment is focused on relieving nerve compression while preserving spinal motion whenever possible.

Minimally invasive techniques and outpatient procedures are emphasized to support faster recovery and minimize disruption to daily life.

Why Patients Choose DISC for
Sciatica Care

Patients come to DISC for sciatica care because treatment is built around precision and coordination. Rather than addressing leg pain in isolation, DISC evaluates how the spine, nerves, and surrounding structures interact, allowing sciatica to be treated at its true source instead of through trial-and-error approaches.

Care is designed to move patients forward efficiently. Non-surgical options are prioritized when appropriate, with clear decision-making around next steps if symptoms persist. When advanced treatment is required, DISC’s outpatient model allows patients to receive specialized spine care with a focus on safety, recovery, and long-term outcomes.

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What sets DISC apart

  • Comprehensive spine-focused clinical exam

  • Neurologic testing for strength, sensation, and reflexes

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Imaging review or imaging ordered when needed 

  • Correlation of findings to identify the true pain generator

  • A clear explanation of diagnosis and next steps

What to Expect at
Your First Appointment

Your first visit is focused on clarity and direction. You will meet one-on-one with a specialist who reviews your symptoms, prior treatments, and any existing imaging.
If additional imaging is needed, it is ordered with a clear purpose.
You will leave with an explanation of what is causing your sciatic pain and a personalized treatment plan outlining next steps.

Personalized Consultation

Your experience begins with a one-on-one consultation where our specialists take the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We tailor every treatment plan to your specific needs—because exceptional care starts with listening.

Coordinated Diagnostics

Our on-site diagnostic technology delivers clarity and confidence from the start. With imaging and evaluation handled in one location, you’ll move quickly from assessment to answers—without unnecessary delays or referrals.

Targeted Treatment

DISC’s minimally invasive techniques and advanced procedures ensure you get the right care at the right time. Our approach emphasizes precision, safety, and faster recovery, so you can return to motion with confidence.

Streamlined Recovery

From physical therapy to post-operative follow-up, every detail of your recovery is supported by our integrated care team. We guide you through each stage of healing, helping you regain strength, mobility, and peace of mind.

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Sciatica FAQs

How do you know what’s actually causing sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis, which means identifying the cause requires more than symptom relief alone. Determining the cause involves correlating how symptoms behave with physical exam findings and, when appropriate, imaging such as MRI or X-ray. At DISC, imaging findings are reviewed alongside neurologic and movement assessments to pinpoint what is actually irritating the sciatic nerve.

Can sciatica improve without aggressive treatment?

Yes. Many cases of sciatica improve with targeted non-surgical care, such as physical therapy, activity modification, or image-guided injections. The key is matching treatment to the underlying cause of nerve irritation.

What if sciatica doesn’t improve with initial care?

If sciatica symptoms persist or worsen after care, the care plan should be re-evaluated. This may include additional diagnostics or discussion of advanced treatment options focused on relieving nerve compression.

Why does sciatica pain travel down the leg?

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttock and down the leg. When irritated, pain follows the nerve’s pathway, creating radiating leg symptoms.

How long should symptoms be monitored before re-evaluating the plan?

Sciatica symptoms are typically monitored over several weeks during conservative care. If pain, weakness, or functional limitation does not improve or progresses, reassessment is recommended.

Why is a specialist evaluation important for sciatica?

Because multiple spine conditions can cause similar sciatic symptoms, specialist evaluation helps ensure the correct source of nerve irritation is identified. This reduces unnecessary treatment and supports more effective, targeted care.

Why is a specialist evaluation important for sciatica?

We accept all major PPO insurance plans! You can call our office to get a free insurance verification and discuss your benefits.

Get Answers. Get Relief.

If sciatica is affecting your ability to move, work, or sleep comfortably, getting clear answers is the first step toward relief. A focused evaluation can help identify what is actually causing your symptoms and determine the most effective path forward, whether that involves conservative care or more advanced treatment options.
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