Sciatica Surgery

Sciatica Surgery

Sciatica surgery is rarely necessary, because the symptoms associated with compression of the sciatic nerve typically are manageable through a regimen of conservative treatment. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body, starting in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine and running downward through the buttocks and legs. Years of bending and twisting subject the anatomical components of the lower back to wear and tear, which exacerbates natural degeneration that comes with the aging process. As we age, intervertebral discs lose elasticity and height; vertebral ligaments begin to thicken; cartilage deteriorates within vertebral joints. All of these conditions can jeopardize the stability of the lower spine, which can lead to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

Categories of Sciatica Surgery

Sciatic nerve compression can produce symptoms like shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the muscle groups innervated by the nerve. If chronic symptoms persist after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery may become an option. While there are many forms of sciatica surgery, there are two major categories:

• Highly invasive – traditional back surgery; involves general anesthesia, removal of a large portion of the spinal anatomy, insertion of stabilizing hardware, a lengthy hospital stay, and a long recuperation.
• Minimally invasive – often performed on an outpatient basis; involves less damage to muscle and less removal of other tissue and bone; also requires a far shorter recuperation.

The Leader in Endoscopic Spine Surgery&trades;

Laser Spine Institute only performs minimally invasive procedures to treat sciatica. Our orthopedic specialists have perfected the use of endoscopic technology to help your rediscover your life without back and neck pain. Contact Laser Spine Institute for a consultation with a member of our medical staff, or for a complimentary review of an MRI or CT scan to determine whether you may be a candidate.