What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of each leg. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis: something is irritating or pressing on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. It usually affects one leg, and the leg pain is often worse than any pain in the back. If your pain stays mainly in the back, see back pain treatment.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between the bones of the spine sit discs with a tough outer ring and a softer center. When part of the center pushes out through a weak spot in the ring, the disc is described as herniated, often called a slipped disc. A herniated disc in the lower back is one of the most common causes of sciatica, because it can press on or inflame a nearby nerve. Some herniated discs cause no symptoms at all.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Herniated Disc
The most common cause. It can follow lifting or twisting, or appear with no clear trigger at all.
Disc Wear With Age
Discs lose height and flexibility over time, which can narrow the space where nerves leave the spine.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, more common in older adults, can cause leg pain that is worse when walking or standing and eases when sitting or bending forward.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle lies deep in the buttock, close to the sciatic nerve. When it is tight or in spasm, it may irritate the nerve and cause sciatica-like pain. Buttock pain that stays around the hip may instead be a hip problem.
Sciatica Symptoms
Initial Symptoms Include:
- Pain in the lower back or buttock that travels down the back of one leg
- Sharp, burning or electric pain, sometimes reaching below the knee
- Pain that is worse with sitting, coughing or sneezing
Over Time, Additional Symptoms Include:
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty standing, walking or sleeping comfortably
When to See a Doctor
Many cases of sciatica settle within several weeks. Book a visit if the pain is severe, lasts longer than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or stops you from working or sleeping.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or new difficulty passing urine
- Numbness in the groin, genitals, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness that is getting worse, such as a foot that drags or a leg that gives way
- Symptoms in both legs at once
- Back and leg pain after a serious fall or accident
See a doctor promptly if sciatica comes with a fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer.
Why Choose Dr. D’Alessio for Sciatica
- Physician-Led Care
Dr. Donna D’Alessio is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, a medical specialty focused on restoring movement and function for people with spine, muscle and nerve conditions. - Nerve or Muscle
Pain from a disc pressing on a nerve and pain from a tight buttock muscle can feel alike but need different care. - Close to Home
Our office is on Main Road in Towaco, in Montville Township, and is convenient for patients from Parsippany, Denville and Lincoln Park.
Learn More About Dr. D’Alessio
How Dr. D’Alessio Evaluates Sciatica
Dr. D’Alessio asks where the pain starts and where it travels, when it began, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have numbness, weakness or any bladder or bowel changes. She then examines your back, hips and legs, checking how you move and the strength and feeling in your legs and feet. If she needs more information before recommending treatment, she will explain what and why, and if non-surgical care is not the right fit for your symptoms, she will tell you.
Sciatica Treatment Options in Montville, NJ
Care depends on what is irritating the nerve. Non-surgical options offered through our pain management practice include:
Trigger Point Injections
Sciatica often comes with painful muscle spasm in the lower back and buttock. Trigger point injections into tight muscle knots may relieve that muscle pain.
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks
The practice offers ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, which aim to interrupt pain signals from an irritated nerve. Whether a nerve block suits your leg pain depends on where the problem is, and Dr. D’Alessio will explain if it does not.
Massage Therapy
Deep tissue massage may ease tight back, hip and buttock muscles that add to the discomfort.
What to Expect
Injections are done during a short visit to our Montville office, and most patients return to their usual routine soon afterwards. Mild soreness where the needle went in is common and usually passes. You will receive aftercare instructions, and Dr. D’Alessio will review how your symptoms respond and adjust the plan if needed.
Interested in Finding Out More?
If sciatica or a herniated disc is making it hard to sit, walk or sleep, our team in Montville is here to help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is a problem with one of the discs in the spine. Sciatica is the leg pain that can result when that disc, or something else, irritates a nerve root. Not every herniated disc causes sciatica, and not all sciatica comes from a disc.
Will sciatica go away on its own?
Many cases improve within several weeks. Pain that is severe, lasts longer or keeps returning deserves an examination, and some symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, need emergency care.
Why does sciatica hurt more when I sit?
Sitting increases pressure on the discs of the lower back and can put tension on an irritated nerve, so many people with sciatica find long periods of sitting uncomfortable.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you lose bladder or bowel control, have numbness in the groin or inner thighs, develop weakness that is getting worse, or have symptoms in both legs.
Can trigger point injections help sciatica?
Trigger point injections treat tight muscle knots, not the nerve itself. They may relieve the muscle spasm in the back and buttock that often comes with sciatica. Dr. D’Alessio will explain whether they suit your symptoms.
Related treatments
Pain Management in Montville
Pain can affect every aspect of your life, from mobility and mood to sleep and productivity.
Back Pain in Montville NJ
Discover lasting relief from back pain in New Jersey. Dr. D’Alessio delivers personalized, non-surgical treatments designed to reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and protect your spine for the long term.
Trigger Point Injections in Montville NJ
At Montville Medspa & Pain Center, we are dedicated to enhancing your well-being and helping you find relief from chronic pain.
Hip Pain Treatment in Montville, NJ
Hip pain can make walking, stairs and lying on your side uncomfortable. Dr. D’Alessio looks for the source and explains the non-surgical options that may help.