Sciatica: Treating a Painful Symptom

In brief Contrary to popular belief, sciatica, a symptom of lumbar disk herniation, is relatively uncommon. Characteristics include pain in the posterior thigh, lower leg, or foot that is greater than accompanying low-back pain. Sciatic tension tests confirm the presence of sciatica by reproducing the pain. Many patients who have sciatica recover spontaneously; most others can be treated conservatively with limitation of activity, anti-inflammatory medication, and gradual return to full activity. A variety of surgical options are available for patients who have extruded disks and progressive neurologic deficit or severe, persistent, intolerable pain.