Sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the lower back down through the hips and legs can be a sign of sciatic nerve irritation. This condition, known as sciatica, is often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine that puts pressure on the nerve.

Understanding sciatica can help in finding the right treatment.Research shows that most cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatments.

Physical therapy, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pressure on the nerve and relieve pain. Regular movement and avoiding prolonged sitting can also prevent symptoms from getting worse.

For persistent or severe sciatica, interventional treatments like epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks can provide relief. Studies suggest that these treatments can reduce inflammation and help control pain when other methods aren’t enough. In cases where sciatica becomes long-term and disabling, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be an option.

Research shows that SCS can help manage chronic sciatic nerve pain by changing how pain signals are processed before they reach the brain. The best treatment depends on the severity and cause of the nerve compression.

If sciatica pain continues despite conservative care, talk to your doctor about additional options to help restore mobility and improve daily function.