What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to nerve pain radiating along the sciatic nerve—the body’s longest and largest nerve, originating in the lower back and extending through the hips, buttocks, and legs. Irritation, inflammation, or compression of this nerve causes symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe weakness.

Sciatica affects up to 40% of people at some point, with prevalence rates from 1.2% to 43% globally, and most cases occur between the ages of 30 and 50. Rarely seen before age 20 unless injury-related, it’s linked to low back pain, which impacted 619 million globally in 2020 and is projected to rise to 843 million by 2050[Lancet]. Fortunately, most cases resolve in 4-6 weeks, with recurrence in up to 40%.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica isn’t a standalone condition but a symptom of underlying issues compressing or damaging the sciatic nerve. Key causes include:

• Herniated Disc: The soft disc center bulges out, pressing on nerves (the most common cause).
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear leading to inflammation and compression.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, pressuring nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slippage, narrowing of the nerve space.
• Osteoarthritis: Bone spurs from joint degeneration.
• Pelvic Injury or Trauma: Fractures affecting nerve pathways.
• Pregnancy: Weight and posture shifts strain the lower back.
• Tumors or Growths: Rare abnormal tissue compression.
• Piriformis Syndrome: Muscle spasms irritating the nerve (less common but rising in sedentary lifestyles).

Risk factors amplified include obesity (36% higher hospitalization risk), sedentary jobs, Type 2 diabetes, smoking, weak core strength, heavy lifting, and prior back injuries.

Recognizing Sciatica Symptoms: From Mild to Severe

The hallmark is pain along the sciatic nerve, often unilateral. Symptoms include:

• Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back to the leg.
• Burning sensations.
• Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) in the back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
• Muscle weakness, potentially causing foot drop.
• Worsening with coughing, sneezing, bending, or sitting.

In severe cases, it leads to bowel/bladder control loss—requiring immediate care. Pain can extend to the foot sole, intensifying with movement.

Accurate Diagnosis of Sciatica: Dr. Melamed’s Comprehensive Approach

Diagnosis is crucial to pinpoint the root cause and prevent damage. Dr. Melamed starts with:

• Medical History: Symptoms, injuries, health review.
• Physical Exam: Posture, gait, strength, and flexibility tests.
• Straight Leg Raise Test: Identifies affected nerve by lifting legs while supine.

Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI) if pain persists beyond 6-8 weeks. In 2025, advanced tools like AI-enhanced MRIs will improve accuracy.

Effective Sciatica Treatments in Beverly Hills, CA: From Conservative to Advanced

Dr. Melamed prioritizes non-surgical options, with 90% success rates. Recurrence affects 40%, so plans focus on long-term prevention.

Conservative Treatments

• Rest and Ice/Heat Therapy: Reduces inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Stretches, exercises to relieve pressure (effective for 80%+ cases).
• Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain meds.
• Spinal Injections: Corticosteroids for short-term relief.
• Alternative Therapies: Chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, biofeedback.

Advances in Sciatica Treatment

Innovations include:

• ShockWave Therapy: Non-invasive shockwave for pain relief.
• Nerve Blocks: Minimally invasive for chronic pain management.
• PRP Therapy: Regenerative injections using your blood to heal tissues.
• CT-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency: Combined with steroids for herniation relief.
• MEND Procedure: Minimally invasive disc removal without tissue damage.

Dr. Melamed integrates these with holistic care, like gut health for inflammation reduction.

Surgical Options

For persistent cases:

• Micro Discectomy: Removes the herniated disc portion that is out of the disc and compressing the nerve.
• Micro Laminotomy: Relieves nerve pressure by removing excess bone spur from the vertebra compressing the nerve.
• Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (BESS): Ultra-minimally invasive, preserving stability (link to BESS page).
• Lumbar or Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement or Disc Arthroplasty: Removing the bad, degenerated disc and replacing it a new disc such as Centinel Prodisc, Nuvasive Simplify, or Medtronic Prestige
• Fusion: ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion), PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody arthrodesis), TLIF (Transforaminol Lumbar interbody arthrodesis), ALIF (Anterior Lumbar interbody fusion), Lumbar and Thoracic fusion only if indicated for cases of spinal deformity such as scoliosis, kyphosis, instability, unstable spondylisthesis, tumor, fracture, infection, moderate to advanced arthritis of the facet joints
• Avoiding laminectomies as too invasive for lumbar surgery

These offer shorter recoveries than traditional surgery.

Type	Success Rate	Recovery Time	2025 Advances
Physical Therapy	80%+	Weeks	Targeted exercises
PRP Therapy	High for regeneration	Days to weeks	Platelet-rich plasma

Why Choose Sciatica Treatment at The Spine Pro in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, options abound, but Dr. Melamed stands out with personalized, holistic plans using cutting-edge tech like BESS and regenerative therapies. Patients report 90%+ satisfaction, outperforming general clinics.

Patient Testimonials

“Sarah from LA: ‘Dr. Melamed’s PRP fixed my sciatica—back to hiking in weeks!'”

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment

• What causes sciatica to flare up? Common triggers: Sitting, lifting, or sudden movements.
• How long does sciatica last? 4-6 weeks for most; chronic if untreated.
• Is walking good for sciatica? Yes, gentle walks aid recovery.
• What’s the best sciatica treatment in Beverly Hills? Holistic approaches like Dr. Melamed’s, combining PT and injections.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Hooman Melamed Today

Don’t let sciatica dictate your life. Schedule a consultation at The Spine Pro for expert, compassionate care. Call 424-21-SPINE or request online. Out-of-network benefits verified—start your path to relief now!