Say Goodbye to Chronic Sciatica: Minimally Invasive Treatments That Actually Work

Most episodes of sciatica clear up with conservative care and rest, but some patients may find that symptoms become chronic or persistent and may require additional care to restore normal, pain-free living. 

The sciatica specialists at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in West Des Moines and Des Moines, Iowa, can often resolve pain using minimally invasive treatments that actually work, freeing you from the restrictions imposed by this neuropathic condition. 

Whenever possible, we treat the underlying condition that causes your sciatica symptoms. Sometimes, though, the signs of sciatica result from idiopathic (unknown) reasons or as part of a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis. 

Let’s look at some minimally invasive treatments for your chronic sciatica pain. 

Causes of sciatica

You have a pair of sciatic nerves, each originating from a set of five nerve roots that exit the lumbar (lower back) spine before running down each buttock and leg. The sciatic nerves are the longest and largest nerves in your body. 

Sciatica isn’t a medical condition itself, but rather a collection of characteristic symptoms that result from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Typically, only one nerve is affected at a time, meaning that you experience symptoms only on that side of your body. 

Conditions that commonly cause sciatica symptoms include: 

• Bone spurs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis

Sciatica symptoms can also result from traumatic injury or congenital anatomy conditions that reduce the free space in which nerve tissue usually moves. 

Minimally invasive treatments for sciatica

From hot and cold packs to spinal surgery, there’s a wide range of options that can treat sciatica symptoms. An important part of your medical care means matching the treatment to your particular case. 

Minimally invasive care means reducing or eliminating the need to disrupt healthy tissue by making incisions. The benefits to you include shorter recovery times, less treatment-related pain, no need for overnight hospital stays, and a reduced risk of complications. 

For chronic and persistent sciatica, we frequently recommend one of these four minimally invasive procedures that effectively handle your symptoms: 

Nerve blocks

• Targets specific nerves with a local anesthetic
• Pinpoints the origin of pain
• Can be used as a diagnostic tool and for pain relief

Steroid injections

• Powerful anti-inflammatory medication delivered to nerve roots in the spine
• Pain relief lasts from weeks to months for many patients
• Improved ability to handle physical therapy and other activities that address symptoms

Spinal cord stimulation

• An implanted generator delivers mild electrical pulses to block pain
• Trial phase ensures the treatment works before permanent implantation
• Patient-controlled remote allows you to dial in your own relief as needed

Radiofrequency ablation 

• Uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt specific nerves sending pain signals
• Includes a testing phase to confirm the treatment works
• Long-lasting relief that may delay the need for surgery in severe cases

The right choice for you depends on your condition and its severity. Call or click to request an appointment at our nearest location and start the consultation process with Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management today.