Sciatic pain, commonly known as sciatica, is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—becomes irritated, compressed, or inflamed.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back (lumbar spine) down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. When this nerve is pinched or irritated, it can cause sharp pain, tingling, burning, or numbness that radiates from the lower back into one leg.
At California Sports and Rehab, Dr. Hakimian and our team use advanced EMG and nerve conduction studies (NCV) to help diagnose the root cause of your sciatic pain and design a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and restore mobility.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of an underlying condition affecting the lower spine or pelvis. It occurs when the sciatic nerve—responsible for controlling muscles in the back of the knee, lower leg, and foot—becomes compressed or inflamed.
This can result in discomfort ranging from mild tingling to severe, shooting pain that travels down the back of one leg.
Most cases of sciatica affect only one side, though some individuals experience pain on both sides depending on the cause.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on how much the nerve is compressed and the underlying cause.
There are many reasons the sciatic nerve can become irritated or compressed. Below are the most frequent causes:
When a spinal disc ruptures or bulges in the lumbar spine, it can press on the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms: Sharp leg pain, tingling, or numbness that worsens with bending or sitting.
As discs wear down with age, they lose flexibility and height, allowing vertebrae to compress nerves.
Symptoms: Chronic lower back pain that radiates to the legs.
Narrowing of the spinal canal can squeeze the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms: Pain that worsens with walking or standing and eases when sitting.
The piriformis muscle in the buttock can tighten or spasm, compressing the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms: Deep buttock pain radiating down the leg, especially after long sitting or activity.
A vertebra slips out of place, narrowing the spinal canal and pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms: Low back and leg pain, stiffness, and weakness.
Though rare, tumors or infections can compress the nerve roots.
Symptoms: Persistent back pain, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can damage or misalign the spine, leading to nerve compression.
Symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain following injury.
The growing uterus and hormonal changes can increase pressure on the lower spine.
Symptoms: Back and leg pain that worsens in the later stages of pregnancy.
Slouching, sitting on one leg, or improper lifting techniques can strain the spine and irritate the nerve.
Symptoms: Dull or sharp back pain, often posture-related.
Extra weight increases pressure on the spine and discs, making them more prone to herniation.
Symptoms: Chronic back or leg pain worsened by movement.
Prolonged sitting and lack of activity lead to muscle tightness and poor spinal support.
Symptoms: Mild to moderate pain that improves with stretching or walking.
Long-term diabetes can damage nerves, including the sciatic nerve (diabetic neuropathy).
Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the legs and feet.
Because sciatica can result from several different conditions, proper diagnosis is essential to effective treatment.
At California Sports and Rehab, Dr. Hakimian may recommend:
These tests help us differentiate between disc-related sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and other neuropathies.
The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause but may include:
Surgery is typically reserved for cases where:
There’s significant weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, or progressive nerve damage
Common surgical procedures include microdiscectomy or laminectomy to relieve nerve compression.
With proper treatment, most cases of sciatica improve significantly within 6 to 12 weeks.
Maintaining good posture, regular exercise, and healthy weight helps prevent recurrence.
However, if sciatica is caused by degenerative or structural spinal issues, ongoing care may be needed to manage symptoms.
Manage chronic conditions like diabetes effectively
You should schedule an appointment with a nerve specialist or neurologist if you experience:
Early evaluation with EMG and nerve conduction testing by Dr. Hakimian can help identify the cause of sciatica and guide the most effective treatment.
A: It’s often described as sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the lower back into one leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling.
A: Mild cases may improve within a few weeks, while chronic or severe cases can take several months to heal fully.
A: Yes. These tests can identify whether your pain is caused by a compressed sciatic nerve, muscle irritation, or another neuropathy.
A: Most cases improve with physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Surgery is only needed in severe or persistent cases.
A: A neurologist or nerve doctor like Dr. Hakimian specializes in diagnosing and treating sciatic nerve disorders using EMG and nerve conduction studies.
If you’re experiencing lower back or leg pain, don’t wait for it to worsen.
Contact California Sports and Rehab today to schedule your EMG or nerve conduction study with Dr. Hakimian, your trusted nerve specialist in California.
📞 Call 310-652-6060 or book online for a sciatica evaluation near you.
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