LSI's blog

Sciatica is a problem that many of us experience, especially starting in middle age, but most people don't have a clear understanding of what sciatica is or why it's linked to pain and other discomfort in the lower body. If a doctor has recently told you that you have sciatica, or if you have a hunch that the electric pain you feel shooting down your leg is related to sciatica, you'll certainly want to learn more about your condition and how it can be treated.

First, sciatica is not technically a condition - it's actually a set of symptoms caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body, branching from the lower spine, through the hips and buttocks, and down the back of each leg. This nerve controls feeling and muscular movement in the legs and feet.

Several conditions that are common in the lower (lumbar or sacral) region of the spine can affect the sciatic nerve. Some of the most frequent causes of sciatic nerve irritation and compression are:

The "it" factor is both transient and elusive. There's no fixed way to measure it and even in its broadest context, its definition is debatable. Yet David Scozzafava has it. For nearly three years, David has worked as a Patient Coordinator at Laser Spine Institute, helping hundreds of back pain suffers find their way to relief. "To do this job, you've got to get 'it," says David. "You've got to do more than just inform the patient. You've got to be on their side emotionally, and that means being honest about whether or not our procedures are the best route for them."

Good relationships can be a buffer against the limitations of chronic pain, and according to the many saved voicemails on David's phone, he excels at letting people know they can count on him for support. Just three voicemails in, it became apparent that David's patients feel his sincerity through the delivery of his service. One gentleman, (over the age of 80 we might add), was beyond enthusiastic in the message he left David. "David, this is John, you remember me," the caller exclaimed. "I just want to thank you for all you did to help me through my procedure and tell you I haven't had this much energy in years!" A satisfied expression washed over David's face as he played the voicemails this day. And in asking why he saves them he candidly responds, "because they keep me motivated to give more each day."

If you're suffering from chronic back or neck pain, your doctor has likely started you on a regimen of pain medication - whether over-the-counter or prescription - to help manage your pain. However, pain medication is not always the best option for certain patients because of preexisting conditions or potential complications due to other medication being taken. Certain pain medications can also have side-effects that can be concerning to chronic pain sufferers. But the good news is that whether you're looking to find pain relief in lieu of pain medication - or in concert with it - there are a number of possible options that are often quite effective.

Many people suffering from chronic back or neck pain due to a degenerative spine condition are able to find some measure of pain relief through the following methods:

If anyone personifies empathy within the parameters of career, it's Melynn Collins. A Patient Coordinator and patient of Laser Spine Institute, Melynn has unique instincts about people who suffer from back pain; she knows their fears, she understands their obstacles and she feels a special sense of responsibility for uncovering hope in otherwise dispirited moments.

For four years, Melynn has served patients of Laser Spine Institute in a role she describes as educational and consultative. But 10 years prior, Melynn suffered multi-level neck injuries in a car accident that dampened her joy for a decade. Throughout that time she exhausted every type of conventional treatment possible - acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage and pain management, just to name a few. And two years into her career at Laser Spine Institute, Melynn took the step to free herself and have cervical surgery with Dr. St. Louis, Chairman of Surgery Emeritus and Founder of Laser Spine Institute. As it turned out, Melynn had a herniated disc, bone spurs and a pinched nerve. "I thought for years that I just had carpel tunnel syndrome," says Melynn. "After all, every expert I went to saw nothing wrong on the X-rays or MRIs."

If you're one of the countless sufferers of chronic back or neck pain due to a degenerative spine condition, the good news is that conservative, nonsurgical treatment is often very effective in managing pain and other symptoms. However, a small percentage of patients are unable to find relief through these methods - which include medication, exercise, hot/cold therapy, physical therapy, and more - and instead turn to surgical treatment as a last, best chance for meaningful pain relief.

While the thought of undergoing spine surgery to treat your condition can be quite frightening, especially considering the risks and lengthy recovery associated with open spine surgery, there exists a minimally invasive alternative in the form of state-of-the-art endoscopic procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute. Whether or not you're already familiar with Laser Spine Institute and our life-changing minimally invasive procedures, here are five important facts you should know if you're considering trusting our world-class medical team to help you find relief from chronic back or neck pain: