Recurrent Sciatica Care: When Is Surgery the Best Option?

Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, affecting about 40% of people at some point in their lives. It often improves with lifestyle changes and at-home treatments, but in some cases, sciatica becomes chronic, lasting for 12 months or longer. If you’re in this situation, you may be wondering: Is surgery worth considering? And what exactly does sciatica surgery involve?

At Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, in Sarasota, Florida, our team of interventional pain management specialists has years of experience treating sciatica, including when surgery is necessary. 

Keep reading to learn when surgery may be recommended, what it involves, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

What causes recurrent sciatica?

Recurrent or chronic sciatica causes symptoms similar to traditional sciatica, including lower back pain and tingling, numbness, and weakness that radiates into the buttocks and legs, usually on one side of the body. The difference is that these symptoms persist for 12 months or longer, affecting mobility and quality of life. 

Like regular sciatica, recurrent sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — running from your lower back down into your legs — becomes pinched or irritated due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or previous injury. When this nerve compression becomes long-term, it may lead to worsening pain, nerve damage, or ongoing functional limitations if left untreated.

Conservative treatments to try before surgery

If you have chronic sciatica, you might assume surgery is your only treatment option. However, that isn’t necessarily the case. We often recommend starting with conservative therapies, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Ice and heat therapy
• Regenerative medicine

In many cases, a combination of these treatments can significantly reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

When to consider sciatica surgery

While conservative care is often effective, chronic sciatica can still be difficult to manage. If your symptoms last 12 months or longer and significantly impact your quality of life, surgery may be worth considering. This is especially true if you experience persistent muscle weakness, numbness, or issues with bowel or bladder control.

The types of sciatica surgery include the following:

Microdiscectomy

This minimally invasive surgery removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on your sciatic nerve. Relieving the compression helps reduce pain and restore mobility.

Laminectomy

We recommend a laminectomy if a section of the vertebra called the lamina is pinching your sciatic nerve. Removing the lamina relieves pressure, eases pain, and improves movement.

Spinal fusion

If chronic sciatica is due to instability between two vertebrae, spinal fusion may be an option. This procedure fuses two or more vertebrae together, preventing excess movement and providing long-term pain relief. 

Questions to ask your doctor

If you’re struggling with chronic sciatica, the first step is scheduling an appointment with our experienced care team. Come prepared with a list of questions, such as:

• Are there any surgical alternatives that I haven’t tried yet?
• What type of surgery do you recommend and why?
• What are the potential risks or complications?
• How long will recovery take?

After reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and reviewing imaging results, we’ll provide personalized treatment recommendations for lasting relief.

Request a sciatica surgery consultation today!

If you’re tired of living with chronic sciatica, schedule a surgical consultation by calling Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC. Our team will determine whether surgery is right for you and recommend the best treatment plan for lasting relief.