What Might Be Causing My Ongoing Sciatica?

If you’re dealing with persistent pain, tingling, or numbness radiating from your lower back into your leg, you’re not alone—and you may be suffering from sciatica. Sciatica is not a condition in itself, but rather a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body.

At DOCS Health, serving the greater Los Angeles metro area, we specialize in getting to the root cause of orthopedic and spine-related pain. Our team of highly trained physicians and surgeons understands the debilitating impact of sciatica—and we’re here to provide real answers, accurate diagnoses, and customized treatments to help you return to living life fully.

What Is Sciatica, Really?

Sciatica refers to radiating pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. In most cases, sciatica affects only one side of the body.

The symptoms may include:

• Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
• Numbness or weakness in the affected leg or foot
• Tingling or “pins-and-needles” sensation
• Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or sudden movement

What Conditions Commonly Cause Sciatica?

It’s important to understand that sciatica is a symptom, not a standalone diagnosis. Several underlying conditions may contribute to sciatic nerve compression or inflammation.

1. Herniated or Bulging Disc

One of the most common causes of sciatica, especially in adults under 50, is a lumbar disc herniation. When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, it can press against the sciatic nerve roots, causing inflammation and pain that radiates into the buttocks, hip and leg.

2. Degenerative Disc Disease

With age, spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity. This degeneration can lead to narrowing of the space between vertebrae, triggering nerve compression and chronic sciatic symptoms.

3. Spinal Stenosis

Often seen in patients over 60, lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on nerves in the lower back. This can produce classic sciatica symptoms, particularly during walking or prolonged standing.

4. Piriformis Syndrome

This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle in the buttocks spasms or tightens, irritating the nearby sciatic nerve. Though less common, piriformis syndrome can mimic sciatica and is often misdiagnosed.

5. Spondylolisthesis

This condition involves one vertebra slipping forward over the one below it, which can pinch the sciatic nerve. It’s often caused by trauma, arthritis, or congenital abnormalities in the lumbar spine.

6. Trauma or Injury

Sports injuries, car accidents, or falls can damage structures in the lower back, resulting in sciatica. Sudden compression or swelling can irritate the sciatic nerve, producing pain, weakness and dysfunction.

Why Choose DOCS Health for Sciatica Care in Los Angeles?

At DOCS Health, we bring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating sciatica. Our in-house team includes orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, sports injury experts, and neuro-spine surgeons, all trained at top-tier institutions and renowned medical centers.

What sets us apart:

• State-of-the-art imaging (on-site X-rays and MRIs) for fast, accurate diagnosis
• Individualized care plans that may include physical therapy, targeted injections, or minimally invasive surgical options
• Flexible follow-up options, including in-person visits, phone consultations for out-of-state patients, and virtual video appointments
• Efficient scheduling and access to multiple specialists under one roof, reducing delays in care
• Our goal is simple: get you answers and relief—fast.

Whether your sciatica is caused by a disc issue, spinal degeneration, or a soft tissue condition, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan to address the exact cause—not just the symptoms. We offer conservative interventional treatments and minimally invasive procedures to address the source of your sciatica symptoms.

Take Control of Your Sciatica Today

Living with ongoing sciatica can limit your mobility, affect your mood, and diminish your quality of life. But it doesn’t have to be permanent. At DOCS Health, we combine medical excellence with personalized attention to help you find lasting relief.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and struggling with sciatica symptoms that just won’t go away, schedule a consultation with our expert team today. Let us help you uncover the true cause of your pain—and get back to the active, pain-free life you deserve.