What Is The Connection Between Sciatica, Spinal Stenosis And Leg Pain?

September 27, 2019 | Spine Health

Sciatica vs Spinal Stenosis: What Is The Difference?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sciatica can be a symptom of spinal stenosis. Both conditions occur when the vertebrae compress one or more of the spinal nerves, causing pain to spread mostly from the back to the legs. Sciatic pain involves the lower extremities, while spinal stenosis can affect the arms as well. Treatment options are similar and include pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is back pain caused by or associated with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. Pain caused by pressure on the nerve can affect the lower back, pelvic area, hips, and legs. Symptoms are often isolated to one leg and include muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and numbness. Sciatic pain is often sudden and can last for weeks at a time. Most cases of back pain are associated with over-exercise, heavy lifting, or general straining of the back muscles. Sciatic pain will travel from the lower back down into the leg and foot. This condition is common in pregnant women and individuals with herniated discs.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal column. As the column begins to narrow, the vertebrae will compress the spinal nerve. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness. Spinal stenosis is often gradual and can cause leg pain. More extreme cases can affect bowel and bladder function. Spinal stenosis is degenerative and typically affects individuals age 60 and older. Herniated discs, spinal injuries, and genetic conditions can also cause spinal stenosis.

What is the connection?

Spinal stenosis and sciatica both involve the spinal column, vertebrae, and nerves. When the space between the vertebrae narrows, also called stenosis, the vertebrae can put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain and numbness down one leg, also called sciatica. Sciatica is a symptom of spinal stenosis, but not all individuals with spinal stenosis will suffer from sciatica.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment will depend on the severity of the conditions. Mild stenosis and sciatica can be treated with physical therapy and pain medication. More severe cases of stenosis and sciatica may require surgery. Most sciatica will resolve naturally. Steroid injections at the recommendation of a spine specialist can help relieve pain and inflammation. Left untreated, symptoms such as muscle weakness and discomfort can worsen.

Sciatica and spinal stenosis

When the spine becomes compressed, the vertebrae push on the spinal nerves, causing pain and numbness. Treatment methods for sciatica and spinal stenosis are similar and include physical therapy, pain medication, and sometimes surgery. Speak with a spine specialist to learn more.

Related Posts

4 Ways To Improve Your Spine Health

4 Ways To Improve Your Spine Health

Reading Time: 2 minutes
A healthy spine keeps the body active and stronger for longer. Try these 4 tips to improve spine health and stay pain-free for years to come.

read more

testimonial five star review

“I am very lucky to have Dr. Tyndall he is very professional and an excellent surgeon He came very highly recommended by several Doctors I was nervous and concerned with having fusion surgery but because of him I can say I am definitely on the road to recovery and having my quality of life back!!”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“Dr. Dwight Tyndall is the BEST orthopedic surgeon on the planet! He is always concerned about your overall health and gives the best care ever. His bedside manner is beyond exceptional. You always feel comfortable with him and you know you are receiving excellent treatment. I had back problems for over 5 years and not one doctor could help me until I met him. After one visit, I knew I would finally have the relief I was looking for. His nurse Carrie is wonderful and very attentive as well!”

– Laurie via healthgrades.com

testimonial five star review

“Not only do I completely trust Dr. Tyndall to have performed cervical & lumbar fusions in my spine, but also he completely trusted me. Dr. Tyndall has been my spine surgeon for nearly 3 yrs. He provides all information needed & answers any questions with ease & friendliness. Dr. Tyndall is very professional, yet has a unique way about him to understand my concerns & makes me feel comfortable as a human being. Doctor has a genuine concern for your well-being. He has improved my livelihood 100%.”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“Dr. Tyndall, Nurse Carrie and NP Tamara Lee are the most compassionate, knowledgeable and helpful medical professionals I’ve ever met. I highly recommend their services! I was experiencing excruciating pain as a result of a herniated disc. Not only did they listen to me, they did everything they could to help me, including performing a MUCH NEEDED urgent surgery to fix my back problems, on Christmas Eve! Although I am still in the recovery process I feel 100% better. I am forever thankful!”

– Melissa M. via healthgrades.com

testimonial five star review

“I cannot say enough about Dr. Tyndall and Nurse Carrie. After having back pain which was unrelieved by pain management, I was very skeptical that my pain could ever be relieved. Dr. Tyndall saw me promptly, reviewed my films, and explained my care plan in language I could understand. I had surgery and was back to work in a few weeks. I am so happy that Dr. Tyndall performed my surgery. I have been pain-free ever since. I highly recommend Dr. Tyndall to anyone wanting quality care.”

– Jeff via healthgrades.com

testimonial five star review

“I have been working with Dr. Tyndall and his team of specialist for the past 2.5 years. They correctly diagnosed my condition and offered me options and alternatives before deciding to correct my physical some issues. I am still far away for being healthy, but I feel I am receiving the best care, advice, and the options to solve my condition long term. His team was the first I got listen to my concerns and provide the proper diagnosis and solution. I have long term PT, but I know I am on the path to recovery long term success.”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“I have been a patient of Dr. Tyndall since 2009 and I am very pleased with the level of service and commitment he has towards his patients. He does not do surgery unless it is the only solution to your medical problem, in other words as a last resort. His nurse Carrie is so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, she makes you very comfortable during your visit. I would highly recommend him.”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“Dr. Tyndall is by far the best doctor i have ever seen. Went to other specialists and was told that there was nothing they could do for me. Have not felt this good in years but he has done great work on me. I highly recommend Dr. Tyndall.”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“Was very personable from the first time I meet him! Always concerned about what was going on before and after my surgery. His nurse Kerri is always pleasant and nice to talk to. Had to call her a couple of times, and she had no problem calling me back every time I called! And helped me with all my questions. She took time on her day off to bring my neck brace to the surgery center, because she had to order one because they were out of my size. That just goes to show the Big Hearts they have for their patients that they take care of and help! Both are Awesome!”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“Dr. Dwight Tyndall has gifted hands. He and his team did a wonderful job in surgery on my spine; afterwards, no pain, short rehab, good to go. Got back problems? This IS your guy!”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

testimonial five star review

“Dr. Tyndall has become my hero. He has helped with my chronic back pain and I am forever thankful. He was always willing to listen and encouraged me to contact his staff with any questions. When I did have a question, I never was made to feel like I was a bother and that I truly mattered. This doctor and his staff are worth every penny. So glad I found Dr. Tyndall.”

– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com

%

Years of Practice

%

Happy Patients

%

Surgeries Performed

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon

Dwight S. Tyndall, MD, FAAOS

Get a consultation with the premier spine surgeon for back and neck pain options.

Pin It on Pinterest