Recurrent Sciatica: 3 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surgery

Sciatica — which occurs when one of your sciatic nerve roots gets pinched or compressed by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal narrowing — is one of the most common causes of lower back pain and radiating leg pain, affecting about 40% of adults at some time during their lives. 

While most cases improve with time and treatment, a small percentage of people experience recurrent symptoms that come and go for months or even years. 

Although recurrent sciatica is relatively rare, it can be difficult to treat, leading some patients to explore surgical options. But how do you know if surgery is the right choice?

At HAAS Spine & Orthopaedics in Glendale, Santa Ana, and Upland, California, orthopedic expert Dr. Stepan Kasimian and our team offer minimally invasive sciatica surgery for recurrent cases. Here, we explore three signs that indicate you may be a good candidate for surgery.

1. Severe or worsening leg weakness

When the sciatic nerve is compressed by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, its ability to send and receive nerve signals to and from the brain is impaired. While some tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs and buttocks are common with sciatica, severe symptoms, such as difficulty walking, stumbling, or struggling to lift your feet, are red flags.

Without treatment to reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve, permanent damage may occur, raising your risk of long-term mobility issues. Surgery offers a safe and effective way to reduce this pressure and preserve nerve function.

2. Loss of bladder or bowel control

Sciatica typically causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs on one side of the body. However, in rare cases, it can progress to a condition called cauda equina syndrome (CES). CES causes the nerves at the base of the spinal cord to become compressed, affecting your ability to control your bowels and bladder.

If you experience sudden urinary incontinence or loss of bowel control, seek treatment immediately. These symptoms indicate a medical emergency and, without intervention, may cause permanent nerve damage. If your provider suspects CES, emergency surgery may be needed to relieve the compression and protect your nerve function.

3. Pain that doesn’t respond to conservative care

Many cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, nerve blocks, or weight loss. However, some people continue to experience lower back, buttocks, or leg pain for six to 12 weeks — or even longer. Others have recurring flare-ups that come and go, disrupting their quality of life.

If you experience pain when walking, sleeping, or doing other routine tasks, and it interferes with your ability to work or enjoy activities you love, you may benefit from surgery. By targeting the nerve compression directly, surgery can relieve pressure and reduce symptoms. Many people report significantly less pain and improved mobility afterward.

Request a consultation for sciatica surgery today

If you’ve been diagnosed with sciatica and can’t seem to achieve lasting relief, it’s worth exploring surgery. To see if you might benefit, contact our HAAS Spine & Orthopaedics team. 

Call your nearest office in Glendale, Santa Ana, or Upland, California, today, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.