Next steps: Sciatica that lasts longer than 6 weeks or is associated with progressive symptoms needs workup. Lumbar xrays will assess for abnormal movement in your bones. Lumbar MRI will assess for disc bulges impacting the nerve and assess the spinal canal diameter. If your symptoms don't respond to activity limitations, physical therapy or lumbar steroid injections, then surgical options needed.
Answered 6/1/2014
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Sciatica: Pain in the distribution as you suggested describes the pattern of the nerve that travels in the leg called the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is not the cause of the pain source, it is the result of an irritated nerve typically in the lumbar spine (low back) which are caused by herniated disks, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease requiring further evaluation by a spine specialist.
Answered 7/12/2014
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