What Causes Sciatica and When to See a Neurosurgeon in San Diego

“Sciatica” refers to leg pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from your lower back through the buttocks and down one leg. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness; often these start with a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine. Many people recover with time or conservative treatments; however, when pain persists, worsens, or impacts mobility, it’s important to understand when to seek advanced care from a spine specialist in San Diego. This post explains the causes of sciatica, non-surgical treatments, warning signs that surgery may be needed, and how to choose expert local care.

Quick Answer

Sciatica in San Diego often means leg pain, numbness or tingling caused by nerve-root compression in the lower spine. Most cases improve with non-surgical care in 4-6 weeks; however, if you have progressive weakness, foot drop, or bladder/bowel changes, seeing a sciatica neurosurgeon in San Diego may be warranted. A specialist can determine whether your “pinched nerve leg pain in San Diego” needs conservative management or surgery.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a disorder itself, but rather a symptom of nerve irritation or compression. The sciatic nerve is the body’s largest nerve and originates in the lower spine before traveling down each leg, often with numbness or tingling. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), “sciatica is a very broad term describing nerve pain, not a specific diagnosis.” Common symptoms include:

• Pain radiating from the lower back into the buttocks and down the leg, sometimes reaching the foot.
• Numbness or “pins and needles” sensations in the leg or foot.
• Increased discomfort when sitting for long periods, or with coughing or sneezing.
  Many San Diego patients describe this as “pinched-nerve leg pain” when driving or sitting at work.

Pinched Nerve Leg Pain in San Diego: What to Know

Several spinal conditions may pinch or irritate nerve roots, causing sciatica:

• Herniated or bulging lumbar disc pressing on a nerve root.
• Spinal canal narrowing (stenosis) or foraminal narrowing where the nerve exits the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis (a vertebra slipping forward), causing nerve-root tension.
• Less common causes: piriformis syndrome, trauma, tumors.
  Risk factors include age-related degeneration, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and long driving or prolonged sitting, common in an urban environment such as San Diego.

Initial (Conservative) Treatment Options

Most cases of sciatica improve with non-surgical management, particularly within the first 4-6 weeks. Standard care includes:

• Encouraged movement and activity modification (strict bed rest is rarely recommended).
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (under provider supervision).
• Physical therapy: targeted stretches, strength training, posture correction, and ergonomic adjustments.
• Epidural steroid injections or nerve-root blocks for selected moderate to severe cases.
• Home-care: ice/heat, gentle walking, ergonomic adjustments for sitting or driving.
  If symptoms improve, surgery may be avoided; however, persistent or worsening leg pain may require further evaluation.

When to Consult a Neurosurgeon in San Diego

Consider consulting a sciatica neurosurgeon in San Diego or a specialist if one or more of the following apply:

• Leg pain, numbness, or tingling persists despite 6-12 weeks of adequate non-surgical care.
• Progressive muscle weakness, foot drop, or difficulty walking and standing.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or saddle area (inner thighs), this may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which is a neurosurgical emergency.
• Imaging (MRI/CT) shows structural nerve-root compression that may benefit from surgery.
• Your quality of life is severely impacted (sleep, work, mobility).
  Delaying evaluation could reduce the chances of full nerve recovery.

Surgical & Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

If surgery is recommended, a spine neurosurgeon may offer procedures tailored to your cause of sciatic leg pain:

• Microdiscectomy: Removal of the herniated disc fragment pressing on the nerve; often minimally invasive.
• Laminectomy/Foraminotomy: Widening the nerve exit pathway when stenosis is present.
• Spinal Fusion or Advanced Stabilization: Used when instability or slip (spondylolisthesis) is present.
  It is important to note that surgery is considered only after careful trial of conservative care or when urgent signs exist; each case is unique.

What to Expect from Recovery and Outcomes

Recovery timelines vary depending on procedure, number of levels treated and individual health. Many patients experience substantial relief within weeks; full healing may take months. Key influences on outcomes include how long the nerve was compressed, patient age, bone/nerve health, smoking status, and overall health status. Even after surgery, some residual numbness or discomfort may persist; complete symptom resolution is not guaranteed. In San Diego, access to modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs can optimize recovery.

Recovery Guideline Table (Approximate only)

Phase	What to Expect
Early (Up to 4-6 weeks)	Walking encouraged; activity modified; physical therapy begins
Intermediate (Weeks 6-12)	Gradual return to light work; muscle strength improving
Full Recovery (3-6 months+)	Most patients resume regular activity; monitoring continues

Guideline note: This table is a general guideline only; individual recovery varies significantly with your specific procedure, overall health, and post-operative care.

Choosing a Sciatica Specialist in San Diego

When selecting a specialist for “sciatica treatment in San Diego” or “pinched nerve leg pain San Diego”, look for:

• Board certification in neurosurgery or orthopedic spine surgery with spine nerve-root experience.
• Access to advanced imaging, diagnostics, and minimally invasive surgical options.
• A provider who offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions, so you receive a balanced evaluation.
• Clear discussion of your diagnosis, all treatment options, risks, expected outcomes, and a plan that aligns with your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Sciatica is common, and though many cases resolve with non-surgical care, persistent or severe symptoms may warrant specialist evaluation in San Diego. Being informed about causes, treatment pathways, and when to consider surgery empowers you to choose the right path. If you are experiencing ongoing leg pain, numbness, or weakness, consult a spine specialist sooner rather than later.

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh is a board-certified neurosurgeon at SENTA Clinic in San Diego, fellowship-trained in complex spine and cranial-base surgery. This content is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice.

Key Takeaways

• Sciatica reflects nerve-root compression, manifesting as leg pain, numbness, or tingling.
• Most cases respond to non-surgical care within 4-6 weeks; persistent symptoms merit specialist evaluation.
• Severe warning signs include weakness, bladder/bowel changes, or imaging showing nerve compression.
• Surgery can help in selected cases; outcomes vary depending on delay and nerve health.
• In San Diego, seek a specialist who offers tailored care for sciatica, pinched-nerve leg pain, and both non-surgical and surgical options.

If you are dealing with persistent leg pain, tingling, numbness or weakness due to suspected sciatica, don’t delay. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjay Ghosh in San Diego today. Call (619) 810-1010 or visit our website to request an appointment. Timely assessment may protect your nerve function and help you return to the life you love sooner.