Sciatica Treatment in Granada Hills, CA
Sciatica causes sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down one or both legs. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Jungjae Lim offers precise, minimally invasive treatments designed to relieve sciatic nerve compression and restore your ability to move and function comfortably — without surgery or long-term pain medication.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself — it is a symptom caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve originates from several nerve roots in the lower lumbar and sacral spine, merges into a single nerve, and travels through the buttock, down the back of each leg, and into the foot. When any of these nerve roots are compressed or irritated — most commonly by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis — pain radiates along the nerve’s path, producing the characteristic symptoms of sciatica.
Sciatica can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely disabling, and in most cases affects only one side of the body. Without proper treatment, sciatica can persist for months or become chronic, significantly impacting work, sleep, and daily activities. At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, CA , Dr. Lim uses a comprehensive, targeted approach to identify the source of your sciatic nerve compression and provide effective, lasting relief.
Common Causes of Sciatica
- Herniated or bulging lumbar disc compressing a spinal nerve root
- Lumbar spinal stenosis narrowing the spinal canal
- Degenerative disc disease and age-related changes to the lumbar spine
- Piriformis syndrome — compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the buttock
- Spondylolisthesis — slippage of one vertebra over another
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction contributing to nerve irritation
- Trauma or injury to the lower back or pelvis
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Sharp, burning, or electric-shock-like pain starting in the low back or buttock and radiating down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg, calf, or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements
- Difficulty walking or standing upright comfortably
Sciatica Treatments at Modern Pain Solutions
Dr. Lim offers a range of non-surgical treatments for sciatica, including epidural steroid injections and selective nerve root blocks to reduce nerve inflammation, PRP therapy to support tissue healing, and — for patients with persistent, refractory sciatica — spinal cord stimulation. Structural contributors such as spinal stenosis may be addressed with minimally invasive spine procedures. For sciatica caused by a personal injury or accident, see our Personal Injury Pain Management services. Call (818) 826-4145 to schedule your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
How do I know if my leg pain is sciatica?
The hallmark of sciatica is pain that originates in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg — often following a specific path along the back of the thigh, calf, and into the foot. It is frequently accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg. Pain that is isolated to the back or only in the leg without a radiating pattern may have a different cause. Dr. Lim can evaluate your symptoms and imaging to determine whether sciatica is the correct diagnosis and identify its underlying cause.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Mild sciatica related to a temporary irritation of the nerve can sometimes resolve with rest and conservative self-care over several weeks. However, sciatica caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other structural problem is unlikely to fully resolve without targeted treatment. If your sciatica has persisted for more than four to six weeks, is severe, or is accompanied by significant weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control, prompt evaluation at Modern Pain Solutions is strongly recommended.
What is the best treatment for sciatica in Granada Hills?
The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause of your sciatica. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Lim typically begins with the least invasive option appropriate for your diagnosis — often a targeted epidural steroid injection or selective nerve root block to reduce nerve inflammation. If structural issues are present, minimally invasive spine procedures may be indicated. For chronic, refractory sciatic pain, spinal cord stimulation can provide long-term relief.
Is sciatica related to a herniated disc?
A herniated lumbar disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica. When the soft inner material of a disc pushes through its outer ring and contacts a nearby nerve root, it can trigger the radiating pain, numbness, and weakness that characterize sciatica. Dr. Lim will review your MRI or other imaging to confirm whether a herniated disc is the source of your sciatic symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Can sciatica be caused by a car accident?
Yes. The forces involved in a car accident can cause or significantly worsen disc herniation, spinal fractures, and soft tissue injuries that compress the sciatic nerve. If your sciatica began after a vehicle collision, fall, or other traumatic event, Modern Pain Solutions can provide both expert medical treatment and thorough documentation to support your personal injury claim. We accept lien-based cases — visit our Personal Injury page for details.
How long does it take for sciatica to improve with treatment?
Response times vary depending on the cause and severity of your sciatica and the treatment used. Many patients notice significant improvement within one to two weeks following an epidural steroid injection as nerve inflammation decreases. More chronic or structurally complex cases may require a series of treatments or a staged approach. Dr. Lim will set realistic expectations at your consultation and monitor your progress throughout your care.
When should I see a doctor for sciatica immediately?
Seek emergency care immediately if your sciatica is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe weakness in both legs, or saddle anesthesia (numbness in the inner thighs and groin area). These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome — a rare but serious condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. For any other sciatica symptoms that are worsening, not improving, or significantly affecting your daily function, call Modern Pain Solutions at (818) 826-4145 to schedule a prompt evaluation.
