Sciatica Video Series

In this video, Dr. Alex Vaccaro, an orthopaedic surgeon and professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, gives a brief overview of sciatica.  In simple, conversational language, Dr. Wang will help you understand why some of us get sciatica, that lightning-like bolt of pain.

Dr. Vaccaro says that one of the most common complaints he hears from patients is, “Doctor, I have leg pain.”  Very often, that leg pain is sciatica, which isn’t technically a condition; it’s a symptom of another condition that’s causing the shooting pain down your leg.

To learn more, you can read this informative summary article on sciatica.

Dr. Alex Vaccaro, an orthopaedic surgeon and professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, explains the typical symptoms of sciatica, beyond pain that shoots down your leg.

Sciatica is a symptom in and of itself; it’s a description of pain that can be associated with other spinal conditions, such as a herniated disc.  As Dr. Vaccaro explains, the pain is generally in one leg, but it can be in both.  It usually starts in your low back and then travels down your leg.

Dr. Vaccaro also talks about other possible symptoms that can accompany sciatica, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and burning.

To learn more, you can look over this helpful article about symptoms.

To help you understand the causes of sciatic pain, SpineUniverse brought in Dr. Alex Vaccaro, an orthopaedic surgeon and professor of spine surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.  In this video, he goes over the typical causes of sciatica, such as a herniated disc.

The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in your body.  It starts in your low back (lumbar spine) and then travels down your legs.  If something pushes on the sciatic nerve, you’ll most likely experience sciatica.  Dr. Vaccaro explains why and gives a few examples of what can press on your nerve.

If you want to read more, try this article about the causes of sciatica.

Before your doctor can diagnose the cause of your sciatica and develop a treatment plan, he or she will have to run a series of exams and tests.  In this video, Dr. Alex Vaccaro, an orthopaedic surgeon and professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, explains those exams and tests in clear-cut language.  He’ll help you really understand what is going to happen to you during the diagnosis process (or maybe you’ve already been through that process but still don’t entirely understand what happened).

Dr. Vaccaro goes in-depth on the sensory and neurological exams, which are key diagnostic tools for sciatica.  Where your sciatic nerve is affected in your low back influences where you experience the associated leg pain and other symptoms.  Dr. Vaccaro’s explanation helps you understand how and why a doctor can diagnose sciatica based on if you have pain in your big toe.  (That’s just one example:  Dr. Vaccaro goes through the other parts of your leg that can indicate where your sciatic nerve is being pinched.)

You can also read an article on sciatica exams and tests.

Dr. Alex Vaccaro, an orthopaedic surgeon and professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, talks about the non-surgical treatment options for sciatica.  Conservative treatments are always tried first, except in the most severe cases (where you have, for example, lost bowel or bladder control).

Dr. Vaccaro mentions his three main recommendations for patients with sciatica:  physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and injections.  He’s found those treatment options most helpful for his patients, and he considers them his “first line of offense” in treating sciatica.

As a reassurance, Dr. Vaccaro points out that 75-85% of sciatica patients find relief with non-surgical treatments.

As a top orthopaedic surgeon and professor of spine surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Dr. Alex Vaccaro is a trustworthy source when it comes to reviewing your surgical options for sciatica.

In this video, Dr. Vaccaro reminds you that the final decision to have surgery is yours.  Your surgeon may recommend it and explain why he or she feels it’s necessary, but you have to feel comfortable and confident in the decision, too.

One of the most common surgeries to relieve sciatica caused by a herniated disc is a discectomy.  Dr. Vaccaro explains that this can be done with a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that you’ll have a smaller incision and the surgeon will work small instruments and a microscope.

You can also read this article about other surgical options for sciatica.

Dr. Alex Vaccaro, a professor of spine surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, goes over some terms you may hear your doctor use as he or she talks about sciatica.  Use this video as a quick reference or refresher to help you more fully understand your condition.

Dr. Vaccaro reviews:

• Radicular
• Sciatica
• Cauda Equina Syndrome
• Foot Drop