+1 (949) 688-1216

Main Navigation

Sciatica Specialist

If you suddenly start feeling pain in your lower back or hip that radiates to the back of your thigh and into your leg, you may have a protruding (herniated) disc in your spinal column that is pressing on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine. This condition is known as sciatica.

Sciatica may feel like a bad leg cramp, with pain that is sharp (“knife-like”), or electrical. The cramp can last for weeks before it goes away. You may have pain, especially when you move, sneeze, or cough. You may also have weakness, “pins and needles” numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation down your leg.

Learn more about treatment options

Schedule consultation
CALL US: (949) 688-1216
YOUR VISIT/patient forms

In rare cases, a herniated disc may press on nerves that cause you to lose control of your bladder or bowel, referred to as cauda equina syndrome. If this happens, you may also have numbness or tingling in your groin or genital area. This is an emergency situation that requires surgery. Phone your doctor immediately (AAOS, 2015).

CAUSES

You are most likely to get sciatica between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may happen as a result of the general wear and tear of aging, plus any sudden pressure on the discs that cushion the bones of your lower spine.

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc. The gel-like center of a disc may protrude into or through the disc’s outer lining. This herniated disc may press directly on the nerve roots that become the sciatic nerve. Nerve roots may also get inflamed and irritated by chemicals from the disc’s nucleus.

Approximately 1 in every 50 people will experience a herniated disc at some point in their life. Of these, 10% to 25% have symptoms that last more than 6 weeks.

TREATMENT

Nonsurgical Treatment

The condition usually heals itself, given sufficient time and rest. Approximately 80% to 90% of patients with sciatica get better over time without surgery, typically within several weeks.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or muscle relaxants may also help. In addition, you may find it soothing to put gentle heat or cold on your painful muscles. It is important that you continue to move. Do not remain in bed, as too much rest may cause other parts of the body to feel discomfort. 

Find positions that are comfortable, but be as active as possible. Motion helps to reduce inflammation. Most of the time, your condition will get better within a few weeks.

As soon as possible, start stretching exercises so you can resume your physical activities without sciatica pain. Your doctor may want you to take short walks and may prescribe physical therapy. Sometimes, you may need an injection in your spinal area with a cortisone-like drug.

Surgical Treatment

You might need surgery if you still have disabling leg pain after 3 months or more of nonsurgical treatment. A part of your surgery, your herniated disc may be removed to stop it from pressing on your nerve.

The surgery (laminotomy with discectomy) may be done under local, spinal, or general anesthesia. This surgery is usually very successful at relieving pain, particularly if most of the pain is in your leg.

PREVENTION

It’s not always possible to prevent sciatica, and the condition may recur. The following suggestions can play a key role in protecting your back:

  • Exercise regularly. This is the most important thing you can do for your overall health as well as for your back. Pay special attention to your core muscles — the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. Ask your doctor to recommend specific activities.
  • Maintain proper posture when you sit. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
  • Use good body mechanics. If you stand for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. When you lift something heavy, let your lower extremities do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr Hamid R. Mir M.D.

Meet

Dr. Hamid R. Mir M.D.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon & Back, Spine, & Neck Specialist

Dr Hamid Mir is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon & back, spine, & neck specialist with fellowship training in combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He has offices in Orange County, Los Angeles & Riverside. Dr Mir specializes in spinal fusion, lumbar surgery and treating trauma as well as other conditions affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including degenerative diseases, stenosis, fracture, infection, adult scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.

Learn More

Conditions

Learn More

Treatment

Learn More

Prevention

Learn More

Testimonials

You are more than just a patient.

star star star star star

I was in a very bad situation with a herniated disc in my lower back so I made an appointment with DISC spine center and Dr. Hamid. He was very professional and made me comfortable that he understood exactly what I was going through and was able to communicate effectively exactly what it will take to get me on the road to recovery after spine surgery. It took several months as my injury was severe however I always felt I was in good hands under Dr. Hamid’s supervision…If you ever have the misfortune of injuring your circuit board of your body (spine) you need a pro, do not take advice from anyone who’s not specifically licensed to help, Dr Hamid is who I chose and I’m very thankful.

- Matteo B

star star star star star

Dr. Mir saw me about 2 months before the spine procedure and indicated that I had severe stenosis or narrowing of the openings where the nerve roots exit at the L4, L5 and S1 level. He reviewed my MRI and without wasting any time, asked if I wanted or was considering spinal surgery. He was extremely clear and answered all my questions. I had the procedure done at the Disc Newport OP surgery spine center and was cared for by an incredibly competent, caring staff. I was discharged same day and my post op recovery was 2 weeks, and returned to daily activities and work July 15th. The procedure was very successful as my back pain is basically gone. Amazing relief from a procedure done by a great surgeon with a great team!

- Stan W.

star star star star star

Dr Mir is an excellent spine surgeon. I had a surgery on my neck by another surgeon but I was still in pain. A friend who had prior spine surgery with Dr. Mir recommended him to me. As the treating surgeon he was very detail oriented, confident, and knowledgeable. His team is very friendly and helpful. I decided to have a second cervical spine operation on my neck. Soooo thankful I have no pain and for physical medicine doctors like him.

- Hillary C.

star star star star star

Dr. Mir and his entire team of specialists take the extra time and consideration to shape alternatives to meet the needs (holistically) of the patient. Everything about the experience of my surgery was positive. Dr. Mir is a patient and compassionate surgeon. His communication skills are remarkably attentive. We are six months out of the starting gate from surgical treatment, and with PT and core strengthening exercises, this 65 yr. old is back to regular training for next year’s marathon. Thank you kindly El Doc-tor….you are amazing! See you soon.

- Lorena B.

Dr. Hamid Mir is a member of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with fellowship training in combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2004. As a top rated spine surgeon, he specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine diseases including degenerative, stenosis, fracture, infection, scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.

Dr. Mir focused his practice on minimally invasive techniques. As Medical Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center, Dr. Mir is at the forefront of the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. The benefits of these techniques include less post-operative pain, quicker recovery reduced blood loss, less soft tissue damage, smaller surgical incisions, less scarring and improved function.

Callback form.

Follow us @spinesurgeonoc

Please Enter Your Information

Schedule consultation

    PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

    We are so excited to be a part of this life changing journey with you.

    In order for us to provide the best care, it is very important that you bring the following items to your visit:
    • Photo ID
    • A list of your current medications
    • Any and all x-rays films
    • Insurance information and card
    • Information about what treatments and medications have been tried in the past
    • Medical records from prior visits that you think may be helpful