Sciatica—pain that radiates from your lower back through your hip and down your leg—is one of the most common and debilitating pain conditions we treat. At Keith Schmidt, MD in Hoffman Estates, IL, we offer multiple evidence-based interventional approaches to eliminate sciatica pain and get you back to your active life.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in your body—becomes compressed or irritated, usually by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis. The resulting pain can range from a mild ache to sharp, burning, or electric shock-like sensations that make sitting, standing, and walking extremely difficult.
Our Approach to Sciatica Relief
Dr. Schmidt takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to sciatica treatment. Depending on the severity and underlying cause, treatment options include epidural steroid injections (interlaminar or transforaminal), selective nerve root blocks, physical therapy referrals, and for refractory cases, spinal cord stimulation. As a triathlete who understands the impact of leg pain on training and competition, Dr. Schmidt is committed to finding the most effective treatment to get you moving again.
Stop living with sciatic pain. Contact our Hoffman Estates office for expert sciatica treatment.
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Not sure what’s right for your situation? Call (847) 981-3630 or request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — typically from the lower back down one leg. The most common cause is compression of a lumbar nerve root by a herniated disc, but spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, piriformis syndrome, and other conditions can produce the same pattern. The diagnosis isn’t just “where the pain is” — it’s identifying the specific structure causing the nerve irritation.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam. I look for the pattern of pain, neurological signs (weakness, numbness, reflex changes), and provocative findings on exam. MRI is often ordered to identify the structural cause — usually a disc herniation or stenosis. Sometimes electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) help confirm the level and severity of nerve involvement.
What treatments work best for sciatica?
Most patients respond to a graduated approach: targeted physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections. When those don’t fully resolve the pain, selective nerve root blocks, percutaneous disc decompression, and — for refractory cases — neuromodulation can be effective. Surgery is reserved for patients with significant neurological deficits or pain that hasn’t responded to comprehensive conservative care.
Does sciatica require surgery?
Most cases do not. Studies consistently show that conservative care resolves sciatica in the majority of patients within 6 to 12 weeks. Surgery is typically reserved for patients with severe or progressive neurological deficits, or for those who haven’t responded to several months of well-executed conservative care.
How long does sciatica last?
Most acute episodes resolve within 6 to 12 weeks. Some patients have chronic or recurrent symptoms that benefit from ongoing pain management. The duration depends on the underlying cause, the severity of nerve compression, and how quickly appropriate treatment is started.
What’s the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc?
Sciatica is a symptom — pain following the sciatic nerve distribution. A herniated disc is one of several possible causes of sciatica. You can have sciatica from a herniated disc, but you can also have a herniated disc without sciatica, and you can have sciatica from causes other than a herniated disc.
Can sciatica come back after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible — particularly if the underlying structural cause hasn’t fully resolved. We work to address both the immediate symptoms and the contributing factors (core strength, body mechanics, weight, ergonomics) to reduce the chance of recurrence.
What can I do at home for sciatica?
Stay active within tolerance — prolonged bed rest typically makes sciatica worse. Apply heat or ice depending on what feels best. Use anti-inflammatory medications if your medical history allows. Walking, gentle stretching, and the exercises a physical therapist prescribes are usually more helpful than rest.
When should I see a pain specialist for sciatica?
If your sciatica hasn’t substantially improved after 4 to 6 weeks of self-care and primary-care treatment, if you have new neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, bowel or bladder changes), or if the pain is severely limiting your function, it’s time for specialty evaluation. Earlier referral often shortens the overall course of treatment.
Will my insurance cover sciatica treatment?
Yes. Sciatica is a common, well-documented condition, and the procedures we use to treat it — epidural injections, nerve root blocks, neuromodulation when indicated — are covered by major insurance plans including Medicare. Our office handles prior authorization.