Sciatica nerve pain can be frustrating and disruptive, but the good news is that surgery isn’t always necessary. Regenerative Medicine treatments, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet lysate, offer non-surgical options for relief.

This guide covers what sciatica is, how PRP-based treatments address nerve pain, and when surgery might be needed. Sciatica occurs when nerves in the lower back become irritated or compressed, causing pain from the lower back into the leg. Other conditions, however, can mimic sciatica, including:

• Pinched Nerves from degenerative disc disease, which can lead to arthritis and nerve pain
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction, where pain from the SI joint radiates down the legs
• Muscle or Myofascial Strains in the lower back, which can also send pain down the legs

Determining the exact cause of pain is essential, as different causes need different treatments. Here’s how specific treatments are tailored for sciatica-related pain:

• Pinched Nerves: Platelet lysate epidural injections reduce inflammation and support nerve health.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: A multi-targeted approach treats the nerve roots, facet joints, muscles, and ligaments to stabilize and strengthen tissue.
• SI Joint Pain: PRP injections into the SI joint and surrounding ligaments restore stability, reducing pain and preventing future flare-ups.

When Surgery Might Be Necessary

In rare cases, surgery may be needed if there is:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control, which could indicate a medical emergency
• Persistent severe leg or foot weakness
• Ongoing pain that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments

Advantages of PRP and Platelet Lysate Treatments

Orthobiologic treatments like PRP offer several benefits:

• Healing from Within: These treatments strengthen tissues, targeting pain at its source.
• Comprehensive Relief: PRP can be injected into multiple structures, providing thorough relief.
• Lower Risks: Unlike surgery or steroid injections, PRP doesn’t damage tissue or have long-term side effects.

Early treatment can prevent the need for surgery. Combining these treatments with physical therapy, posture correction, and core strengthening helps maintain balance and stability.

At Chicago Arthritis and Regenerative Medicine, the focus is on non-surgical solutions like PRP and platelet lysate to recover naturally and avoid unnecessary surgeries. If you’re experiencing sciatica, a pinched nerve, or SI joint dysfunction, reach out to explore how regenerative medicine might help you live pain-free.