Sciatica and Herniated Disc Treatment
Sciatica is pain that travels from the low back or buttock down the leg. The most common cause is a herniated disc pressing on a nerve.
Dr. Kris Radcliff is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, and part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics. He has performed thousands of spine surgeries and specializes in endoscopic spine surgery, artificial disc replacement, and other alternatives to fusion.
What is a herniated disc?
Discs are the cushions between the bones of the spine. A herniated (slipped) disc happens when some of the soft center pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. If it presses on a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg (sciatica) or arm.
Will a herniated disc heal on its own?
Often, yes. Many herniated discs shrink over weeks to months, and most people improve with time, activity changes, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes an epidural injection.
When should I see a spine surgeon for sciatica?
Consider a surgical opinion if leg pain lasts more than six to twelve weeks despite treatment, keeps coming back, or limits work and daily life, or if you have weakness such as tripping or a foot that slaps when you walk.
What does surgery for a herniated disc involve?
The usual operation removes only the piece of disc pressing on the nerve. Dr. Radcliff often does this endoscopically, through an incision under half an inch, and most patients go home the same day. Leg pain often improves quickly.
How long is recovery?
Most people walk the same day. Many with desk jobs return to work within one to two weeks. Physical jobs usually take longer.
How Dr. Radcliff can help
- Endoscopic discectomy through a tiny incision
- Microdiscectomy
- Nonsurgical care, working alongside your pain management physician
- Second opinions
Go to the emergency room if you have new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in your arms or legs.
Schedule a consultation or second opinion
Call 609-800-3472. Dr. Radcliff sees patients in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
Already have an MRI? Send it to us online before your visit. Fax: 609-842-4040.
Dr. Radcliff accepts most commercial insurance plans and is out of network with most of them. Many Pennsylvania and New Jersey plans have out-of-network benefits, and we can help review your benefits and explain them. Don’t worry. We are all about helping the patients.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment should be based on an evaluation by your own physician.