The causes of sciatica aremany but it most commonly results from either a herniated diskor spinal stenosis. Depending on the cause, the pain of acute sciatica usuallygoes away on its own in four to eight weeks or so.A thorough diagnostic work-upwill reveal the cause.Fortunately, sciatica typically resolves without theneed for surgery in about 4-6 weeks. However, if any neurologic deficitsdevelop, such as a foot drop or changes in normal bowel and/or bladderfunctions, then immediate surgery is usually performed.For acute sciaticawithout any neurologic deficit, the use of epidural steroid injections can bevery beneficial in resolving the discomfort.

            For those with sciaticpain due to a herniated disc lasting longer than 6 weeks,surgery has been shown to be superior than non-operative treatment. Forthose with sciatica or neurogenic claudications lasting longer than 12 weeks,surgery has been shown to be ore effective than non-operative treatment.Whensurgery is required there are several procedures that may be of benefit. Theserange from an open laminectomy or laminotomy or even a fusion.