The non-invasive Discseel® procedure
aims to heal sciatica without surgery
sciatica is caused by annular tears
When spinal discs leak as a result of these tears,
inflammation of adjacent spinal nerves leads to sciatic nerve pain
The Discseel® Procedure is the most effective treatment for annular tears that cause sciatica.
what Is Sciatica?
Unlike what most people have been led to believe, sciatica is often not caused by a physically pinched nerve, but by irritation of the sciatic nerve root caused by nucleus pulposus gel leaking out of the spinal disc.
causes
Sciatica, also known as radiculopathy, is not caused by pinched nerves. It is actually caused by inflammation of the nerve roots resulting from leaky discs. Inflammation occurs because the inner portion of the spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) is perceived as a foreign substance by the human body when it leaks through annular tears and onto nerve roots. Sciatica can be a debilitating condition but is usually secondary to other issues. If left untreated, whatever is causing sciatica may worsen. Serious complications can arise such as bilateral sciatica, which can cause paralysis.
diagnosis
Sciatica is most accurately diagnosed through a patient’s medical history and a physical exam. MRIs possess little ability to identify sciatica’s underlying cause because MRIs can’t see the nucleus pulposus causing inflammation. MRI only shows disc herniations, bulges, and degeneration, which are irrelevant because these conditions don’t cause sciatica. Annular tears allowing the nucleus pulposus to leak out of the spinal disc cause sciatica.
Annulograms identify annular tears within the 22-25 annular layers of the annulus fibrosus, giving them high diagnostic value. However, while annulograms are precise, safe, and painless, this exam is often unnecessary because a physical examination can diagnose sciatica.
more on sciatica
Although the Sciatic Nerve runs down the back of your leg, there’s another nerve called the femoral nerve that runs down the front of your leg. The femoral nerve comes from your top 3 nerve roots, while your Sciatic Nerve comes from your bottom 3 nerve roots. So why is this condition called sciatica rather than femora? This is because the bottom 3 discs tear more often than the top 3 discs. This is due to the fact that bottom discs separate damaging lower pelvic forces from damaging upper trunk and body forces.
Due to the variable nature of sciatica, a wide range of symptoms may arise. Below are some of the most common symptoms of sciatica:
- Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg.
- Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve – down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot.
- Pain that feels better when lying down or walking, but worsens when standing or sitting.
- Pain typically described as sharp or searing, rather than dull.
- A “pins-and-needles” sensation, numbness or a prickling sensation down the leg.
- Weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot.
- Severe or shooting pain in one leg, making it difficult to stand up or walk.
- Pain and other symptoms in the toes, depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected.
Non-surgical options such as
Physical Therapy
Exercise
Bed Rest
Hot & Cold Packs
Medication
Are often prescribed to treat sciatica
only the discseel® procedure is known to address annular tears that cause sciatica
THE DISCSEEL® PROCEDURE uses purified natural fibrin, approved by the FDA for many other indications to seal and regenerate tissue. Fibrin is injected into disc tears, typically taking less than an hour. You’ll be walking the same day. The disc continues healing over 3-12 months as you increase your activity.
find out if you are a discseel® candidate
patient success
After being told his only cure was spinal fusion surgery, Jim searched for an alternative and found the Discseel® Procedure. He is now back to his active lifestyle and has been pain free since his procedure.
Sean wanted to find a solution to his back pain that didn’t involve putting hardware in his spine, so he chose the Discseel® Procedure. Now he’s living pain-free and able to return to the lifestyle he loves.
When Erica began developing spinal pain, she felt that the activities she loved were taken away from her. Erica now says that the Discseel® Procedure has “100 percent turned her life around” and allowed her to get back to the things she loves, like running.
ARTICLES ON SCIATICA
News Articles and Blog Posts by Dr. Pauza & Team
Facts About Sciatica
By Dr. Kevin Pauza
The sciatic nerve runs down the back of the buttocks, leg, and foot. It’s the merger of the 3 bottom nerve roots (L4, L5, and S1). It’s also important to know that pinched nerves don’t cause sciatica pain. This pain is actually caused by inflammation of the nerve roots as a result of leaky discs. Inflammation occurs because the nucleus pulposus is perceived as a foreign substance by the human body when it leaks through annular tears and onto nerve roots. The leaked gel, like all foreign substances, causes inflammation that attacks nerve roots. It beats and damages nerves so much that it is referred to as “Battered Root Syndrome” by many scientific papers. Dr. Pauza’s landmark research has also shown that chemicals from leaky discs can also cause fatigue, depression, and limited function. This is why Dr. Pauza coined the term “Leaky Disc Syndrome.” READ MORE
Possible Causes of Sciatica
By Dr. Kevin Pauza
Sciatica can be a debilitating indication, but it is usually secondary to other issues. These could be many different reasons, but the main issues that lead to sciatic pain include a lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, isthmus spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Other causes such as pregnancy, tumor, or infection are less common. If left untreated, whatever is causing this condition can worsen, leading to complications that can become even more serious. READ MORE
Sciatica Symptoms and Diagnosis
By Dr. Kevin Pauza
Due to the variable nature of sciatic pain, a wide range of symptoms can arise. Similar to herniated discs, sciatic pain is worse in, and radiates to, the legs, most of the time below the knee. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. READ MORE
Is My Sciatica The Result of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease can cause movements to become painful and may result in the spinal nerves becoming compressed. If the sciatic nerve in the lower back is compressed, it can result in pain and numbness that runs down the hip and leg known as sciatica. Degenerative disc disease is a common source of back pain, and it may cause sciatic nerve irritation leading to pain in certain situations. READ MORE
See if you are a candidate for the Discseel® Procedure
