Skip to main content
Dr. Siamak Yasmeh

Lumbar
Radiculopathy (Sciatica) .

Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly called sciatica, happens when a nerve in the lower back is compressed or inflamed. It typically causes pain that travels down the leg and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty standing or walking comfortably.

Request an appointmentGet a second opinion
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Now Accepting · New Patients

Diagnosis first. Treatment second.

Lumbar (Low back) spine condition treated with conservative options first and motion-preserving surgery when needed.

4
LA offices
Region
Lumbar (Low back)
★★★★★
Welcomed
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica) at a glance
  • What it is: Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly called sciatica, happens when a nerve in the lower back is compressed or inflamed. It typically causes pain that travels down the leg and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty standing or walking comfortably.
  • Common symptoms: Pain that radiates from the low back into the buttock and down one leg; Numbness, tingling, or burning in the leg or foot; Leg or foot weakness.
  • First-line treatment: Physical therapy — Directional preference exercises (often extension-based) and neuromuscular re-education.
  • When surgery is considered: progressive symptoms, neurological changes, or pain unresponsive to conservative care.
Symptoms & causes

Understanding lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Pain that radiates from the low back into the buttock and down one leg
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the leg or foot
  • Leg or foot weakness
  • Pain worsened by sitting, sneezing, or coughing
  • Difficulty standing or walking comfortably
Causes

Common causes

  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Lumbar stenosis
  • Foraminal narrowing
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Piriformis syndrome (mimics)
How Dr. Yasmeh treats it

Treatment options

Dr. Yasmeh starts with the least-invasive option that fits your case and only escalates when clearly needed.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Most patients improve without surgery. Dr. Yasmeh sequences therapy, medication, and targeted injections before considering operative options.

  • Physical therapy — Directional preference exercises (often extension-based) and neuromuscular re-education.
  • Medication — NSAIDs and short oral steroid taper for the inflammatory phase; neuropathic-pain medication if needed.
  • Epidural steroid injection — Image-guided injection at the affected level.
Surgical care
When needed

When surgery is the right answer

When non-operative care has not worked or symptoms are progressive, Dr. Yasmeh offers motion-preserving techniques whenever clinically appropriate.

  • Microdiscectomy or targeted decompression — For persistent, severe sciatica unresponsive to conservative care, minimally invasive surgery is highly effective.
Book a consultation
Common questions

About lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica).

  • Most patients improve with conservative care — physical therapy, medication, and targeted injections. Dr. Yasmeh only recommends surgery when symptoms are progressive, when there is neurological compromise, or when conservative care has not resolved the problem.
  • Diagnosis combines a careful history, physical exam, and imaging (typically MRI). Dr. Yasmeh reviews your imaging with you in plain language so you understand what's happening.
  • Yes — Dr. Yasmeh offers second opinions, especially for patients told they need fusion. He evaluates motion-preserving alternatives like laminoplasty or artificial disc replacement when clinically appropriate.
  • Dr. Yasmeh sees patients at four offices across Greater Los Angeles: East LA (1700 E Cesar Chavez Ave), Glendale (1505 Wilson Terrace), Santa Fe Springs (12215 Telegraph Rd), and Tarzana (18840 Ventura Blvd).
Related procedures

Procedures Dr. Yasmeh performs for this condition

Microdiscectomy

Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.

Read more

Spinal Decompression

Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.

Read more

Epidural Steroid Injection

Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.

Read more

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Learn more about this procedure and when Dr. Yasmeh recommends it.

Read more
Ready when you are

Get clarity on your lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) today.

Same-week appointments. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.

Request an appointmentCall (323) 264-7600
Call usBook online