Nice summary of sciatica. The first time I had it, it just came out of nowhere. I thought I was having bad hamstring cramps, but it was due to a bulging disc putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. These do usually resolve without medical intervention.

If the pain persists, it may be due to a ruptured disc, where part of the disc breaks off and is loose in the spinal canal. I had that happen and it was removed surgically through laminotomies at S1/L5/L4.

That said I have avoided fusion for 17 years since my first bout with sciatica. I am in the gym everyday and focus on core muscle strength. My surgeon says that is all that is keeping me from a fusion surgery.

Joe