Expert analysis: Sciatica is usually caused by lumbar disc herniation. Most people do not need surgery.

Today, The Athletic reporter Devon Henderson interviewed Dr. Santosh Thomas, a spinal neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic, to analyze the sciatica injury on the right side of Lakers forward James.

The Los Angeles Lakers will open the new NBA season on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors, but their most respected star will be absent. The Lakers officially announced on October 9 that LeBron James will miss the opening game of his 23rd season due to sciatica.

What was previously described as "nerve irritation in the hip" during training camp and preseason was now diagnosed as full-blown sciatica, keeping the future Hall of Famer sidelined. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James is targeting a comeback in mid-November.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been noncommittal about James' return date, saying, "He has his own timetable."

Here's some information about sciatica and how it might affect James:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sciatica occurs when one or more nerves that run from the lower back to the leg become irritated, inflamed, compressed, or pinched. This condition is generally not considered serious and can often improve with rest and self-care. The most common cause is lumbar disc herniation.

Dr. Santosh Thomas, a specialist in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said: "Lumbar disc herniation is usually self-limiting. Most people get better within a few weeks, up to a few months, but recovery can be accelerated with spinal injections."

"Or if you have severe weakness, you Surgical options may need to be considered. But most people do not need to go down this route. Medications, either oral or spinal injections, can be good alternatives for these patients."

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back along the back of the thigh, splitting just below the knee. It is actually made up of five different nerves: the L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerves.

Dr. Thomas said: "Irritation of any of these nerves can cause symptoms, and they may appear in different parts of the leg. There are many areas involved in determining which nerve and which nerve fibers are compressed."

The L4, L5 and S1 nerves make up the nervous system in the hip, and it was in this area that James' discomfort was first reported. While lumbar disc herniation is the most common cause, spinal stenosis (a condition in which a passage or passage in the body narrows) has also been found to be a cause. If spinal stenosis is present, recovery time will be longer.

Sciatica symptoms are often described as a burning or electric shock that radiates down the leg and is triggered by actions such as coughing, sneezing, or bending over.

About 40% of people will experience some form of sciatica during their lifetime, but it is rarer in people under 20 years old unless it is caused by an injury. According to reports, the 40-year-old James was injured during an on-court training in late July or early August.

Treatment usually involves reducing physical activity and gradually reintroducing stretching and flexibility exercises. More advanced care can include prescription medications, massage therapy, and physical therapy.

The Cleveland Clinic explains that many cases resolve on their own within four to six weeks without professional treatment. Theoretically, within this timeline — where James receives top-notch care — that would fit in with the targeted mid-November return date. More severe cases may take weeks or months to get better. It's unclear how severe James' sciatica is.

Even if he is already more susceptible to re-injury, James may adjust his playing style if he rushes back without fully recovering. Thomas said slight adjustments, whether conscious or unconscious, can lead to more harm.

"If you change your gait, running pattern, or twisting pattern to protect yourself, you may be using accessory muscles that aren't normally used for that specific activity," Thomas says. "For example, if you're jumping and worried that a certain landing method will affect you, you may change your position, which may involve new structures. This may lead to new pain, new back spasms, which are usually muscle problems."

Mini-game recommendations:Land Ho!