What is Sciatica?

The word Sciatica means swelling (inflammation) of the Sciatic nerved refers to the pain starting from lower back or buttock and traveling down the leg. Sciatica can be caused by stretching, irritation or mechanical compression of the Sciatic nerve root. Most common cause of Sciatica include a ruptured or slipped disc that migrates into the spinal canal, and presses against nerves, causing sciatica pain (sharp shooting pain along the path of a nerve, i.e. discomfort in the legs). The pain starts in the back of the leg and radiates to the leg. In most cases one side of the body is typically affected by sciatica.

Unusual bending or weight lifting activities is the most typical cause of this type of injury.

Diagnosis is made by clinical examination along with x-ray & MRI. Almost 90 percent of the time, adequate bed rest, lying down in foetal position, and consuming medicines helps recovery. Muscle spasms secondary to sciatica can be managed with Muscle relaxant medicines + Physiotherapy. Certain activities like forward bending, squatting, 2-wheeler driving should be avoided for at least 3 weeks. Pain medication and physiotherapy are both common therapies. Majority of these cases can be managed without surgery, but a consultation with a spine doctor is required to properly understand the severity of the problem.

Treatment options:

Rest + Physio + Medicines

Pain block therapies (root blocks, epidural steroids)

Surgical Treatment Options:

– Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy

– UBE discectomy

– Biportal Endoscopy