Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down the leg along the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates from the nerve roots in the lower spine, passes through the hip and buttock, and travels along the back of the leg towards the knee, with smaller branches extending to the foot.

Symptoms

Usually, sciatica symptoms follow the path of the sciatic nerve. They may include:

• Pain: A burning feeling or sharp, shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and stretches down the thigh and leg, at times reaching the feet.
• Numbness: Occurring along with weakness or tingling, numbness affects the back of the leg.
• Symptoms on one side: Sciatica symptoms are normally felt on one leg, often leading to a sense of heaviness. In rare cases, it could affect both legs.
• Posture-triggered symptoms: Sometimes, symptoms may intensify when standing up, sitting, bending forward, lying down, twisting the spine or coughing. Walking or heat application to the lower back may provide relief.

Causes

Sciatica results from compression on the sciatic nerve or its roots. The pressure is usually caused by spinal problems, although the pain is felt in the leg.

Common causes are:

• Herniated lumbar disc
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease or wear-and-tear of vertebrae and discs.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Muscle spasms or inflammation affecting the lumbar or pelvic muscles.
• Rare disorders like blood clots or tumours in the lower spine.

Diagnosis

It’s essential to consult a pain specialist if you have pain that radiates down the legs, numbness, tingling, or weakness that does not get better. At Join Pain Clinic, our experts can evaluate your condition and identify the exact cause.

We offer the following diagnostic services:

• A detailed evaluation by a specialist pain physician.
• A complete review of your medical history, with an emphasis on sciatica.
• Full spine and neurological assessments.
• X-rays or MRI scans done by skilled consultant radiologists.
• Trusted insights to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment

Seeking medical care promptly is important if you experience symptoms of sciatica. Early detection of the root cause ensures that the right treatment begins sooner.

Our treatment options include the following:

• Advanced analgesic medications such as anti-inflammatory and antineuropathic agents.
• Lumbar epidural injections
• Caudal epidural injections
• Nerve root injections
• Nerve root pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) therapy
• Dorsal root ganglion blocks
• Dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) therapy
• Specialized orthopaedic therapy that incorporates everyday exercise programs and core stability exercises.
• Surgical intervention is recommended when; Herniated disc triggers chronic sciatic pain that is unresponsive to other conservative treatments.
• Herniated disc damages the nerve
• The bladder and bowel nerves are damaged (Cauda Equina Syndrome)
• The pain is intolerable

Prevention

You can minimize your risk of sciatica by following these key tips:

• Always maintaining the right posture
• Not sitting or standing for long. It’s advisable to frequently change positions.
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly to improve overall fitness and health
• Strengthening core muscles
• Practising safe lifting techniques by not bending your back but knees