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What Is Sciatica?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr P Muralidhara rao , Neurosurgeons
Sciatica is a painful condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine through the hips and down each leg.
It can lead to discomfort in the back, legs, and feet, which can affect mobility and daily life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
What are the Sciatica Symptoms and Warning Signs?
Sciatica symptoms vary from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Recognising early signs is essential for timely intervention and relief.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Severe Symptoms of Sciatica
What are the Different Types of Sciatica?
Sciatica does not have strictly classified "types," but it is often categorised based on cause or origin:
- True Sciatica: Caused by direct compression of the sciatic nerve, usually from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
- Sciatica-like Symptoms (Pseudo-Sciatica): Triggered by muscular conditions like piriformis syndrome, which mimic nerve pain.
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Sciatica?
Sciatica results from damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve or related structures.
Sciatica Causes
- A herniated disc pressing on nerve roots
- Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal.
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Piriformis syndrome causes nerve entrapment
- Spinal tumours or physical trauma
Sciatica Risk Factors
- Age (natural spine degeneration)
- Obesity (increased spinal pressure)
- Sedentary jobs or prolonged driving
- Diabetes (increased risk of nerve damage)
- Poor posture and smoking
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Get Second OpinionHow is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Proper diagnosis helps identify the root cause of Sciatica and determine the best treatment strategy.
Diagnostic Procedures of Sciatica
- X-rays to detect bone overgrowths
- MRI scans to view soft tissues, discs, and nerve roots
- CT myelogram to assess spinal canal narrowing
- Discography to examine disc conditions
- Electromyography (EMG) is used to test nerve and muscle function.
At Medicover Hospitals, our specialists utilise advanced imaging and nerve tests to provide precise evaluations and individualised treatment plans.
What are the Treatment Options for Sciatica?
The treatment of the condition is varied depending on severity and cause. At Medicover, we take an integrated approach and utilize medical, physical and surgical treatments.
Non-surgical Treatments
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy: Sciatica-specific stretches, core strengthening
- Spinal injections: Anti-inflammatory steroid injections to reduce swelling
- Alternative therapies: Yoga, massage, biofeedback
Surgical Options (if necessary)
- Surgery is considered for patients with severe, persistent pain, progressive weakness, or loss of function not responding to other treatments.
Medicover's expert team ensures timely interventions and guided recovery programs for the best patient outcomes.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if:
- Pain persists beyond a week or worsens
- You experience trauma-related symptoms.
- You lose bladder or bowel control.
- Severe numbness, weakness, or leg dysfunction occur.
- You develop unexplained weight loss or fever.
High-risk patients, including people with diabetes and older adults, should not delay medical evaluation.
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Consult Sciatica Doctors Today
What is the Recovery Process After Sciatica Treatment?
Recovery from Sciatica varies by treatment type and patient condition. Most improve within 4 to 6 weeks with conservative therapy.
Post-Treatment Care
- Follow-up visits for monitoring
- Gradual return to activity guided by physical therapists
- Core-strengthening and flexibility exercises
- A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
- Adequate hydration and Vitamin D intake
- Stress management through yoga or breathing exercises
Medicover's rehabilitation specialists support each stage of recovery with tailored wellness plans.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Sciatica?
While not all causes are avoidable, lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing or worsening Sciatica.
Prevention
- Maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, or lifting.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity by incorporating light movement.
- Stay physically active with low-impact activities (swimming, yoga)
- Keep a healthy weight to reduce spinal pressure.
- Quit smoking to improve spine health.
Complications if Untreated
- Chronic back and leg pain
- Permanent nerve damage
- Muscle weakness or foot drop
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
Do's and Don'ts
The primary cause of this discomfort is a herniated disc in the lower back, which most commonly happens in pregnant women or after childbirth. If you suffer from Sciatica, there are a few things you should and shouldn't do to avoid further injury and pain.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Exercise regularly | Sit for extended periods |
| Consider physical rehabilitation | Twist your spine |
| Strengthen your back muscles to prevent sciatica | Do activities that might strain your back |
| Avoid slouching | Lift heavy weights before warming up |
| Use heat or cold compress to relieve sciatica pain | Do high impact exercises |
Our Experience Treating Sciatica
At Medicover, we deliver expert, compassionate care for patients with Sciatica. Our dedicated team of neurologists, orthopedists, and physiotherapists creates personalised treatment plans using the latest diagnostics and therapies to help patients return to pain-free living.
