Our spine consists of the vertebral column through which spinal cord runs. From the spinal cord various nerves comes out and supply sensations to the peripheral parts of the body. Sciatic nerve is large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg. Up to 90% of people recover from sciatica without surgery. In brief, Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve.

Symptoms of Sciatica are - Lower back pain, many a times pain extends through the hip and buttock and down the leg, usually on one side,Pain increases when you sit, cough, or sneeze, The leg may also feel numb, weak, or tingly at times.

The good news is that pain subsides in 95% of cases with conservative treatments and pain management procedures.

What causes Sciatica?

Herniated Disc –

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc (also called as slipped disc). Discs act like cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. It acts as a shock absorber. Aging makes these discs weaker. They are easy to get damaged by minor injuries. Herniated disc means the central gel leaks out and compress the sciatic nerve. About 1 in 50 people will get a herniated disc at some point in life.

Spinal Stenosis –

Aging, minor repeated injuries over time causes natural wear and tear of the disc and spinal joints can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing, called spinal stenosis may put pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis is more common in adults over age 60.

Spinal Tumors –

In rare cases, sciatica may result from tumors growing inside or along the spinal cord or sciatic nerve. As a tumor grows, it may put pressure on the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord.

Piriformis Syndrome –

The piriformis is a muscle found deep inside the buttocks Sciatic nerve runs between 2 heads of the muscle belly. If this muscle goes into spasm, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, triggering symptoms of sciatica. Usually women suffer more from this syndrome. Keeping a fat wallet in the back pocket may also cause piriformis syndrome (FAT WALLET SYNDROME)

Injury or Infection –

Other causes of sciatica include muscle inflammation, infection, or injury, such as a fracture. In general, any condition that irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve can trigger symptoms. In some cases, no specific cause of sciatica can be found.

Diagnosis of sciatica

We combine Examination, Imaging  (X-ray, MRI, CT Scan etc) to diagnose sciatica.

Treatment -

Ice and Heat.

Medication.

Commonly used medications (Over-the-counter pain relievers ) can provide short-term relief from sciatica. Acetaminolihen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are options. Muscle relaxants and other adjuvant medications are also useful.

Physiotherapy.

Pain Management injection –

At pain clinic Of India various pain management injections are performed to relieve sciatica pain. Image guided Lumbar epidural injection is very popular and effective in treating sciatica pain. It can resolve symptoms in few hours to days and many times 2-3 injections can cure the condition. It is very effective slip disc treatment option to avoid surgery in most cases. 

Surgery .

If your sciatica is due to a herniated disc, and it's still causing severe pain after four to six weeks, if pain management injection is not helping, surgery may be an option.

At pain clinic of India we do offer various minimally invasive discectomy procedures for sciatica pain. We offer Stitch less minimally invasive endoscopic discectomy (stitch less) under local anaesthesia. This is a day care treatment, avoids many major complications of major open spine surgery.

Rehabilitation therapy.