Sciatica: All You Need to Know

Sciatica is a common medical condition. It occurs when the sciatic nerve which extends from the lower back down to the buttocks and leg, gets pinched. The medical term for sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy. It affects one side of the lower body.

Sometimes, in severe sciatica, the pain may radiate all the way down to the foot and toes. Sciatic pain can be debilitating and can get worse without proper treatment or spinal cord surgery. It may begin as an annoying twinge, but it has the potential to worsen.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Some of the symptoms of sciatica are:-

• Low back pain
• Radiating pain in the back of the leg
• Localized hip pain
• Burning or tingling down the back of the leg
• Difficulty in moving foot
• Numbness in foot
• Pain in one buttock
• Shooting pain when rising

Causes of Sciatica Pain

• Lumbar spinal stenosis(Narrowing of spinal canal)
• Degenerative disc disease (Damage to the discs between the vertebrae)
• Spondylolisthesis or slip disc
• Pregnancy
• Recurrent muscle spasms

Other Conditions That Can Cause Sciatica Include:-

• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels
• Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress

How Is It Diagnosed?

The orthopaedic specialist will conduct a physical examination to check the back muscle strength and to find out the exact location or source of the pain. Imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, X-Ray and EMG may also be done to get a detailed image of the bone and soft tissues to assess the damage and cause of the pain.

Treatment Plans

For mild sciatica, the doctor may suggest a course of medication, including anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants, pain killers, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Exercise) treatment, electrotherapy and physiotherapy.

If you have severe sciatica, you may be in for a longer treatment plan which includes bed rest, RICE treatment, electrotherapy and a rehabilitation program that is a lot more intensive.

The physical therapy for sciatica would include exercises to correct posture, strengthening of the muscles supporting the back and improving flexibility. Depending on the severity of the pain, the patient may be given steroid injections.

Spinal cord surgery may be offered only as the last option and only if the compressed nerve causes other problems like loss of bowel or bladder control or if there is no relief in pain in spite of different treatments. The surgeons will then remove the bone spur that is pressing on the pinched nerve.

Prevention of Sciatica

Some ways to prevent sciatica include:-

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining body weight
• Ascertaining good posture when sitting and standing
• Wearing comfortable footwear
• Bending knees when lifting heavy objects
• Avoiding overstretching when reaching for something

Kauvery Hospital offers comprehensive care for sciatica and other spinal conditions. With branches in Chennai, Trichy, Hosur, Salem, and Tirunelveli, the specialists are equipped to diagnose and treat sciatica using a range of medical and surgical interventions tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you require pain management, physical therapy, or spinal cord surgery, Kauvery Hospital provides state-of-the-art facilities and personalized care to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801