Sciatica Overview: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Learn about sciatica, a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Discover its symptoms, common causes, and effective treatment options to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Introduction
Sciatica is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. If you’ve ever experienced sharp, shooting pain running down your leg, you might have had sciatica. While it can be uncomfortable, understanding the condition can help you manage it better.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It usually affects only one side of the body.
The pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis. While sciatica can be painful, most cases improve with time and simple treatments.
Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon for the best advice
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
The most noticeable symptom is pain that travels from your lower back to your buttock and down the back of your leg. The pain can vary from mild to severe and may feel like:
- A sharp, burning sensation
- Electric shock-like pain
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg
Pain may worsen when sitting, coughing, or sneezing. Some people also experience difficulty moving their leg or foot.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. Common causes include:
1. Herniated Disc – A slipped or bulging disc in the spine presses on the nerve.
2. Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerves.
3. Piriformis Syndrome – The piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve.
4. Bone Spurs (Osteophytes) – Extra bone growth due to arthritis can compress the nerve.
5. Spondylolisthesis – A vertebra slips out of place, pinching the nerve.
Less common causes include tumors, infections, or injuries.
Who is at Risk?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing sciatica:
- Age (30-50 years) – Disc degeneration becomes more common.
- Obesity – Extra weight stresses the spine.
- Prolonged Sitting – A sedentary lifestyle weakens back muscles.
- Diabetes – Increases nerve damage risk.
- Occupational Risks – Jobs involving heavy lifting or twisting motions.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
A doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. They may check your reflexes, muscle strength, and flexibility. If needed, imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can help identify the exact cause.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Most cases improve within a few weeks with self-care. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and preventing future episodes.
1. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes
- Hot & Cold Therapy – Apply ice packs for the first 48 hours, then switch to heat.
- Gentle Stretching – Yoga or physical therapy can help ease nerve pressure.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or acetaminophen may reduce pain.
- Good Posture – Avoid slouching and use ergonomic chairs.
- Regular Movement – Avoid prolonged sitting; take short walks.
2. Medical Treatments
- Physical Therapy – Strengthens back and core muscles to support the spine.
- Prescription Medications – Muscle relaxants or stronger pain relievers if needed.
- Steroid Injections – Reduce inflammation around the nerve.
- Surgery – Rarely needed, but options like microdiscectomy may help if pain persists.
When to See a Doctor?
Most sciatica cases resolve on their own, but seek medical help if:
- Pain lasts more than a week.
- Pain is severe or worsening.
- You experience loss of bladder/bowel control (emergency).
- Weakness or numbness increases.
Preventing Sciatica
To reduce the risk of sciatica flare-ups:
- Exercise Regularly – Strengthen core and back muscles.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight – Less pressure on the spine.
- Lift Properly – Bend knees, not your back.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting – Take breaks and stretch.
Final Thoughts
Sciatica can be painful, but with the right care, most people recover fully. Simple lifestyle changes, stretches, and pain management techniques often help. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for personalized treatment.
Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon for the best advice
Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon for the best advice
Dr. M Sasidhar Reddy
Orthopaedician
10 Years • MS (ORTHO)
Nellore
Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Nellore
Dr Gandhi Niraj Bharat
Orthopaedician
10 Years • D. Ortho, DNB-Ortho,IGASS, Fellowship London
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(25+ Patients)
Dr. M N Amarnath
Orthopaedician
10 Years • MBBS,MS(Ortho, NIMS,Hyd) Fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery(Seoul, S.Korea) Fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Injury Fellowship in Joint Replacement Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hyderguda
Apollo Hospitals Hyderguda, Hyderguda
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Anil Pradeep Jadhav
Orthopaedician
23 Years • MBBS MS (Ortho)
Nashik
Apollo Hospitals Nashik, Nashik
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Bhanu Prakash Reddy Rachamallu
Orthopaedician
24 Years • MBBS , D'ORTHO, DNB (ORTHO), Mch (ORTHO), Fellow in ARTHROPLASTY
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(75+ Patients)
Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon for the best advice
Dr. M Sasidhar Reddy
Orthopaedician
10 Years • MS (ORTHO)
Nellore
Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Nellore
Dr Gandhi Niraj Bharat
Orthopaedician
10 Years • D. Ortho, DNB-Ortho,IGASS, Fellowship London
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(25+ Patients)
Dr. M N Amarnath
Orthopaedician
10 Years • MBBS,MS(Ortho, NIMS,Hyd) Fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery(Seoul, S.Korea) Fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Injury Fellowship in Joint Replacement Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hyderguda
Apollo Hospitals Hyderguda, Hyderguda
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Anil Pradeep Jadhav
Orthopaedician
23 Years • MBBS MS (Ortho)
Nashik
Apollo Hospitals Nashik, Nashik
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Bhanu Prakash Reddy Rachamallu
Orthopaedician
24 Years • MBBS , D'ORTHO, DNB (ORTHO), Mch (ORTHO), Fellow in ARTHROPLASTY
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(75+ Patients)
