Sciatica

Sciatica Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that affects the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve extends from your lower back to your hips and down to each leg. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica makes pain radiate from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttocks and the back of your leg. You may have pain anywhere along the nerve path.

In general, the pain might range from a moderate, lingering sensation to extreme agony. It may feel like a prickling sensation or even an electric shock at times.

It can worsen if you sneeze or cough and sitting for an extended period of time may aggravate symptoms. Most of the time, just one side of the body is affected. 

Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot are other symptoms. You could feel pain in one part of your leg and loss of sensation in the other.

To seek treatment, you can consult a pain management doctor near you or visit a pain management hospital near you.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica develops when the sciatic nerve is compressed, most commonly by a herniated disk on your spine or an overgrowth of (bone prod) on your vertebrae. More rarely, the nerve might be compressed by a tumor or damaged by an illness such as diabetes.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you feel sudden, severe pain in your low back or leg, as well as deadness or muscular weakness in your leg, consult a doctor immediately.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the risk factors associated with sciatica?

Age: The most common causes of sciatica are age-related alterations in the spine, such as herniated circles and bone spikes.

Weight: Excessive body weight might contribute to spinal abnormalities that cause sciatica by increasing the weight on your spine.

Occupation: Working in jobs that require you to lift heavy goods may play a role in sciatica. 

Sedentary lifestyle: Individuals who lead a sedentary life are prone to sciatica.

What are the possible complications?

Although the majority of sciatica patients recover fully, it can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. If left untreated, sciatica could lead to:

• Loss of sensation in the affected leg
• Impairment in the affected leg
• Loss of bladder or bowel function

How can you prevent Sciatica?

To prevent sciatica:

• Exercise regularly.
• When you sit, maintain a good posture.
• Make good use of your body mechanics.

What treatment options are available for sciatica?

Medication: The following medicines may be prescribed for sciatica pain:
   -Anti-inflammatory medication
   -Relaxants for muscles
   -Antidepressants
   -Medications that prevent seizures

Wait for pain to subside: When the excruciating pain subsides, your primary care physician or a qualified expert can devise a treatment plan.

Infusion of steroids: Your doctor may recommend an infusion of a corticosteroid medication at times. Corticosteroids help relieve pain by preventing aggravation surrounding the irritated nerve.

Surgical procedure: This option is typically reserved for when the compressed nerve leads to significant weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Although the pain associated with sciatica might be excruciating, most cases are resolved with effective medications. Individuals with severe sciatica that is associated with bladder movement alterations may be candidates for surgery. An early visit to your doctor can prevent your case from turning severe.