Dr. Shashank Chandra | Orthopaedic & Spine Surgeon in Greater Noida & Delhi

Sciatica Treatment

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body that runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. It typically causes sharp, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the lower back to the legs.

Causes of Sciatica

✔ Herniated or slipped disc
✔ Degenerative disc disease
✔ Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
✔ Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
✔ Piriformis syndrome
✔ Trauma or injury to the spine

Symptoms

✔ Pain radiating from lower back to one or both legs
✔ Burning or shooting pain
✔ Numbness, tingling, or weakness in legs or feet
✔ Pain worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing

Treatment Options

1. Conservative/Non-Surgical Management

✔ Rest and activity modification
✔ Pain relief medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants)
✔ Physiotherapy and stretching exercises
✔ Heat and cold therapy
✔ Epidural steroid injections for severe inflammation

2. Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

✔ Endoscopic discectomy
✔ Microdiscectomy
✔ Laser-assisted spine surgery

3. Surgical Treatment (if conservative care fails)

✔ Laminectomy (removing part of the vertebra pressing on the nerve)
✔ Spinal fusion (for instability or recurrent disc problems)

Self-Care & Lifestyle Tips

✔ Maintain correct posture while sitting and standing
✔ Avoid prolonged sitting or heavy lifting
✔ Regular stretching and core strengthening exercises
✔ Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine

When to See a Doctor

✔ Severe or progressive leg weakness
✔ Loss of bladder or bowel control
✔ Sudden, unbearable pain that doesn’t improve

✅ With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most patients recover from Sciatica without major complications.