Sciatica

Sciatica isn’t a disease itself—it’s a symptom caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body.

🔹 What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that starts in the lower back and travels down through the buttock, thigh, and leg, sometimes reaching the foot.

🔹 Common Causes

Lumbar Disc Herniation (slipped disc)

Spinal Stenosis

Spondylolisthesis

Muscle spasm (like piriformis syndrome)

Injury or trauma

🔹 Symptoms

Sharp, shooting pain from back to leg

Burning or electric sensation

Tingling or numbness in leg/foot

Weakness in the leg

Pain increases on sitting, bending, or coughing

🔹 Red Flag Signs (Need urgent consultation)

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Severe weakness in leg

Progressive numbness

🔹 Treatment & Management

1. Conservative (most patients improve without surgery):

Rest (short-term, avoid prolonged bed rest)

Pain relief medicines

Physiotherapy (core strengthening, stretching)

Hot/cold therapy

2. Exercises (very important):

Hamstring stretch

McKenzie extension exercises

Nerve gliding exercises

3. Advanced options (if severe):

Epidural steroid injections

Surgery (only if persistent pain or neurological deficit)

🔹 Quick Tips

Avoid prolonged sitting

Maintain proper posture

Use firm mattress

Regular exercise

Dr Kulwinder Singh

Orthopedic Surgeon

drhoneyshah@yahoo.co.in

+919872183573