Best Orthopedic Hospital in Nagpur

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.
The pain usually starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh and leg.

Common Symptoms

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in one leg

• Low back pain with leg pain

• Tingling or “pins and needles”

• Numbness in the leg or foot

• Weakness in the leg

• Pain increases while:

  • Sitting long periods

  • Coughing/sneezing

  • Bending forward

Common Causes

1. Lumbar Disc Herniation (most common)

A slipped disc presses on a nerve root.

2. Spinal Canal Narrowing (Lumbar Stenosis)

Common in older adults.

3. Piriformis Syndrome

Tight buttock muscle compresses the sciatic nerve.

4. Spondylolisthesis

One vertebra slips over another.

5. Trauma or Tumor (less common)

Commonly Affected Nerve Roots

• L4

• L5

• S1 (most common)

Typical Patterns

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination

• Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test

• Neurological examination

• Reflex testing

Imaging

• X-ray (alignment)

• MRI lumbar spine (best investigation)

• CT scan if MRI not possible

Treatment

Conservative Treatment (most improve within 6–12 weeks)

• Rest for short duration

• Avoid heavy lifting

• Physiotherapy

• Core strengthening

• Stretching exercises

• Hot fomentation

• Anti-inflammatory medicines

Helpful Exercises

• McKenzie extension exercises

• Hamstring stretching

• Piriformis stretching

• Core strengthening

Red Flag Symptoms — Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Severe weakness in leg

• Saddle anesthesia

• Fever with back pain

• History of cancer or trauma

• Progressive neurological deficit

When Surgery May Be Needed

• Persistent severe pain despite treatment

• Progressive weakness

• Cauda equina syndrome

• Large disc prolapse compressing nerve

Common Surgeries

• Microdiscectomy

• Endoscopic discectomy

• Laminectomy