At our spine program with Dr Dheeraj Batheja at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, patients receive structured and evidence-based care for sciatica through an integrated approach involving spine surgery, pain management, and advanced rehabilitation services.
Early evaluation by an experienced spine specialist is critical. Prompt intervention helps control radiating leg pain, numbness, and weakness before nerve compression worsens.
Treatment always begins with conservative care such as:
- Structured physiotherapy
- Individualized rehabilitation protocols
- Targeted pain management
- Lifestyle and posture correction strategies
Supportive therapies like lumbar bracing, hot/cold applications, and ergonomic adjustments further assist recovery.
When conservative measures are insufficient and imaging confirms nerve compression, advanced minimally invasive surgical options are considered, including:
- Endoscopic discectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Decompression (laminectomy)
- Minimally invasive spinal stabilization (if required)
What Exactly Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not just back pain. It is nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the human body.
The pain typically starts in the lower back and travels through:
Buttock
Back of the thigh
Calf
Sometimes into the foot
Although symptoms are felt in the leg, the actual source of the problem is usually in the lumbar spine.
How Patients Describe Sciatica Pain
• Electric shock–like sensation shooting down one leg
• Burning or stabbing pain
• Pain affecting only one side of the body
• Pain worsening while sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation
• Leg or foot weakness
If untreated, prolonged nerve compression may lead to worsening neurological deficits.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
- Radiating pain from lower back to leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Pain aggravated by sitting or movement
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Causes and Risk Factors
Sciatica usually develops due to structural spine problems such as:
- Herniated (slipped) disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Piriformis syndrome
- Trauma
- Obesity
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting
How Sciatica Is Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the correct treatment plan.
1. Clinical Examination
A detailed history and physical examination help identify nerve root involvement.
Tests include:
- Straight leg raise test
- Reflex and motor strength testing
- Sensory assessment
- Gait evaluation
2. Imaging
- X-rays detect bone alignment and arthritis
- MRI identifies disc prolapse, stenosis, or nerve compression
- CT scan is used when MRI is contraindicated
3. Nerve Studies (If Required)
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies assess the severity of nerve damage when symptoms are unclear.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In most cases, sciatica improves without surgery.
Pain Management
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Neuropathic pain medications
- Epidural steroid injections in selected cases
Physiotherapy-Based Rehabilitation
Customized protocols focus on:
- Core strengthening
- Hamstring flexibility
- Nerve mobilization exercises
- Postural correction
Lifestyle Correction
- Ergonomic workplace adjustments
- Weight management
- Avoiding prolonged sitting
- Learning safe lifting techniques
Minimally Invasive Interventional Options
For persistent leg pain, targeted procedures can reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.
Epidural Steroid Injection
A fluoroscopy-guided injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space to reduce nerve root swelling and relieve pain.
Selective Nerve Root Block
Medication is injected directly around the irritated nerve root.
This serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Most patients experience meaningful pain relief for several months, enabling them to participate effectively in rehabilitation.
Red Flag Symptoms – Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Certain symptoms require immediate evaluation:
1. Cauda Equina Syndrome (Emergency)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in saddle area
- Severe weakness in both legs
2. Progressive Weakness
- Foot drop
- Increasing leg weakness
3. Signs of Infection
- Fever with back pain
- History of recent infection
4. Suspicion of Tumor
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night pain
- History of cancer
5. Trauma or Osteoporosis
- Recent fall
- Long-term steroid use
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is considered when:
- Severe leg pain persists beyond 6 weeks despite treatment
- Progressive neurological weakness develops
- Cauda equina symptoms are present
Surgical Treatment Options
Modern spine surgery focuses on minimal tissue disruption and faster recovery.
Endoscopic Discectomy
Performed through a small 7–8 mm incision using a high-definition camera.
Only the herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve is removed, preserving surrounding tissues.
Microdiscectomy
A small incision is made and specialized instruments remove the offending disc fragment, relieving nerve pressure. Most patients walk the same day.
Laminectomy (Decompression Surgery)
Part of the bone or thickened ligament causing spinal canal narrowing is removed to relieve pressure on multiple nerve roots.
Success rates for relieving leg pain exceed 90% in properly selected patients.
Why Choose Our Spine Program in Gurugram?
At Artemis Hospitals, spine care integrates:
- Advanced MRI diagnostics
- Minimally invasive spine techniques
- Endoscopic spine surgery
- Multidisciplinary pain management
- Structured rehabilitation protocols
Our goal is not only pain relief but long-term spinal stability and prevention of recurrence.
FAQs
What is the most effective treatment for sciatica?
A combination of physiotherapy, medication, and lifestyle correction is successful in most patients.
Which vitamin deficiency can worsen nerve pain?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to nerve-related symptoms.
Is sciatica neurological or orthopedic?
It is both — involving spinal structure and nerve function.
When should surgery be considered?
If pain persists beyond 6 weeks or neurological weakness progresses.
Best sleeping position for sciatica?
Side sleeping with a pillow between the knees helps maintain spinal alignment.
