What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica, generally affects only one side of your body.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or compressed, usually by a herniated disk or bulge in your spine or by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae. More rarely, the nerve can be compressed by a tumor or damaged by a disease such as diabetes.
Types of Sciatica:
Sciatica can present differently depending on the nerve roots affected and the underlying cause. At our Mumbai Clinic, we carefully identify the type to ensure precise treatment. The main types include:
- Acute Sciatica – Sudden onset, often triggered by injury, heavy lifting, or a slipped disc. Pain may last a few weeks but can be intense.
- Chronic Sciatica – Pain persists for more than 8 weeks and may be linked to degenerative spinal conditions.
- Alternating Sciatica – Pain shifts from one leg to the other, often caused by issues in the sacroiliac joint.
- Bilateral Sciatica – Pain affects both legs, usually due to severe disc herniation or spinal stenosis.
- Neurogenic Sciatica – Results from nerve root compression, leading to shooting pain, tingling, and muscle weakness.
- Referred Sciatica – Pain felt in the leg but originating from muscle or joint problems, not direct nerve compression.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed? What Tests Are Used?
Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective relief. At OrthoRenew’s Mumbai Clinic, our specialists follow a structured process:
1. Medical History & Symptom Assessment
- Detailed discussion about the pain onset, triggers, and lifestyle factors.
- Questions about previous injuries, posture habits, or chronic conditions.
2. Physical Examination
- Checking muscle strength, reflexes, and flexibility.
- Performing the Straight Leg Raise Test to pinpoint nerve irritation.
3. Diagnostic Tests
- X-ray - Detects bone changes, fractures, or bone spurs.
- MRI Scan - Provides detailed images of discs, nerves, and soft tissues.
- CT Scan with Myelogram - Highlights spinal cord and nerve compression.
- Electromyography (EMG) - Measures electrical activity in muscles to detect nerve damage
These tests help confirm whether sciatica is due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes, or other causes.
Signs and Symptoms of a Sciatica
The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Radiating Pain: Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh and into the leg and foot. This pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation.
- Numbness or Tingling: A "pins-and-needles" sensation or numbness in the leg or foot, often along the path of the sciatic nerve. Mayo Clinic News Network
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the affected leg or foot, which may cause difficulty in movement or a feeling of heaviness.
- Worsening Symptoms with Movement: Symptoms may intensify with certain movements, such as coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting.
Why does Scaitica Happen
A herniated disc in the lower spine can press on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation and pain.
Overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae can narrow the space where nerves pass, compressing the sciatic nerve.
Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress parts of the sciatic nerve, especially in older adults.
The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can irritate the sciatic nerve if it spasms or tightens.
Age-related changes in spinal discs can lead to nerve compression and sciatica.
Less common causes include tumors, abscesses, blood clots, or nerve disorders that affect the sciatic nerve.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from sciatica pain treatment varies depending on severity, cause, and how quickly treatment begins. Patients at OrthoRenew’s Mumbai Clinic can generally expect:
- Pain and inflammation start reducing with medication, physical therapy, and targeted exercises.
- Gentle stretching and heat therapy may be introduced.
- Improved mobility and reduced nerve irritation.
- Progressive strengthening exercises to support the spine.
- Posture correction to prevent further compression.
- Even after pain subsides, continuing your exercise routine is crucial.
- Lifestyle changes help maintain spinal health and avoid recurrence.
Note: Severe cases involving nerve damage may require surgical intervention, followed by physiotherapy.
How to Prevent Sciatica Flare-Ups
Preventing sciatica treatment without surgery involves maintaining good spinal health and protecting your lower back. Here are OrthoRenew top lifestyle recommendations:
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking.
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods. Stand, stretch, or walk every 30–45 minutes.
- Sleep on a supportive mattress to keep your spine aligned.
Exercises to Keep Sciatica Pain Away
- Pelvic Tilt - Strengthens core and lower back muscles.
- Knee-to-Chest Stretch - Relieves lower back tension.
- Cat-Cow Stretch - Improves spine flexibility.
- Hamstring Stretch - Reduces strain on the lower back.
(Always consult a physiotherapist before starting a new exercise routine.)
Posture Tips
- Sit with feet flat on the floor and knees at hip level.
- Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed when sitting or standing.
- When lifting objects, bend at your knees, not your waist.
- Use lumbar support cushions for prolonged sitting.
Note: Severe cases involving nerve damage may require surgical intervention, followed by physiotherapy.
Treat Sciatica without Surgery
Super Concentrated Platelets is a proven, minimally invasive treatment for disc bulges and other spinal disorders. It uses the body’s powerful natural healing mechanisms to repair and heal damaged tissues and reduce inflammation leading to reduced pain, providing a sure shot long-term relief without surgery.
How SCP Works for Sciatica:
Super Concentrated Platelets is derived from the patient’s blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets (rich in growth factors and healing proteins). When injected into the affected disc or surrounding tissues, SCP promotes:
- Cellular Regeneration
- Collagen Synthesis
- Reduction in Inflammation
- Pain Relief and Functional Recovery
SCP Process
- Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn
- Centrifugation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other components
- Injection: The SCP is then carefully injected into the affected disc or surrounding ligaments under imaging guidance (like fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to ensure precise placement
Benefits of SCP for Sciatica:
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive.
- Uses the patient’s own cells, reducing the risk of rejection or adverse reactions.
- Promotes long-term healing and tissue repair.
- Can reduce the need for opioids or long-term medication.
- Shorter and safer recovery time compared to surgery.