Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and Pain Relief Options

By Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Consultant – Pain Clinic.

If you’ve ever experienced sharp, shooting pain from your lower back down to your leg, you may have had sciatica. This condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly limit mobility. The good news is, with the right diagnosis and treatment, sciatica can be effectively managed.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a disease but a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine to the feet.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica pain can vary from mild to severe and may feel like:

• Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back to the leg
• Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or coughing

The discomfort usually affects one side of the body.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Several conditions can trigger sciatic nerve irritation, including:

• Herniated disc – A slipped or bulging disc presses on the nerve
• Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Spondylolisthesis – One vertebra slipping over another
• Trauma or injury to the spine or pelvis
• Prolonged sitting and poor posture

Diagnosis

A pain management doctor will assess:

• Medical history and symptoms
• Physical examination (checking reflexes, strength, and movement)
• Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans for confirmation

Treatment Options for Sciatica

1. Medications

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
• Muscle relaxants for spasms
• Nerve pain medications

2. Physiotherapy

• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Core stability training
• Posture correction techniques

3. Interventional Pain Procedures

• Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Nerve blocks to target the source of pain
• Radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief

4. Lifestyle Changes

• Regular physical activity
• Weight management to reduce spinal strain
• Ergonomic seating and safe lifting practices

When to See a Pain Specialist

Seek medical help if:

• Pain persists for more than a few weeks
• Pain is severe and disrupts sleep or daily activities
• You develop weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder/bowel control

The Bottom Line

Sciatica can be painful, but it is treatable with the right care. Early intervention prevents complications and restores quality of life.

At Moolchand, Dr. Neha Chaudhary provides advanced diagnostic and interventional treatments to help patients find lasting relief from sciatica.