Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and Pain Relief Options

By Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Consultant – Pain Clinic, Moolchand
Published on October 2025 | New Delhi

Introduction

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

At Moolchand, our expert physicians specialize in identifying the underlying causes of pain and creating customized treatment plans that combine precision, compassion, and advanced medical technology.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a disease but a symptom resulting from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the hips and down to the feet. When this nerve is inflamed or compressed, it causes pain that radiates along its path, typically affecting one side of the body.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Common symptoms include:

·       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 intensity and pattern of pain can vary depending on the level of nerve involvement, but it typically 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 against the nerve.

·       Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the nerve.

·       Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another.

·       Trauma or injury: Accidents affecting the lower back or pelvis.

·       Poor posture or prolonged sitting: Increases spinal strain and nerve compression.

Diagnosis

A pain management specialist will assess the condition through:

·       Detailed medical history and symptom review

·       Physical examination focusing on reflexes, muscle strength, and flexibility

·       Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the underlying cause

Accurate diagnosis ensures that treatment is targeted, reducing recurrence and improving long-term outcomes.

Treatment Options for Sciatica

1. Medications

·       Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs

·       Muscle relaxants for spasm control

·       Nerve pain medications for persistent symptoms

2. Physiotherapy

·       Stretching and strengthening exercises

·       Core stability training to support the spine

·       Posture correction to prevent nerve compression

3. Interventional Pain Procedures

·       Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation

·       Nerve blocks to interrupt pain signals

·       Radiofrequency ablation for long-term relief

4. Lifestyle Modifications

·       Regular physical activity

·       Weight management to reduce spinal strain

·       Ergonomic furniture and safe lifting techniques

When to See a Pain Specialist

Seek medical help if:

·       Pain persists for more than a few weeks

·       Pain disrupts sleep or daily routine

·       You experience numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control

Delaying treatment can worsen symptoms and lead to long-term complications.

The Bottom Line

Sciatica can be painful and disabling, but with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, full recovery is achievable. Early intervention not only provides relief but also prevents chronic pain and nerve damage.

At Moolchand, Dr. Neha Chaudhary and her team provide advanced diagnostic and interventional pain management solutions, helping patients overcome sciatica and regain their mobility, comfort, and confidence.