Sciatica usually refers to the pain experienced by people which radiated from back to their foot. It usually occurs due to the inflammation of either the nerve roots forming the sciatic nerve, or the sciatic nerve itself. Most commonly it is associated with Spine problem affecting L4,L5,S1 nerve root.
Sciatic nerve is a big nerve of our leg which is formed in the lower back of our spine by the confluence of L4,L5,S1,S2,S3, nerve roots. Most common location for the compression of this nerve roots at the spine level where they exit from the spinal cord.
Sciatica is most commonly cause by the prolapsed intervertebral Disc of Spine at Lumbar Level.
Our Spine is not a single bone but formed with 32 vertebrae starting from base of your skull till your tailbone. In between two vertebrae lie Intervertebral Discs,a gel like material, which provide flexibility and mobility of our spine. Lower back which is the most mobile segment, makes it more vulnerable to injury. Injury of disc, cause this gels to prolapsed out of its confinement in its most weaker portion causing compression of the nerve root and sciatica like pain.
Depending upon the severity of prolapsed disc, treatment can range from Conservative management to surgical management.
Sciatica caused by Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc usually resolve in upto 90% of patient on its own and doesn’t require surgery. But the decision regarding non-surgical management should be taken after consultation with a Spine Specialist.
It varies person to person depending upon patients’ symptoms. It includes treatment option ranging from Rest to Nerve root block to relieve pain.
It varies person to person depending upon patients’ symptoms. It includes treatment option ranging from Rest to Nerve root block to relieve pain.
It is one of the safest surgeries in Spine Surgery called as Discectomy. It involves removing the prolapsed part of disc and releasing the nerve root free. Patient usually walks same day and go home next day.
Depending upon the expertise of surgeon, discectomy can be done with Open method where a large cut is taken, Micro discectomy where a small incision is taken, Tubular Micro Discectomy when tubes, less than 2cm are used, Endoscopic discectomy where a camera is used and can be done with scar less than 1 cm.