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Suggest Treatment For Nerve Pain And Lower Leg Numbness While Having Disc Protrusion

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Posted on Thu, 24 Dec 2015
Twitter Thu, 24 Dec 2015 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 21 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : How long can the sciatic nerve be compressed by a lower disc, causing nerve pain and profound numbness in lower leg and foot, before it dies or is damaged beyond repair? MRI shows some disc protrusion.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It depends upon severity of compression.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It depends on severity of compression depending upon 1-2 days to 6 months to get permanent damage to nerve roots. But with average compression it takes nearly 6 weeks to be effect to be permanent. Furthermore I want to say that sciatic nerve is not compression by lower discs but disc compress nerve roots which constitutes sciatic nerve. As your MRI is showing some compression, so I think it is unlikely to permanently damage the nerve roots.

You can discuss with your doctor about it.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 3356 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Nerve Pain And Lower Leg Numbness While Having Disc Protrusion

Brief Answer: It depends upon severity of compression. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It depends on severity of compression depending upon 1-2 days to 6 months to get permanent damage to nerve roots. But with average compression it takes nearly 6 weeks to be effect to be permanent. Furthermore I want to say that sciatic nerve is not compression by lower discs but disc compress nerve roots which constitutes sciatic nerve. As your MRI is showing some compression, so I think it is unlikely to permanently damage the nerve roots. You can discuss with your doctor about it. Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you. Wishing you a good health. Take care.