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Suggest Ways To Manage Sciatica Pain

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Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015
Question: What is the cause of sciatica and what can be done to relieve the pain ?
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Answered by Dr. Adrian Rawlinson (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sciatica

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for contacting us. Sciatica refers to 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. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.

Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk or a bone spur on the spine compresses part of the nerve. In your age group it is most likely associated with some wearing of the discs and vertebrae in your lumbar area. This is sometimes called degenerative disc disease - although the word 'disease' is not really correct. Its very common over the age 65. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with just conservative treatments in a few weeks. I would suggest you see your doctor for some pain medicine and maybe a referral to physical therapy.

I hope this helps. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dr Rawlinson
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Adrian Rawlinson

Sports Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 77 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Manage Sciatica Pain

Brief Answer: Sciatica Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for contacting us. Sciatica refers to 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. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk or a bone spur on the spine compresses part of the nerve. In your age group it is most likely associated with some wearing of the discs and vertebrae in your lumbar area. This is sometimes called degenerative disc disease - although the word 'disease' is not really correct. Its very common over the age 65. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg. Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with just conservative treatments in a few weeks. I would suggest you see your doctor for some pain medicine and maybe a referral to physical therapy. I hope this helps. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Dr Rawlinson