If you have ever experienced sciatica pain, know that you are not alone. The condition affects millions of people worldwide. A study shows that the annual incidence of sciatica pain is 1-5 per cent.
The good news is that most people can manage sciatica pain at home. However, in some cases, visiting WIINS Hospitals for specialised sciatica treatment in Kolhapur becomes necessary. This often makes people wonder what exactly happens during a hospital visit for sciatica. Here’s what you can expect:
What exactly is Sciatica Pain?
The sciatic nerve starts from your lower back and runs all the way through your hips to your lower legs. When this nerve becomes inflamed, irritated, or compressed, it can cause a shooting pain throughout your lower back and legs. The common causes include a slipped disc, which may press against the nerve, triggering the pain; an accident; trauma; or muscle spasms.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
A sciatica specialist in Kolhapur will ask about your symptoms, the area that hurts, and run physical and imaging tests if necessary. Initially, they may check your posture, flexibility, and nerve responses. Simple physical activities, such as lifting your legs, walking down the stairs, or standing up and sitting down, can help your doctor assess the nerve that’s damaged.
Imaging techniques, such as MRI, are used to obtain a clear picture of the muscles, nerves, and soft tissues. Sometimes, X-rays or CT scans may be needed.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
The first line of treatment for sciatica pain is pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications. Doctors may also prescribe muscle relaxants. Occasionally, if the pain is too severe, steroid injections can be used. These are injected into the space near the spinal nerve to offer quick relief by controlling inflammation. Another major part of your recovery is physiotherapy. These sessions help relieve pressure from your sciatic nerve.
Surgical Interventions
Most sciatica patients get better with pain-relief medication, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy. However, if the pain causes extreme discomfort and doesn’t respond to the above treatments, surgery may be needed to prevent permanent nerve damage.
It’s usually reserved for patients who’ve lost bladder and bowel control or have leg weakness because of sciatica. The specialist may perform a surgery (microdiscectomy) to remove the portion of the disc that’s been pressing on the affected nerve.
When Should You See a Doctor for Sciatica Pain?
If the pain persists despite medication, heat/cold therapy, and other home remedies, it’s best to see a professional to rule out other serious conditions. Here’s when you should visit an ER:
- Severe pain that makes walking, sitting, and standing painful
- You are unable to control your bladder and bowel movements
- Your thighs, buttocks, and intimate parts feel numb
- You experience leg weakness
- The pain is accompanied by fever and weight loss
Living with sciatica pain can be difficult, as the pain might make many simple tasks, such as standing up, sitting for longer periods, or even sleeping, uncomfortable. Fortunately, treatment for sciatica is often quite effective in managing inflammation and pain.
