Sensations of pain, tingling, and numbness along the course of the sciatic nerve is often referred to as sciatica. Sciatica most commonly starts as a pain in the lower back and radiates down the hips and buttocks and may be present in one or both legs. This pain often increases with activities such as standing and walking and may cause discomfort with daily activities like sitting and sleeping.

If you are experiencing leg pain and/or lower back pain, a thorough neurological evaluation may be helpful. Polaris Neurosciences Hospital Agra has specialists who can help identify your condition and offer a course of treatment.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain resulting from irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve. As the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve starts in the lower portion of the spinal cord and divides the thigh and leg.

Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying spinal or nerve condition. The pain can range from discomfort to severe pain that affects day to day activities.

What Causes Sciatica?

There are a variety of conditions that put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some of the more common conditions include:

Herniated Discs: A disc that has bulged or slipped can compress nearby nerve roots.

Spinal Stenosis: The spinal canal narrows putting pressure on the spinal nerves.

Degenerative Disc Disease: The natural process of aging may affect the spinal discs and put pressure on nearby nerves.

Spondylolisthesis: One vertebrae slips over the other and puts pressure on the nearby nerves.

Pyriformis Syndrome: This syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle becomes tight and/or inflamed. When this happens, sciatic-like symptoms can occur.

Symptoms Of Sciatica You Should Not Ignore:

Some common symptoms include:

Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and/or hips

Leg pain (sharp or burning)

Muscle weakness in the leg

Pins and needles or numbness in the leg

Increased pain when you cough or sneeze

Pain when sitting

Severe symptoms should be evaluated by a spine specialist or a neurosurgeon.

How Is Sciatica Diagnosed:

In order to identify the cause of your sciatica pain, your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to check your muscle strength and your reflexes. Other tests, including MRI or CT scans, may be ordered if your doctor suspects you have disc herniation, or another condition that is causing your sciatica pain.

X-rays may also be ordered to assess your spinal alignment.

Treatment for Sciatica in Agra:

Sciatica pain may be resolved with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and/or modifications in your daily activities and movements. Other therapies, including physiotherapy and/or exercises to help strengthen supporting muscles, may also be helpful.

4. Advanced Spine Treatment: When symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative treatment, a specialist may evaluate the need for surgery.

At Polaris Neurosciences Hospital Agra, patients can get a professional evaluation for conditions related to the brain, spine and other nervous system disorders and get treated for the same.

Tips for Sciatica Recovery

There are some healthy habits that may help recovery and are also helpful to prevent sciatica. They include:

Maintain proper standing and sitting posture

Avoid heavy lifting and incorrect lifting

Take breaks if you’ve been sitting for a long time

Follow your physical therapist’s recommended exercises and other activity restrictions

Maintain healthy body weight

Do not take any medicines without consulting with a doctor

When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?

It is recommended to see a doctor for leg pain, numbness or weakness that lasts for a long time. Other problems including loss of bladder and bowel control, numbness in the groin area or saddle area, or rapid leg weakness may require immediate medical attention.

Get Sciatica Treatment at Polaris Neurosciences Hospital Agra

Sciatica can affect your quality of life and day to day activities. The right treatment can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you are looking for sciatica treatment in Agra, Polaris Neurosciences Hospital Agra can evaluate spine and nervous system symptoms to help you get the right treatment.