Treatment of sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve)

Pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg is not always associated with ordinary fatigue or muscle overstrain. If unpleasant sensations recur or gradually intensify, it is important to consult a doctor to determine their cause and begin treatment in a timely manner.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, you can undergo the necessary examinations and receive a treatment plan in accordance with the established diagnosis. The doctor will help reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent a recurrent exacerbation.

Sciatic nerve inflammation is most often associated with irritation or compression of the nerve roots in the lumbosacral region of the spine. This condition may occur as a result of pathologies of the intervertebral discs, narrowing of the spinal canal, displacement of the vertebrae, or a back injury.

The main causes of ischialgia include:

• a hernia or protrusion of an intervertebral disc;
• age-related and degenerative changes in the spine, in particular osteochondrosis;
• spinal canal stenosis;
• spondylolisthesis — displacement of one vertebra relative to another;
• injuries to the lower back or pelvis;
• less commonly, neoplasms that press on nerve structures.

Hypothermia does not cause compression of the nerve root, but it may intensify muscle spasm and already existing pain. Therefore, a condition described as a chilled sciatic nerve requires examination: the symptoms may conceal a disc hernia or another pathology of the spine.

According to NHS, the most common cause of sciatica is a herniated intervertebral disc. It may compress or irritate the nerve root, causing the pain to spread from the lower back or buttock along the leg.

After hypothermia, pain and muscle tension may intensify. Therefore, many people think that the cause is a chilled sciatic nerve. In fact, cold more often only provokes an exacerbation of an already existing problem, while the source of pain may be a disc hernia, narrowing of the spinal canal, or another pathology.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend seeking medical help as soon as possible if pronounced weakness in the leg appears against the background of pain, sensitivity in the perineal area is impaired, or problems with controlling urination or bowel movements occur. Such symptoms require urgent treatment.

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a neurologist. The doctor clarifies where the pain occurs, in which direction it spreads, and what intensifies the unpleasant sensations. During the examination, sensitivity, muscle strength, reflexes, and leg mobility are assessed to identify signs of nerve root irritation and distinguish sciatica from other diseases, including radiculitis, diseases of the hip joint, and peripheral nerves.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:

• MRI — helps assess the condition of the intervertebral discs and nerve roots, detect a herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal, and other causes of compression of nerve structures;
• CT of the lumbar spine — is used for a detailed assessment of the vertebrae and other bone structures, particularly when traumatic or pronounced degenerative changes are suspected;
• electroneuromyography — is used to assess the conduction of nerve impulses and muscle function if it is necessary to determine the location and degree of sciatic nerve damage.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain: to determine whether the nerve root is compressed, the doctor assesses the direction of the pain, sensitivity, muscle strength, and reflexes. MRI or CT helps identify a herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal, or another cause of compression. The diagnosis is established only after comparing the results of the examination and diagnostic tests.

For prevention, it is recommended to:

• regularly perform exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles;
• stand up and stretch every 30–60 minutes during prolonged seated work;
• lift heavy objects by bending the legs at the knees and keeping the load closer to the body;
• not turn the torso sharply when holding a heavy object;
• increase the intensity of training gradually;
• consult a doctor if pain in the lower back or leg recurs.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend continuing the selected exercises after treatment rather than stopping them immediately after the pain disappears. This helps maintain mobility and reduce the risk of a recurrent exacerbation.

The cost of treatment depends on the cause of the pain, the required scope of diagnostics, and the selected methods of therapy. Current prices for doctor consultations can be viewed here or clarified with the administrators.

During the consultation, the specialist will conduct an examination, determine the further course of action, and explain which procedures or medications may be needed. If necessary, the specialist will also provide more precise guidance regarding the cost of the required medical services. To make an appointment, use the online appointment form on the website or call the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
• American College of Radiology
• US National Library of Medicine