Does everyone with sciatica need surgery?

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a very common problem. It is recognized by pain radiating from the lower back or buttocks to the limbs. It is commonly caused by a slipped disc.

A slipped disc might press on the nerve roots leading to pain along the distribution of the said nerve i.e. along the lower limb up to feet, tingling sensations or numbness. Sometimes, if severe, it can also cause weakness of the foot muscles (also called foot drop). It can also lead to problems in passing urine or stools.

What are the treatment options for Sciatica?

In most cases, the patient may experience only pain and tingling sensation and mild numbness. Such patients can be treated with medicines, bed rest and physiotherapy.

In severe cases, where the patient has excruciating pain, severe numbness or weakness of foot or difficulty in passing urine or stools, then an urgent surgery (to remove the disc that is pressing on the nerve) may be required.

In some patients, pain may persist for a prolonged period (say beyond 6 weeks) despite all types of medical treatment and physiotherapy. In such cases also surgery may be required.

Does everyone with sciatica need surgery?

In the majority of the patients with sciatica, adequate pain relief can be obtained with good medical treatment, bed rest and physiotherapy.

Surgery may be required in selected cases such as

1. excruciating pain

2. Foot drop or weakness of leg muscles

3. Numbness or Loss of sensation

4. Bowel disturbances (Constipation or Incontinence)

5. Bladder disturbances (incontinence, inabilitiy to pass urine etc)

Always consult your doctor for better care. This post is for educational purposes only.