Sciatica

Sciatica is leg pain caused by irritation, compression or inflammation of a part of the sciatic nerve; the largest nerve in the body. Pain is often first felt in the lower back and buttocks and radiates down the leg to the foot and ankle. In addition to your pain, you may experience numbness, weakness, pins and needles and tingling in the legs.

The main causes of sciatica include problems with the lower lumbar spine including disc prolapse and spinal stenosis. However, there are also a number of rarer forms of sciatica including piriformis syndrome and ischiogluteal bursitis.

Diagnosis for sciatica

If you are suffering with pain radiating down your legs or tingling, numbness or weakness that is not improving, you should see a pain specialist. At the London Pain Clinic, our pain specialists can assess your leg pain and find the exact underlying cause. We can offer you:

  • A full assessment with a specialist pain doctor
  • A complete medical history focussing on your sciatica
  • A thorough spine and neurological examination
  • Any necessary MRI scans or X-Rays performed by our experienced consultant radiologists
  • Our trusted Second Opinion Service.

Treatment for sciatica

It is important that people experiencing symptoms of sciatica seek medical attention. The sooner the underlying cause is identified, the sooner the correct treatment can begin. At the London Pain Clinic we offer:

  • A full explanation of sciatica
  • An effective and personalised treatment plan
  • The latest analgesic medication including anti-inflammatory and antineuropathic agents
  • Lumbar epidural injections
  • Caudal epidural injections
  • Nerve root injections
  • Nerve root pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment
  • Dorsal root ganglion blocks
  • Dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment
  • Specialist orthopaedic therapy including daily exercise programmes and core stability work
  • Surgical consultation arranged if necessary.

Diagnosing the underlying cause of your pain is essential to start you on the right treatment plan. Visit an expert pain specialist at the London Pain Clinic by calling us 020 7118 0250, or email the London Pain Clinic.