Although pain from sciatica can be disabling and severe, there are a number of positive solutions. Our world-class Pain Doctors are renowned for providing both contemporary and the latest cutting-edge solutions which have been shown to negate and ameliorate the pain generated by sciatica. This is excellent news for both those who are regularly experiencing pain, and those whose pain is irritating and infrequent. In the case of the latter, it is important to note that the sciatica pain has the potential to become worse, so to that end, getting it sorted out right from the get-go, is the best course of action.

An Overview of Sciatica

 Sciatica is a very common issue which involves pain radiating out from the lower back along the sciatic nerve. Here at the London Pain Clinic, our primary goal is to help you relieve your sciatica without having to resort to surgery (although in a small percentage of cases, this may be necessary).  Sciatica is classed as a form of lumbar radiculopathy: that is to say that the pain originates from the lumbar and/or sacral nerve roots. When one considers that the sciatic nerve provides (a): motor (movement) and sensory (sensation) function below the knee; and (b): motor function to the hamstring muscles above the knee, it is easy to realise why patients who are suffering from this condition, should be professionally evaluated and cared for by an experienced Pain Specialist.

Your Pain Specialist will tailor a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan (which may include multiple types of treatment and therapies) to help you get your life back on track as soon as possible. Regular follow-ups (be they online or in-person), will form part of the protocol, and as a London Pain Clinic patient, you can be safe in the knowledge that all our Pain Consultants are ready to answer any concerns or questions that you may have regarding your Sciatica treatment and progress. All our team are sensitive to patients’ suffering, and our Pain Doctors explain everything in easy to understand laymen’s terms.

 

Why Do Some People Develop Sciatica?

The reason for developing sciatica differs from patient to patient; however, this condition is commonly down to the wear and tear caused by ageing; or injury. Of note, particular conditions can exacerbate the pain. During your initial consultation, your Pain Doctor will discuss you individual case after they have read your medical notes; asked you a number of pertinent questions (including details about your lifestyle, and the type of symptoms you are experiencing), conducted an examination (which includes checking your reflexes), and seen the results of any necessary tests, X-rays and scans.

 

Sciatica Risk Factors & Causes

Because sciatica derives from irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine, in the majority of cases, a herniated disk is responsible for the majority of patients’ sciatic pain. However, there are a number of recognised causes of sciatica commonly treated by Pain Specialists. These comprise:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal which compresses the nerves that travel through the lower back into the legs)
• Degenerative disk disease (a syndrome in which age-related wear and tear (breakdown) of the spinal discs which act as cushions between the vertebrae, causes lower back pain)
• Spondylolisthesis (a disorder in which one of the vertebra slips forward over another vertrbrae)
• Muscle spasm in the bottom or back

 

Aspects which can make you vulnerable to sciatica, include:

• Ageing (which can generate changes in the spine, such as the development of herniated discs or bone spurs)
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Having a larger than standard body size
• Diabetes
• Having weak core muscles (namely your back, abdominal and gluteal (buttock) muscles)
• Continually wearing high heels
• Using a mattress which is either too soft or too hard
• Being a smoker
• Driving or sitting for extended periods of time
• Having a job which involves carrying heavy loads and/or twisting your back

 

Note: endometriosis (a long-term inflammatory female condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other regions such as the fallopian tubes and the ovaries), can generate sciatic nerve pain or sciatica-like symptoms that come and go when during menses. If this condition applies to you, then you can book an appointment with one of our Pain Specialists who regularly sees patients with this difficult issue.

Sciatica Symptoms to Look Out For

 The most important aspect to be mindful of, is that whilst everyone’s pain experience is different, sciatica begins in the lower back, and shoots down one leg, (and in some instances, extends all the way into the foot). Moreover, this condition typically impacts your back, your bottom, one of your legs, or your foot. Symptoms can be continual or intermittent.

If you experience any of the following sciatica symptoms, then make a note of them in a daily ‘Pain Diary’ (which should be divided into 24 hourly slots). This should include how long the symptoms went on for, and what you were doing at the time they came on, and dissipated. This way you can show them to your Pain Doctor both on your first consultation, and on your follow-up appointments.

• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the leg or bottom that feels worse when you are sitting down
• Pain in the hip
• A sensation of tingling or burning down the leg
• Numbness, weakness, or experiencing difficulty when moving the foot or leg
• A shooting or continual pain on one side of the hip, leg, or bottom
• Finding it difficult to stand up or walk without any effort
• Not being able to remain seated for extended periods of time

 

Note: sciatica symptoms are linked to the location of a patient’s sciatic nerve pain

 

Sciatica Treatments we Offer

 We offer a broad range of proven treatments. These include:

• The latest pharmaceutical options comprising:
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Opioid analgesics
• Topical medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-seizure medications, and
• Antidepressants
• Steroid injections
• Spinal injections
• Nerve root blocks
• Physical therapy

 

When to Seek Urgent Help From One of Our Pain Doctors

Contact us to arrange for an urgent online or in-person appointment with a Pain Consultant if you are suffering from any of the following:

• Fever and back pain
• Redness or swelling in your spine or back
• Pain that travels down your legs
• Weakness or numbness in your bottom, pelvis, legs, or upper thighs
• Burning when you pass urine
• Blood in your urine
• Severe pain
• Loss of bowel or bladder control (not being able to get to the toilet in time)