Sciatica

What Is Sciatica?

Symptoms of Sciatica

• Pain radiating from back to leg: Pain extending to buttock, back of thigh, calf, and foot
• Burning or stabbing pain: Electric shock-like sensation
• Numbness and tingling: Sensory changes in leg and foot
• Muscle weakness: Difficulty lifting foot or toes
• Pain worsening with sitting: Intensifying with prolonged sitting
• Increased pain with coughing/sneezing: Pain intensifying with increased abdominal pressure

Causes of Sciatica

Herniated Disc (Most Common)

Disc material compressing the nerve root. L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are most commonly affected.

Spinal Stenosis

Nerve compression due to canal narrowing.

Piriformis Syndrome

Hip muscle compressing the sciatic nerve.

Spondylolisthesis

Nerve compression due to vertebral slippage.

Other Causes

• Trauma or injury
• Tumors
• Infections
• Pregnancy

Diagnosis

• Physical examination: Straight leg raise test (Lasègue), reflexes, motor strength
• MRI: Evaluation of herniation, stenosis, tumor
• EMG: Nerve damage degree and level
• X-ray: Bone pathologies

Treatment Approaches

Conservative Treatment

80-90% of sciatica improves without surgery:

• Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, neuropathic pain drugs
• Physical therapy: Stretching exercises, core strengthening
• Hot/cold application: Pain and muscle spasm control
• Epidural injection: Reducing pain and inflammation with steroids
• Manual therapy: Physical therapy and manipulation

Surgical Treatment

For cases unresponsive to 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment or with neurological deficits:

• Microdiscectomy: For herniation-related cases
• Endoscopic discectomy: Minimally invasive approach
• Decompression: For stenosis-related cases

Self-Care at Home

• Short-term bed rest (1-2 days)
• Ice application (first 48 hours)
• Light stretching exercises
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Use proper mattress and pillow

When to See a Doctor?

• Pain lasting longer than 1-2 weeks
• Leg weakness or foot drop
• Bladder or bowel control problems
• Accompanied by fever and weight loss
• Progressive pain

Why Choose Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk?

Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk accurately diagnoses the cause of sciatica and determines the most appropriate treatment method. He is experienced in all options from conservative treatment to surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sciatica go away on its own?

In mild cases, it may improve on its own within 4-6 weeks. However, identifying the underlying cause is important.

Is walking harmful with sciatica?

Light walking is generally beneficial. Activities that increase pain should be avoided.

Does sciatica recur?

It may recur if the underlying cause is not treated. Regular exercise and proper posture should be maintained.