Sciatica Pain Treatment in Singapore

Sciatica pain care by a specialist in Singapore.

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What Causes Sciatica?

Irritation or compression of the sciatica nerve can result from several conditions:

Slipped or Herniated Disc

A slipped or herniated disc in the spine protrudes and compresses the sciatic nerve. This may result in pain in the lower back and legs, which can range from mild to severe.

Additionally, it may cause numbness or weakness due to effects on the sensory and motor function of the sciatic nerve.

Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Symptoms include leg pain and discomfort, with severity ranging from mild to severe, much like a herniated disc. Numbness and weakness can also occur.

Piriformis Syndrome

Spasm of the piriformis muscle in the buttock can also irritate the sciatic nerve. This results in pain or numbness predominantly in the back of the legs, similar in intensity to that caused by a herniated disc.

Pelvic Injury or Fracture

Any trauma to the pelvic region may affect the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica symptoms akin to those from a herniated disc, including pain and numbness.

Tumours

When tumours develop in the spine or near the sciatic nerve, they may lead to sciatica-like symptoms such as pain and numbness. If there are other symptoms such as loss of weight and appetite, the tumour could be malignant or a metastasis from a primary tumour elsewhere. Early evaluation is important.

Spondylolisthesis

In this condition, a spinal bone slips out of place, compressing the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. The resulting pain and discomfort can be similar to that experienced with spinal stenosis or a herniated disc.

Age and Gender Factors

Men in the 30 to 50 age range are more likely to experience sciatica. The reasons for this age and gender-specific prevalence are not entirely clear but may be related to physical activities and lifestyle factors common in this demographic.

In some cases, despite thorough investigation, the exact cause of sciatica may remain elusive. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive evaluation by a pain medicine physician to determine an appropriate treatment strategy.

Symptoms, Impact, and Treatment Options

The symptoms of sciatica can vary, ranging from a mild ache to severe discomfort that intensifies with activities like walking or standing for long periods. It can significantly impact daily life, affecting mobility and comfort.

While the pain can be intense, most cases of sciatica may improve with time and non-surgical treatments. However, severe sciatica, causing significant weakness or changes in bowel or bladder function, may require surgical intervention.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica pain can manifest in various forms, from a mild tingling or dull ache to an intense burning sensation. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it limits mobility.

Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body; however, the pain pattern varies among individuals. Some may experience sharp pain in a specific part of the leg or hip, coupled with numbness in other areas. This pain or numbness often extends to the back of the calf or the sole of the foot.

The onset of sciatica pain can be gradual, but certain actions or times of the day can exacerbate it.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Sharp pain in the lower back, hips, or legs

• Numbness or tingling sensations in the affected leg

• Weakness in the affected leg

• Pain worsening with prolonged sitting or standing or walking

• Increased pain during specific movements like coughing, sneezing, or laughing

• Pain exacerbated by pressure on the spinal canal, like during bowel movements

What Treatments are Available for Sciatica?

Sciatica can be managed through various non-surgical and surgical options. Our pain specialist in Singapore provides personalised care plan to manage sciatica, helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Sciatica

• Limited Rest

• Short periods of rest can help reduce inflammation and allow the body to heal, but prolonged inactivity may worsen the condition.

• Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage sciatica symptoms and reduce inflammation.

• Physical Therapy

• Targeted exercises and stretches strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce sciatica pain over time.

Interventional Pain Treatments for Sciatica

• Epidural Steroid Injections

• Epidural steroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the sciatic nerve, easing pain and discomfort.

• Targeted Disc Decompression

• The disc decompression treatment aims to relieve pressure on the nerve root by gently decompressing the affected disc, offering relief from sciatica pain.

Surgical Treatments for Sciatica

• Microdiscectomy or Endoscopic Discectomy

• These minimally invasive surgeries remove the portion of a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, providing significant pain relief.

• Laminectomy

• In cases of spinal stenosis, a laminectomy removes part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve mobility.

How Can I Prevent Sciatica?

Adopting certain lifestyle changes and habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing sciatica, although prevention is not always possible:

• Regular Exercise
• Incorporating exercises that strengthen the back and core muscles is crucial. These exercises support the spine, reducing the likelihood of nerve compression.
• Good Posture and Stretching
• Maintaining proper posture, particularly during prolonged sitting, and regular stretching can help alleviate and distribute the pressure on the spine evenly.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight
• Excess weight can increase stress on the spine. Keeping a healthy weight helps in reducing this stress, potentially lowering the risk of sciatica.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices
• Ensuring sufficient sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking are essential for spine health. These factors collectively contribute to overall well-being and reduce the risk of spinal issues.
• Low-Impact Activities
• Engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, yoga, or tai chi can keep the spine flexible and strong without exerting excessive pressure.

When to See a Specialist for Sciatica Pain?

If you are experiencing sciatica pain, it is important to consult a pain medicine specialist in Singapore for an in-depth evaluation and personalised care. You should seek professional help if:

• Pain persists for more than a few days or worsens over time.
• Numbness, weakness, or difficulty controlling your leg is experienced.
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities or limits your mobility.
• Pain spreads to both legs or affects other parts of your body.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control may indicate a serious underlying condition.

What to Expect During Your Sciatica Treatment Appointment?

• In-depth Assessment:
• A comprehensive evaluation of your sciatica symptoms, pain pattern, and medical history to understand your condition.
• Treatment Options:
• Various treatment methods will be discussed, tailored to your individual needs for pain relief from sciatica.
• Ongoing Care and Adjustments:
• Since treatment response to the process varies from person to person, ongoing care and adjustments to your treatment plan may be made to ensure the best results.