902 Specialist Orthopaedic Education
Sciatica
Prolapsed intervertebral disc causing sciatica
Sciatica is a pain symptom radiating from the low back to the calf and foot. It is usually caused by prolapsed intervertebral disc most commonly occurred at 30-50 years old. At these age, our intervertebral discs, especially the lower lumbar, started to have tears of different extent, followed by dehydration and collapse. The may cause low back pain and it was reported that up to 80% of the population may have a least one episode of major low back pain during their working age. These tears cause pain but most of these are only transient. The pain may improve with time and the most important factor to improve the symptoms and prevent it from becoming chronic pain is to stay active, sometimes with the aid of appropriate pain medications and physiotherapy. In some of the individuals, the disc may protrude through the tear and cause compression on the lumbar nerve. This causes radiation pain down the leg, i.e. sciatica.
Physiotherapy
There are various modalities of physiotherapy help to relief pain and prevent prolonged bed rest which is found to be detrimental to functional recovery. More importantly, the physiotherapists help the patient to maintain proper posture and perform appropriate exercise to strengthening the back muscles. The strong muscles can help to maintain a correct position of the spine. Low-impact activities can increase overall fitness without straining the back.
Pharmacologic and surgical treatment
According to research and clinical experience, many patients can relieve their pain by maintaining regular and appropriate physical activities in several weeks. Six weeks of physiotherapy / pharmacologic treatments would be advised for general case. Orthopaedic doctors may employ nerve blockers for some serious cases. Generally, more then 80% of the patients would have their symptoms improved with these non-surgical treatments in a few weeks’ time. Surgical treatment is indicated for
- Cauda equina syndrome-the lumbar and sacral nerve roots are severely compressed by the propapsed intervertebral disc. Apart from lower limb pain, the patient also has pain and numbness in in the buttocks and peranal area and bowel and uninary incontinence or retention. This condition needs emergent surgical treatment.
- The disabling pain persist after 6 weeks of physiotherapy / pharmacologic treatments
- Progressively worsening neurological deficit.
Orthopaedic doctors will undergo proper diagnosis and evaluation before recommendation for surgery. The main purpose of the surgery is to reduce pressure on the nerves.
The information provided on this website are for educational purposes only. Please consult your physicians before considering treatment or for detailed medical advice.