Your MRI, explained in simple words
Send it on WhatsApp before your visit
Understanding the problem
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It starts from nerve roots in the lower back and runs through the buttock down to the foot.
When one of these nerve roots is pressed or irritated, pain shoots down the leg. The most common cause is a slip disc. Other causes include spinal stenosis, a slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis) and, rarely, infection or a growth.
Common causes
- Slip disc pressing a nerve root
- Spinal canal or foramen narrowing (stenosis)
- Slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis)
- Long sitting, heavy lifting and poor posture
- Pregnancy and weight gain
Symptoms
Signs of sciatica
- Sharp, burning or shooting pain from the buttock down the leg
- Pain worse on sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Tingling or pins and needles in the leg or foot
- Numbness or weakness in the leg
- Usually affects one leg
See a doctor urgently if
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the saddle area (between the legs)
- Weakness in both legs, or a sudden foot drop
Questions patients ask
Sciatica: your questions
Have a question about your own MRI? Send it on WhatsApp and the clinic will guide you.
How long does sciatica last?
Most sciatica improves within 4 to 8 weeks with proper treatment. Pain that lasts longer, or comes with weakness, needs a spine specialist.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Yes. Short, regular walks are usually good. Avoid long sitting, heavy lifting and bending forward until the pain settles.
Can sciatica be cured permanently?
Yes, in most patients. Treating the cause, then keeping the back strong with exercise, keeps it from coming back.
Which doctor should I see for sciatica?
A spine surgeon or spine specialist can find the exact cause on your MRI and offer every option, from medicines to nerve blocks to surgery.
Your surgeon
Dr. Nitish Agarwal, Consultant Spine Surgeon
MBBS, Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Spine Surgery · MMC Reg. No. 2013103163 · 15+ years, 5000+ spine surgeries
Treatments for this condition