Where to go for sciatica treatment

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on March 19, 2025

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The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human lower limb. If symptoms of sciatic nerve pain occur, it is first necessary to determine the cause of this pain. Sometimes, the pain is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc, leading to a ruptured nucleus pulposus protruding from the annulus fibrosus, which compresses the nerve root canal, causing this nerve pain. In such cases, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic or spinal surgery department. If there is no degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral discs or the condition of spinal stenosis, and only this pain occurs, it is advisable to visit a pain management department.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

1min 1sec

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What is the fastest way to treat sciatica?

When pain occurs in the sciatic nerve, the first thing we need to consider is whether it is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Accompanied by the rupture of the fibrous ring, it protrudes and compresses the nerve root, causing pain and numbness in the lower limbs, and even limited mobility. Once sciatic nerve pain occurs, it is essential to identify the cause so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. If it is due to degeneration of the intervertebral disc, early stages can involve back exercises and appropriate medication to alleviate these symptoms. For example, sleeping on a firm bed, wearing a lumbar support during activities, minimizing sitting time, or avoiding bending over to pick things up. Additionally, you can perform exercises like the "bird flying" and the "plank bridge" for back muscle training to help reduce pain symptoms. If these do not alleviate the pain, pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

26sec

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Which department should I go to for sciatica?

When experiencing sciatic nerve pain, we first need to analyze the cause of such pain symptoms, such as a herniated disc compressing the nerve root leading to sciatica. In this case, we recommend visiting an orthopedic or spinal surgery department. If there is no disc herniation or nerve root compression, consideration should be given to whether the pain is caused by piriformis syndrome, in which case a visit to the pain management department is suggested.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

53sec

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How to relieve sciatic nerve pain

When experiencing sciatic nerve pain, it is important to first determine the cause. It may be due to a herniated disc compressing the nerve root, or it could be caused by piriformis syndrome. If the pain is caused by a herniated disc and it is the patient's first occurrence, a CT scan can be done. If the herniation is mild, conservative treatment may be chosen, such as wearing a lumbar support and performing some traction. Patients can also actively exercise their back muscles to alleviate the sciatic nerve pain. Additionally, it is recommended to sleep on a firm bed and spend more time lying down than sitting. If the herniation is severe, has been prolonged, or it recurs frequently, it is advised to seek professional treatment in orthopedics. If the pain is due to piriformis syndrome, a visit to a pain management clinic is suggested for symptomatic relief and pain alleviation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 24sec

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to severe pain caused by various reasons that result in the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve. The typical pain of sciatica radiates from the lower back to the buttock or the back of the thigh and the lateral side of the leg down to the foot. The pain can intensify during coughing or increased abdominal pressure. Additionally, this condition is often accompanied by dullness or numbness, and in a minority of cases, it can cause bilateral sciatica. Generally, there are three main causes of sciatica: The first is chemical irritation, mainly when the disc tissue comes into contact with the sciatic nerve, releasing chemical substances that stimulate and trigger an autoimmune response, resulting in neuritis. The second cause is mechanical compression, primarily from protuberance and nucleus pulposus compression or traction on the already inflamed nerve root, leading to obstructed blood flow and worsening edema. The third cause follows chemical stimulation and mechanical compression, leading to ischemic symptoms in the injured nerve, which then results in pain. Therefore, sciatica typically has primary and secondary causes. The primary cause is sciatic neuritis, while secondary causes are usually associated with lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar tumors, and piriformis outlet syndrome.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 8sec

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Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica: First, sciatica often occurs in the lumbar 4 and lumbar 5, or between lumbar 5 and sacral 1 disc herniation. Second, the primary symptom of sciatica is pain, which typically originates in the lower back and can radiate to the buttock, posterior thigh, the lateral side of the calf, and the lateral edge of the foot sole. Pain usually has a triggering factor, such as coughing, sneezing, defecation, etc., basically any activity that increases abdominal pressure can cause radiating pain of the sciatic nerve. Third, the area innervated by the sciatic nerve may become hypersensitive, with some people feeling pain, others feeling heat, and still others feeling cold, until the later stages where it generally becomes numbness and dullness. Fourth, there are limitations in movement of the lower back or limbs, with many patients reporting a feeling as if there’s a shortened tendon at the back of the thigh, restricting movement. These are the primary symptoms of sciatica.