Can sciatica be cured completely?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on December 26, 2024
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Sciatica is difficult to cure completely. If it is primary sciatica, which is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, there is a possibility of complete cure after medical treatment. However, secondary sciatica is generally difficult to completely cure because it is usually caused by spinal diseases, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or even spondylolisthesis. In such cases, even after solving the primary disease, some problems may persist, continuing to stimulate the sciatic nerve, making it difficult to cure completely. If the sciatica is caused by spinal tuberculosis or a spinal tumor, the situation is even more complicated. Even if the primary lesion is resolved, it cannot guarantee that it will not recur. Therefore, sciatica is difficult to cure completely.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How long does it take for sciatica to improve with rest?

Recovery of the sciatic nerve requires a long time, and also depends on the severity of the damage to broadly judge the prognosis. If it is merely a contusion, it may take one to three months for most symptoms to gradually improve, such as sensory abnormalities like numbness and soreness. If the sciatic nerve has been chronically compressed, resulting in nerve degeneration, or if it has sustained severe traumatic injury, recovery will typically require at least six months to a year, and the process will be slow. Furthermore, if a violent injury has caused a tear or rupture, surgical treatment is necessary, and the post-operative recovery remains a lengthy process, often leaving significant residual symptoms.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Sciatica belongs to which department?

Sciatica mostly falls under the category of orthopedics. It is a common orthopedic disease, with primary and secondary causes. The secondary type is often caused by compression at the exit point of the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve, so sciatica can be treated in orthopedics or spinal surgery. Primary sciatica, generally caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, is managed by neurology. To address sciatica, many hospitals now have departments of pain management. Therefore, sciatica can be treated by four departments: orthopedics, spinal surgery, neurology, and pain management.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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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
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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 Chen Hui
Orthopedic Surgery
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Sciatica can heal on its own in a few weeks.

Lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerve roots in the lower back can cause pain in the buttocks and popliteal fossa, which we can refer to as sciatica. The underlying cause is still due to lumbar disc herniation. Generally, over 95% of patients experiencing initial pain can self-heal and find relief from the pain. In terms of sciatica, statistical and evidence-based medical research shows that most patients, especially those who initially exhibit symptoms, generally experience significant symptom relief within three months. However, if symptoms do not improve within three months, surgery is definitely indicated.