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Best Sciatica Doctors in Bangalore

Sciatica is a medical condition characterised by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. This pain typically affects one side of the body. Common underlying causes include lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and muscle spasms. Factors like age, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, weak core muscles, and certain occupations can increase the risk of developing sciatica.

In Bangalore, the IT hub of India, sciatica is prevalent due to sedentary work styles and increased stress levels. Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore boasts the best doctors specialising in sciatica pain relief, providing excellent healthcare services to residents.

Search Result: 2

Dr Krishna K N

MBBS, Mch (Neurosurgery)

Registration No

213865

Language

English

35 years experience overall

Jayanagar , Bangalore


MON- SAT(11:00 AM-05:30 PM)
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Dr Satish Satyanarayana

Mch.(Neurosurgery,DNB (Neurosurgery) Fellowship in Neuro Surgery(L.S.U.H.S.C)

Registration No

5463143

Language

English, हिंदी, ಕನ್ನಡ, తెలుగు

29 years experience overall

BANNERGHATTA ROAD , Bangalore


MON- SAT, MON- SAT(10:00 AM-03:00 PM)
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Frequently Asked Questions for s in

B12 deficiency can cause symptoms similar to sciatica, such as nerve pain and tingling sensations. However, B12 deficiency itself does not directly cause sciatica. Proper diagnosis by a doctor is vital.

Common sciatica symptoms include lower back pain that radiates down the buttocks and legs. It can also manifest as a tingling sensation or numbness in the affected leg, muscle weakness, and difficulty with movement or walking. It is important to note that the severity and presentation of sciatica symptoms can vary depending on the individual

Surgical intervention for sciatica is usually considered when less invasive treatments fail to improve symptoms or if there is severe nerve compression causing progressive weakness or loss of bladder/bowel control. The specific surgical procedure depends on the underlying cause of sciatica.

Sciatica may feel worse at night due to changes in body position and reduced distractions. Lying down can increase pressure on the nerve roots, causing increased pain and discomfort.

Sciatica typically affects only one leg. However, in some cases, it can affect both legs if there is compression or irritation of the nerve roots on both sides of the spine.

No. Sciatica does not directly affect the heart. However, severe pain from sciatica can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which may indirectly affect heart health in some individuals. Sciatica can be a debilitating condition, but it is important to know that most people make a full recovery with appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing long-term complications.

Tests such as X-ray scans or MRI scans can confirm the presence of sciatica by revealing any structural abnormalities or nerve compression in the spine. These tests also help identify the underlying cause of sciatica.

If left untreated, sciatica can lead to chronic pain and disability. It can also cause muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty with movement or controlling bladder and bowel function. Early diagnosis and treatment usually help prevent long-term complications.

The compression of the sciatic nerve, or the irritation of it, is what causes sciatica. This can occur due to a herniated disc, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, muscle spasms, or other conditions that pressure the nerve roots in the lower back.

Yes, sciatica is considered a neurological problem because it involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, a major nerve originating from the lower spine and extending down the back of each leg.

Sciatica is diagnosed using a physical examination and medical history review. Imaging tests such as MRI scans, and X-rays, may also be conducted.

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet. Symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel function, should also prompt a visit to the doctor.

Orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, and physiotherapists are specialists who commonly treat sciatica. They have expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Maintaining good posture can help prevent sciatica. Regular exercise to strengthen the back and core muscles, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and using proper lifting techniques can also help prevent the condition.

Sciatica treatment options include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold therapy, and steroid injections. Surgery is usually recommended in severe cases or if conservative treatments fail to provide relief.

Types/Stages of Sciatica

Sciatica is typically categorised into three stages:

  • Acute Phase: This initial stage is characterised by sudden onset pain along the sciatic nerve pathway, immediate focus is on pain relief and symptom management.

  • Subacute Phase: This stage is characterised by ongoing pain and discomfort beyond the acute phase. Treatments focus on addressing the underlying cause of sciatica, improving mobility, and enhancing overall function.

  • Chronic Phase: Persistent and long-lasting symptoms require crucial long-term management to prevent recurrence, effectively manage symptoms, and ensure optimal quality of life.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The symptoms of sciatica can vary widely and may include:

  • Pain radiating from the lower back down the leg

  • Numbness or tingling sensation in the affected leg or foot

  • Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot

  • Difficulty moving or performing daily activities due to pain and discomfort

  • Symptoms worsening with prolonged sitting, standing, or walking

  • A feeling of heaviness in the affected leg

  • Disturbed sleep due to pain

Tests to Diagnose Sciatica

To diagnose the condition, specialists for sciatica pain relief may recommend several tests, including:

  • Physical Examination: The healthcare provider may check muscle strength and reflexes, and conduct clinical tests like the straight leg raise and slump test to assess sciatic nerve irritation.

  • X-ray: X-ray can reveal mechanical changes in the spine that may be contributing to sciatic nerve compression, such as bone spurs or other abnormalities

  • MRI: Provide detailed images of the soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and intervertebral discs, allowing visualisation of conditions like herniated discs that can cause sciatica.

  • CT scan: Provides detailed images of the spine to identify potential causes such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

  • Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of the muscles and can confirm the severity of a nerve root injury in sciatica.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Sciatica at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

To manage the condition effectively, doctors specialising in sciatica treatment may offer a range of treatments, such as:

  • Medication: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and prescription drugs can effectively manage pain and inflammation.

  • Physical Therapy: Trained physiotherapists guide patients through specific exercises and stretches designed to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture, all of which can help alleviate sciatica symptoms.

  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections administered near the affected nerve can reduce inflammation and offer temporary relief from sciatica symptoms.

  • Massage therapy and TENS: Techniques like therapeutic massage and TENS therapy offer relief by relaxing muscles, reducing tension, and blocking pain signals, respectively.

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT aids in managing the psychological effects of chronic sciatica pain, enhancing coping mechanisms, and improving overall well-being.

  • Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like discectomy or laminectomy may be performed by skilled surgeons specialising in sciatica treatment. These surgical interventions aim to alleviate pressure on the affected nerve and provide long-term relief from symptoms.

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