Key Pointers:
- Sciatica arises from nerve compression by herniated discs, stenosis, or spasm.
- Symptoms: shooting leg pain, tingling, numbness; urgent signs include weakness or bladder issues.
- Begin with physiotherapy: core strengthening, mobility, and postural correction.
- Add medications or targeted injections for flare control when needed.
- Surgery is reserved for persistent, severe, or progressive deficits after expert evaluation.
If you’ve ever felt a sharp, radiating pain from your lower back down your leg, you’re not alone. Sciatica is a common condition in Singapore that can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts daily life. But when it comes to sciatica treatment, how do you know whether to stretch it out, manage it with medication, or consider surgery?
Choosing the right path depends on the cause, severity, and the extent to which it affects your life. Here’s what you need to know about your options.
What Exactly Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower spine through your hips and down each leg. It’s often triggered by:
- A herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Bone spurs
- Piriformis syndrome (muscle-related nerve compression)
Symptoms may include sharp or burning leg pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can affect mobility or bladder control, indicating a need for urgent attention.
Option 1: Stretching and Physiotherapy
When to consider it: For mild to moderate sciatica that’s recently started or triggered by muscle tightness or poor posture.
Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises can relieve pressure on the nerve and improve spinal alignment. Physiotherapists often focus on:
- Core strengthening
- Hamstring and hip stretches
- Postural correction
This conservative approach is often the first step in treatment and can be highly effective over time when done consistently.
Option 2: Medications and Pain Management
When to consider it: If stretching alone doesn’t offer enough relief or if pain flares up periodically.
Common medications include:
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants
- Nerve pain medications (like pregabalin or gabapentin)
- Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation
These help manage symptoms while your body heals naturally. However, they’re not long-term solutions and work best when combined with physiotherapy.
Option 3: Surgery
When to consider it: If pain is severe, persistent beyond 6–12 weeks, or if there’s significant weakness, loss of function, or bladder/bowel issues.
Surgical options such as microdiscectomy or laminectomy are designed to relieve nerve pressure and stabilise the spine. These procedures are usually considered when other treatments haven’t worked or when the condition is worsening.
Surgery can offer rapid relief and improved mobility, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the risks, and only proceed after a full evaluation by a spine specialist.
Which Path Is Right For You?
The ideal treatment depends on the root cause and severity of your sciatica. Most patients start with conservative care and only progress to surgery if necessary. Early diagnosis and personalised care make all the difference in recovery.
Your Relief Starts With The Right Guidance
Living with sciatica doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you’re just noticing symptoms or have tried everything without success, a tailored treatment plan can help you get back to living pain-free.
Book a consultation with an Orthopaedic Spine Specialist at MASH Clinic to explore the best sciatica treatment path for your condition, backed by experience, precision, and patient-focused care.
