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By Healthtrip Team Blog Published on - 06 June - 2022

Whom To Consult For Sciatica-Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon?

Overview

Sciatica is one of the most common neural pain disorders, affecting 10% to 40% of the world population. However, it’s not a disease or diagnosis. It expresses an underlying medical condition affecting the lower back region across the buttocks and the thighs and calf muscles. But to whom should you consult—a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for sciatica issues? Here we’ve discussed a few differences that are worth noting when choosing the right practitioner. Keep reading to learn more.

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What causes sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve (found in the lower back and legs) is pinched in some way. When a person has a herniated disc, the sciatic nerve is frequently pinched. An outgrowth of bone (known as a bone spur) on the vertebrae can also squeeze the sciatic nerve and produce sciatica in some circumstances.

Age, obesity, diabetes, and prolonged periods of sitting are all risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing sciatica.

Exercise on a regular basis, employing proper body motions (particularly when carrying heavy objects), and keeping good posture when sitting are the best ways to avoid sciatica.

Understanding the symptoms of sciatica:

Sciatica symptoms can range from a simple, bothersome, mild ache to stronger feelings similar to being burned. The discomfort can be intense and unbearable in some circumstances. Sciatica has a number of common symptoms, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • A tingling and/or burning sensation runs down the leg.
  • A sensation of weakness or numbness in the foot or leg.
  • Consistent pain along the side of the back
  • Any leg and/or back discomfort that intensifies when seated.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you should see a doctor right away.

  • Controlling the bladder and bowel movements is difficult.
  • Sciatica pain that occurs quickly after a big catastrophe, such as a car crash,
  • Numbness or muscle weakness in the lower back and/or leg that comes quickly and is accompanied by acute pain
  • Sciatica often affects only one side of the lower body, though it can infrequently affect both sides (such as both hips, legs, etc.). In most cases, the discomfort will start in the lower back and progress to the thigh and leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is located, sciatica pain can also impact the foot and toes.

When should you seek medical help for sciatica pain?

Seeing a doctor is recommended for both relieving sciatica pain and determining or eliminating a serious underlying medical issue. Treatment focuses on addressing the cause of symptoms. rather than just the symptoms themselves, and options include self-or home care, nonsurgical therapies, or surgical cures for severe or intractable pain and dysfunction.

Who can treat your sciatica pain- a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon?

A neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon are both skilled enough to treat such symptoms. However, a neurosurgeon has more hands-on expertise in treating such symptoms and handling problems of the spinal cord and neurological system.

Specialists in back and leg pain come from a number of fields, including orthopedics, neurology, alternative, and complementary medicine.

Your primary care physician should be your initial point of contact. Rest, pain relievers, or an oral steroid dose pack, as well as muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, or opiates, are likely to be recommended. An MRI may be ordered by your doctor to determine the source of your pain or to rule out other diseases. If the discomfort persists, he may refer you to a neurologist.

Neurologists are experts in nervous system problems, which include sciatic nerve pain. A neurologist may conduct additional diagnostic tests such as an EMG (electromyography) or nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Because sciatica is a nerve problem, consulting a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

When non-invasive pain relief treatments fail, a patient may be sent to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon. Surgery is normally undertaken as a last choice when there is a sudden loss of limb function, the pain is intolerable, or there is evidence of imminent nerve injury.

In addition, interventional pain management specialists are trained and licensed to treat back and leg pain in addition to the therapies recommended by your health care practitioner. They may recommend epidural steroid injections or buttock piriformis tendon injections, as well as exercise and rest.

Why should you consider getting sciatica pain treatment in India?

For a few major reasons, India is the most favored place for various treatments and operations.

  • India's cutting-edge techniques,
  • NABH accredited hospitals
  • assured quality care.
  • medical skills, and
  • Our sciatica treatment costs in India are among the best in the world, as our patients need affordable and quality outcomes.

All these have significantly increased the success rate of sciatica pain treatments in India.

The patient can substantially benefit from the treatment by simply packing for their medical journey to India. We also offer a comprehensive range of counseling for coping with changes to our national and international patients as well.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of a sciatica pain treatment hospital in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your treatment and will be physically present with you even before your treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

  • Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
  • Transparent communication
  • Coordinated care
  • Prior appointment with specialists
  • Assistance with hospital formalities
  • 24*7 availability
  • Arrangements for travel
  • Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
  • Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality health care to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.

FAQs

Sciatica is a common neural pain disorder that originates from the lower back and radiates through the buttocks and legs due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica can be caused by conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, age-related changes, obesity, diabetes, and prolonged sitting.
Symptoms of sciatica include tingling, burning sensations down the leg, weakness or numbness in the foot or leg, consistent pain along the back, and worsening pain when seated.
Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty controlling bladder/bowel movements, sudden pain after an accident, rapid numbness or muscle weakness accompanied by acute pain, or if pain persists.
Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can treat sciatica, but neurosurgeons specialize in spinal cord and neurological issues, making them well-suited for nerve-related problems like sciatica.
Treatment options range from self-care and medication to nonsurgical therapies and, in extreme cases, surgery. Neurologists may conduct diagnostic tests, and interventional pain management specialists can recommend injections and exercise.
India offers advanced techniques, NABH accredited hospitals, high-quality care, skilled medical professionals, and affordable costs, making it a preferred destination for medical treatments.
We provide expert physician opinions, transparent communication, coordinated care, specialist appointments, help with hospital formalities, travel arrangements, accommodation assistance, and emergency support to ensure a smooth treatment journey.
Cutting-edge techniques, quality care, medical expertise, NABH accreditation, and cost-effectiveness have contributed to the high success rate of sciatica pain treatments in India.
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