Google Reviews
No 10/3/89, Ground Floor AB Road, Street No. 2, near Pillar, Royal Colony, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana 500006, India
Based on 2,598 reviews
Sciatica Treatment at DR Care —
Pain Shooting from Your Back Down Your Leg?
It May Be Sciatica.
That sharp, burning, or electric pain that runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg can make sitting, walking, and sleeping a struggle. Sciatica has a cause, and finding it is the first step to feeling better. Our doctors listen, examine, and explain your options in plain language.
- Detailed Consultation
- Clear Diagnosis
- Only the Tests You Need
- Personalised Treatment Plan
- Honest Guidance on Options
- Follow-up Care
- Unhurried consultations
- Plain-language explanations
- Care planned around your daily life
Thank you!
We have received your details and will get back to you very soon.
Your reference number
57 Branches
Accessible quality care, anytime
44 L+ patients treated
Building trust, one patient at a time
300+ Doctors
Experienced doctors with successful track record
110+ Treatments
Holistic treatments that fit your budget
25+ years
Compassionate, personalised care
— Understanding the condition —
Sciatica: what it really means
Sciatica is not a disease in itself. It is the name for pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in the body. This nerve starts in the lower back, passes through the buttock, and runs down the back of each leg to the foot.
When something irritates or presses on this nerve, or on the nerve roots that join to form it, the pain does not stay in the back. It travels. People describe it as a shooting, burning, or electric-shock sensation down one leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness, or weakness. It usually affects one side only.
The most common reason is a slipped or bulging disc in the lower spine pressing on a nerve root. But it can also come from a narrowing of the spinal canal, a muscle in the buttock tightening around the nerve, a joint problem, or, less often, other causes.
Here is the reassuring part. Many people with sciatica get better with simple, non-surgical treatment, and serious complications are uncommon. But a few situations need prompt care, and treating the pain alone does not deal with what is pressing on the nerve. That is why it is worth having it checked properly.
How long sciatica lasts, and when it should be worried about, varies from person to person. A doctor reads it in the context of your age, your symptoms, and your general health, not by a fixed number of days.
— Know the symptoms —
Common symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica can feel different from person to person. You might notice:
The pattern gives useful clues. For example, pain that is worse on sitting is common with disc problems, while leg pain that comes on with walking and eases on sitting or leaning forward can point to narrowing of the spinal canal.
Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh, and sometimes into the calf or foot
A sharp, burning, or electric-shock type of pain, rather than a dull ache
Pain that is worse when sitting for a long time, bending forward, coughing, sneezing, or straining
Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in the leg or foot
Weakness in the leg, or difficulty lifting the foot or standing on the toes
Pain that is usually on one side only
A feeling that the leg is heavy, or pain that makes it hard to find a comfortable position at night
— Possible causes —
What can cause sciatica?
The cause of leg pain cannot be worked out from symptoms alone, and different causes are treated differently. These are the main possibilities doctors consider.
Herniated or bulging (slipped) disc
The soft cushions between the bones of the spine can bulge or tear, pressing on a nerve root. This is the most common cause of sciatica.
Spinal canal narrowing (stenosis)
With age, the space around the nerves can narrow because of wear in the joints, discs, and ligaments, leading to leg pain, especially while standing or walking.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can pinch a nerve.
Degenerative changes in the spine
General wear and tear of the discs and joints, which can irritate nerve roots.
Piriformis syndrome
A tight or irritated muscle deep in the buttock presses on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that can feel like sciatica.
Sacroiliac joint problems
Inflammation of the joint at the base of the spine can cause pain in the buttock and leg.
Injury
A fall, accident, or a heavy lift can damage the spine or surrounding structures.
Pregnancy
The weight of the growing baby and changes in the body can put pressure on the nerve.
Less common causes
Infection, tumours, or other conditions pressing on the spine or the nerve are uncommon, but are one reason a proper examination matters.
Conditions that can look similar
Diabetes can cause nerve pain in the legs, and problems in the hip, knee, or blood vessels can also cause leg pain that resembles sciatica.
Contributing factors
Excess body weight, a desk-bound lifestyle, weak core muscles, smoking, heavy lifting, and poor posture can make it more likely or more persistent.
— How we evaluate —
How we evaluate sciatica
It starts with a conversation. Your doctor will ask when the pain began, where it travels, what makes it better or worse, whether it follows lifting or an injury, whether you have tingling, numbness, or weakness, and whether there are any problems with your bladder or bowels. Your work, posture, exercise habits, previous back problems, and general health matter too.
The doctor will then examine you, checking how you walk and move, areas of tenderness, and muscle strength. A neurological examination, including reflexes, sensation, and a test where the leg is raised while you lie down, helps find out whether a nerve is affected.
Depending on what is found, your doctor may suggest further tests, such as:
1. X-ray of the spine
To look at the bones and alignment
2. MRI of the spine
Which shows the discs and nerves clearly. It is typically advised when there are warning signs, when symptoms are severe, when pain is not improving with treatment, or when injections or surgery are being considered.
3. Nerve conduction studies
In selected cases where the diagnosis is unclear
4. Blood tests
If infection, inflammation, diabetes, or other conditions need to be checked
Not everyone needs every test, and many people with sciatica do not need a scan at the start. Your doctor will explain which ones are useful for you, and why.
— Why get it checked —
Why medical evaluation matters
When pain is shooting down your leg, it is natural to reach for a painkiller, a hot compress, or a massage, and hope it passes. And for many people it does ease, with time. But because sciatica is a sign that a nerve is being irritated or pressed, the cause is worth understanding, particularly if it is not improving or is coming with other symptoms.
It finds the reason behind the pain
A disc problem, a narrowed canal, and a tight muscle each need different treatment.
It spots the urgent cases
Nerve compression with weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control needs prompt treatment to avoid lasting damage.
It avoids the wrong approach
Some massages, forceful manipulations, or exercises can worsen a disc problem. Long bed rest can also slow recovery.
It avoids unnecessary scans
Many people recover without an MRI, and scans can show changes that are common in people without pain, so results need to be read with your symptoms.
It protects you from over-reliance on painkillers
Regular long-term use of some painkillers can affect the stomach, kidneys, and blood pressure.
It gives you a plan
You learn what to do, what to avoid, how to move safely, and what to watch for.
DR Care
Personalised Sciatica Care
When to see a doctor —
Warning signs that need urgent attention
Most sciatica is painful but not an emergency. Some signs, however, can mean a serious pressure on the nerves of the lower spine, and need treatment without delay. Go to the nearest emergency department straight away if you have sciatica or back pain together with any of the following:
- Loss of control over your bladder or bowels, or difficulty passing urine
- Numbness around the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks (the saddle area)
- Weakness or numbness in both legs, or weakness that is quickly getting worse
- Sudden loss of the ability to lift the foot (foot drop)
- Fever or chills with severe back pain
- Severe pain after a fall, accident, or injury
Please do not wait at home with painkillers if you have these symptoms.
— Your care journey —
What to expect at DR Care
What we can promise is how we approach every visit. We listen first, we explain what we think is happening in language you can follow, and we only suggest tests and treatments that make sense for you.
What You Can Expect
Time to explain
You will not be hurried through your history or your questions.
Clear answers
We explain what is likely pressing on your nerve and what your scan does and does not mean, without heavy medical jargon.
Advice matched to you
Your age, work, daily routine, activity goals, and other health conditions all shape the plan.
Honest guidance about options
We will explain non-surgical and surgical choices plainly, and we will not recommend a scan or procedure you do not need.
Follow-up when it is needed
If pain continues or changes, you can come back and the plan can be reviewed.
Book a Visit Soon If…
Leg pain has gone on for more than a short while, or is not settling with rest and simple care
You have tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg or foot
Pain is disturbing your sleep, or limiting your work and daily activities
Pain keeps returning
You have a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, or long-term steroid use
You have diabetes, and are noticing numbness or burning in the legs
You are pregnant and have pain going down the leg
— Take the first step —
You don't have to keep living around the pain.
If pain has been running down your leg, a conversation with the right doctor can give you clarity. We will look at your symptoms and reports, explain what they mean, and help you plan the next steps, at a pace that suits you.
— Patient stories —
Patients who trust DR Care
Sciatica Care
Care planned around your daily life, at a pace that suits you.
— Treatment options —
How treatment is approached
Treatment depends on the cause, how severe the symptoms are, and your overall health. Most people improve without surgery. A plan may include some of the following.
Please avoid regular long-term use of painkillers, steroid tablets, or strong manipulation by untrained persons without medical advice. They can mask problems or cause harm.
Many people with sciatica improve over time, though it can return. The aim of treatment is to relieve pain, protect the nerve, restore movement, and lower the chances of recurrence. Responses differ from person to person, and results cannot be guaranteed.
01
Staying as active as you comfortably can
Gentle walking and normal activity usually help recovery more than prolonged bed rest.
02
Pain relief
Using medicines chosen carefully for you, along with heat application where it helps. Some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory tablets, are not suitable for everyone, especially people with stomach, kidney, or heart conditions.
03
Medicines for nerve pain or muscle spasm
In selected cases, for a limited period under medical supervision
04
Physiotherapy and exercise
To ease pressure on the nerve, strengthen the core and back muscles, and improve flexibility
05
Posture and ergonomic advice
Including sitting habits, lifting technique, and sleeping position
06
Weight management and lifestyle measures
Where relevant, including stopping smoking
07
Injections near the affected nerve
In selected cases, after discussing the potential benefits, limits, and risks
08
Surgery
When needed. This is considered when there is significant or worsening weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that has not improved with proper non-surgical treatment. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits, and risks, so you can make an informed decision.
09
Follow-up
To check progress and adjust the plan
— Questions patients usually ask —
Common concerns, honest answers
Back pain stays in the back. Sciatica is pain that travels from the back or buttock down the leg, often below the knee, and may come with tingling, numbness, or weakness. Both can happen together. Sciatica points to irritation of a nerve, so it is worth getting looked at.
It varies a great deal. Many people improve over a few weeks to a few months with proper care, but some take longer, and it can come back. If pain is severe, getting worse, or not improving, see a doctor rather than waiting.
Not always. Many people improve without a scan. An MRI is usually advised when there are warning signs, when pain or weakness is severe or worsening, when symptoms are not improving with treatment, or when injections or surgery are being considered.
A short rest when the pain is at its worst may feel necessary, but staying in bed for long periods usually slows recovery. Gentle movement and returning to normal activity as comfort allows tends to help. Your doctor will guide you for your situation.
Most people with sciatica are treated without surgery. Surgery is usually considered when there is significant or worsening weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that has not improved with proper non-surgical treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you if and when it becomes relevant.
Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, can put pressure on the lower back and discs, and make existing symptoms worse. Regular breaks, a supportive chair, a well-arranged workstation, and exercises that strengthen the core can help.
The right movement usually helps, but the type matters, and some positions can worsen a disc problem. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist which exercises are suitable for you before starting.
Go straight away if leg or back pain comes with loss of control over your bladder or bowels, numbness around the groin or buttocks, weakness in both legs or weakness that is quickly getting worse, sudden foot drop, fever with severe pain, or if it follows a significant injury.
— Inside our clinic —
A space designed for your comfort
Clean, calm and private, so every consultation feels comfortable and confidential.
— Patient stories —
REAL STORIES. REAL EXPERIENCES. TRUSTED CARE
Hear directly from our patients as they share their personal experiences with Dr Care . Every story reflects a unique healthcare journey, compassionate support, and the importance of personalized care.
— Our clinic locations —
FIND A CENTRE, NEAR YOU
Calm, private and comfortable clinics across every location. Tap any branch to get directions.