Sciatica. Sciatic Nerve | Nuffield Health

Obstructions such as a disc prolapse or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) can put pressure on your sciatic nerve. This may make you feel pain running over your hip and down your leg called sciatic pain.

Mild cases of sciatica can be treated with over the counter pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If your symptoms persist or increase see your GP.

If conservative treatments are not successful you may be referred to a spinal consultant. They may order x-rays or an MRI scan. Based on the results of these procedures your consultant may recommend a further course of treatment.

Related tests and scans

Electromyography (EMG)

An electromyography is a test to measure your muscle activity at rest and during use.

MRI scan

An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

X-ray

An X-ray machine produces images of the inside of the body. It is effective in assessing bones and other dense structures within the body.

Related treatments and procedures

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

An anterior cervical discectomy is an operation performed on your upper spine to relieve pain caused by a herniated disc.

Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical spine surgery at Nuffield Health can take many forms, including myelopathy, cervical disc replacement, cervical neuropathy, cervical spondylitis and disc prolapse.

Epidural injection for pain relief

An epidural is a type of pain-killing injection given by an anaesthetist.

Laminectomy

During a laminectomy the surgeon removes enough bone and tissue from the back of the spine to free trapped nerves.

Lumbar discectomy

During lumbar discectomy a surgeon will remove the herniated portion of a disc relieving the pressure on nearby nerves. The procedure is often performed with minimal invasion and often referred to as microdiscectomy.

Lumbar sympathetic blocks

A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection of local anesthetic into or around the sympathetic nerves.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery

Advances in medical technology mean many spinal procedures can now be performed as minimally invasive surgery.

Removal of spinal hardware

During spinal fusion your consultant used surgical plates, rods or screws to weld your spine together eliminating motion that caused you back pain.

Sacroiliac joint injections

Sacroiliac joint injections involve injecting anti-inflammatories or anaesthetic into problem areas.

Spinal (lumbar) Decompression

Spinal decompression is a type of back surgery used to release trapped nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine.

Spinal fusion surgery

Spinal fusion is an operation to weld or fuse together the small bones in your back eliminating motion that is causing back pain.