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Sciatica Treatment in Hyderabad: Stepwise Relief and Safe Options

Comprehensive treatment approach for sciatica with conservative-first care and minimally invasive surgical options

Last medically reviewed: October 1, 2025 by Dr Sayuj Krishnan

Overview

Sciatica is nerve pain that travels from the lower back into the leg, often due to a herniated (slip) disc or foraminal narrowing. Most patients improve with conservative care. If pain persists or weakness appears, minimally invasive or endoscopic decompression may be considered—based on MRI and safety. Our team at Yashoda Hospitals – Malakpet focuses on clear diagnosis, conservative‑first care, and realistic recovery timelines.

Symptoms and Red Flags

  • Sharp, burning, or electric pain down the leg; numbness or tingling
  • Pain worse with cough/sneeze or certain movements
  • Possible weakness in foot or ankle

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:

  • Loss of bowel/bladder control
  • Severe or rapidly worsening weakness
  • Fever with back pain

Common Causes

  • Herniated lumbar disc pressing on a nerve root
  • Foraminal stenosis from bone/ligament thickening
  • Less commonly: cysts, prior surgery changes, or spinal instability

Diagnosis

  • Clinical exam: strength, sensation, reflexes, straight‑leg raise, gait
  • MRI: confirms disc level and side; looks for nerve compression
  • When needed: targeted injections to localize pain

Conservative Treatment (First Line)

  • Medicines: short courses as appropriate; nerve pain control when indicated
  • Physiotherapy: core stabilization, hip‑glute strength, neural mobility, posture retraining
  • Ergonomics: sit‑stand alternation, micro‑breaks, safe lifting techniques
  • Activity modification: gradual walking program; avoid heavy lifting/twisting early

If symptoms ease and function returns, continue rehab. If pain persists, or there is progressive weakness, we reassess for intervention.

Endoscopic Discectomy (When Indicated)

What it is:

Through a 6–8 mm portal, the herniated fragment is removed under endoscopic visualization to free the nerve.

Who may benefit:

Confirmed disc herniation matching symptoms, limited response to conservative care, and MRI anatomy that allows safe endoscopic access.

Benefits:

  • Tiny incision
  • Minimal muscle disruption
  • Earlier mobilization in selected patients
  • Some qualify for day‑care discharge

Risks:

Infection, bleeding, nerve injury, CSF leak, recurrence, or conversion to a microscopic approach if safety requires.

Endoscopic Foraminotomy (For Foraminal Sciatica)

Enlarges the nerve's exit corridor if foraminal narrowing is the primary cause. Considered when MRI shows bony/soft tissue impingement at the foramen.

Recovery Timeline (Typical Ranges; Individualized)

Day 0

Walk with supervision once fully awake

Week 1

Gentle walking, wound care; avoid bending/twisting/heavy lifting

Weeks 2–4

Desk work may resume with micro‑breaks; begin guided rehab after wound check

Weeks 4–8

Progress activity; manual work returns with graded loads

Red flags:

Fever, wound drainage, new/worsening weakness—contact clinic promptly

Costs and Insurance (Hyderabad)

  • Many policies cover indicated in‑patient decompression after pre‑authorization
  • Day‑care can reduce costs for eligible endoscopic cases
  • Written estimates provided after evaluation

Local Care and Access

We serve patients across Hyderabad, including Banjara Hills, Hitech City, Gachibowli, LB Nagar, and Secunderabad. Bring prior imaging to reduce duplicate tests and streamline planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will sciatica go away on its own?

Many cases improve with time and therapy. If pain persists or weakness appears, we reassess options.

Is bed rest recommended?

Prolonged bed rest rarely helps. Gentle walking and guided rehab usually work better.

Is endoscopic recovery always faster?

Many eligible patients mobilize sooner, but recovery varies. We choose the safest option for your MRI and health.

Can sciatica come back?

Recurrence can occur. Exercise, posture, and safe lifting reduce risk but cannot eliminate it.

Related Services

Endoscopic Discectomy

Minimally invasive treatment for herniated discs

Endoscopic Foraminotomy

Foraminal stenosis relief

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Comprehensive MISS techniques

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Call to Action

Book a consultation at Yashoda Hospitals – Malakpet. Bring your MRI and medication list so we can plan a safe, stepwise recovery.

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References

Disclaimer

Educational content only; decisions are individualized after exam and imaging. No outcome is guaranteed.

Last medically reviewed: October 1, 2025 by Dr Sayuj Krishnan