Sciatica

Overview

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It is often caused by compression or irritation of the nerve, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide expert diagnosis and personalised treatment for sciatica to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help prevent recurrence.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is typically caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, often due to:

• Herniated (slipped) disc
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebrae slipping out of place)
• Piriformis syndrome, where a muscle in the buttocks compresses the nerve
• Injury or trauma to the lower back

Risk factors include prolonged sitting, poor posture, heavy lifting, and age-related spinal changes.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms typically affect one side of the body and may include:

• Sharp, shooting pain radiating from the lower back down the leg
• Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Burning or aching sensations along the nerve pathway
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

Diagnosis at Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our spinal specialists use a combination of:

• Physical examination, assessing reflexes, strength, and flexibility
• MRI scans, to detect disc herniation or nerve compression
• X-rays, to assess spinal alignment or degenerative changes
• Nerve conduction studies, if required

Treatment Options

Many people with sciatica improve with non-surgical treatment:

• Pain relief medications
• Anti-inflammatory therapy
• Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve posture
• Targeted steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
• Activity modification and mobility advice

Surgical intervention may be recommended for severe, persistent cases, including:

• Microdiscectomy, to remove a portion of a herniated disc
• Spinal decompression surgery, to relieve pressure on nerves

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Specialist spinal consultants and orthopaedic surgeons
• On-site diagnostics for rapid assessment
• Personalised non-surgical and surgical treatment options
• Expert rehabilitation programmes to support long-term recovery
• Private, patient-centred care with minimal waiting times

If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert diagnosis and treatment to help relieve pain and restore mobility. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers consultations, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly any costs will always be discussed.