Which department should I go to for sciatica?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 20, 2024

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When experiencing sciatic nerve pain, we first need to analyze the cause of such pain symptoms, such as a herniated disc compressing the nerve root leading to sciatica. In this case, we recommend visiting an orthopedic or spinal surgery department. If there is no disc herniation or nerve root compression, consideration should be given to whether the pain is caused by piriformis syndrome, in which case a visit to the pain management department is suggested.

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Written by Chen Hui

Orthopedic Surgery

30sec

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Where to treat sciatica?

Sciatica is relatively common among the general population. Its symptoms manifest as numbness, swelling, and weakness in one leg. The most common cause is herniation of the lumbar intervertebral disc, which compresses the nerve roots resulting in these symptoms. Therefore, when such symptoms occur, it is necessary to seek treatment at a formal medical institution. One could visit the orthopedics department, or if the hospital has specialized departments, it is best to consult the department of spinal surgery.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

29sec

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Which department should I visit for sciatica?

Pain in the sciatic nerve first requires a visit to orthopedics or spinal surgery to look into whether the pain is caused by a herniated disc compressing the nerve root. If examinations or imaging studies find no abnormalities, we might consider the possibility of piriformis syndrome, or other reasons causing the nerve pain. You can then consult the pain management department to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment, primarily involving orthopedics and pain management.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao

Orthopedics

50sec

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Where to perform moxibustion for sciatica

Typical sciatica, in addition to soreness and numbness in the buttocks, is accompanied by sensory abnormalities in the back of the thigh, the back of the calf, the lateral muscles, and the foot. Thus, the location for moxibustion treatment spans from the buttocks to the thigh and calf, targeting corresponding traditional Chinese medicine acupoints progressively. This can alleviate, to some extent, the sensory abnormalities in the buttocks and lower limbs caused by sciatica. It is recommended to concurrently take oral medications that nourish the nerves to collectively reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. If there is no significant relief after two to four weeks of treatment, it is advised to revisit the hospital for further examination and treatment. Hospitalization for systematic treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 24sec

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to severe pain caused by various reasons that result in the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve. The typical pain of sciatica radiates from the lower back to the buttock or the back of the thigh and the lateral side of the leg down to the foot. The pain can intensify during coughing or increased abdominal pressure. Additionally, this condition is often accompanied by dullness or numbness, and in a minority of cases, it can cause bilateral sciatica. Generally, there are three main causes of sciatica: The first is chemical irritation, mainly when the disc tissue comes into contact with the sciatic nerve, releasing chemical substances that stimulate and trigger an autoimmune response, resulting in neuritis. The second cause is mechanical compression, primarily from protuberance and nucleus pulposus compression or traction on the already inflamed nerve root, leading to obstructed blood flow and worsening edema. The third cause follows chemical stimulation and mechanical compression, leading to ischemic symptoms in the injured nerve, which then results in pain. Therefore, sciatica typically has primary and secondary causes. The primary cause is sciatic neuritis, while secondary causes are usually associated with lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar tumors, and piriformis outlet syndrome.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

38sec

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Sciatica belongs to which department?

Sciatica mostly falls under the category of orthopedics. It is a common orthopedic disease, with primary and secondary causes. The secondary type is often caused by compression at the exit point of the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve, so sciatica can be treated in orthopedics or spinal surgery. Primary sciatica, generally caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, is managed by neurology. To address sciatica, many hospitals now have departments of pain management. Therefore, sciatica can be treated by four departments: orthopedics, spinal surgery, neurology, and pain management.