Where to go for sciatica treatment

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on March 19, 2025

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The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human lower limb. If symptoms of sciatic nerve pain occur, it is first necessary to determine the cause of this pain. Sometimes, the pain is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc, leading to a ruptured nucleus pulposus protruding from the annulus fibrosus, which compresses the nerve root canal, causing this nerve pain. In such cases, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic or spinal surgery department. If there is no degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral discs or the condition of spinal stenosis, and only this pain occurs, it is advisable to visit a pain management department.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 21sec

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How to completely cure sciatica?

Treatment methods for sciatica include several approaches. First, resting on a hard board bed; typically, this rest period lasts three to four weeks, during which many patients experience symptom relief. Second, pharmacological treatment is recommended, usually involving non-steroidal pain relievers, as well as vitamins B1, B6, and B12. Short courses of corticosteroid hormones are also used. However, it is important to use hormones minimally and to stop their use correctly if possible. Third, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments are preferred. Many cases of sciatica may be alleviated or even cured with the proper application of traditional Chinese medicine and herbs. Common remedies include Xuanluo Tongbi Decoction, Wutou Xixin Tongbi Decoction, and Duhuo Jisheng Decoction. Local injection treatments are also available, but it is crucial to ensure precise and successful injection on the first attempt. Fourth, exercise therapy is essential as inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, so proper rehabilitation is necessary. Sixth, dietary therapy should focus on nutritious foods while avoiding junk food and spicy, stimulating dishes.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao

Orthopedics

1min 8sec

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Is it useful to take calcium supplements for sciatica?

Generally speaking, supplementing calcium has very limited effects on sciatica. Sciatica is typically caused by compression at the location where the nerves deviate, or by herniated lumbar discs, leading to compression of the sciatic nerve. This means that different compression sites require different treatment methods. For sciatica, if it is caused by a herniated lumbar disc compressing the nerve, minimally invasive surgery can be performed when necessary to remove the protruding disc tissue. If the sciatic nerve is compressed near the buttocks or the piriformis, surgery may be required to remove part of the tissue to relieve or loosen the compressed sciatic nerve. In terms of medication, oral nutritional supplements for nerves, anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs can be used to improve the condition of the compressed sciatic nerve. This can further alleviate corresponding symptoms such as pain and sensory abnormalities, while the role of calcium supplementation is very limited or ineffective. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

26sec

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Which department should I go to for sciatica?

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 Xie Yi Song

Orthopedics

1min 13sec

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What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica refers to the pain caused by the sciatic nerve due to various reasons, such as compression from spinal diseases or simply sciatica itself, and it is inherently a symptom. What are the characteristics of this symptom? Sciatica can occur on one side or both sides simultaneously. When it occurs, the pain is usually continuous and can have episodic exacerbations. The pain is often dull, stabbing, burning, or like a knife-cutting sensation. It radiates from the buttocks along the back of the thigh and the outer back of the lower leg toward the foot. Clinically, sciatica is divided into secondary and primary types. Secondary pain is due to compression of the sciatic nerve root, commonly seen in conditions like lumbar disc herniation and other spinal disorders. It often accompanies percussion pain in the lumbar spine, and the pain may worsen with coughing, sneezing, or bending, and severe cases may experience numbness in the skin of the lower limbs. Primary sciatica refers to simple inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This type generally presents pain in the buttocks and back of the thigh and usually does not involve percussion pain in the lumbar spine.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

39sec

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Can sciatica patients run?

The pain of the sciatic nerve is generally caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus protrudes through the rupture of the fibrous ring of the degenerated disc, compressing the nerve root, which leads to symptoms such as sciatic nerve pain, numbness, and even restricted movement when walking. The intervertebral disc serves to absorb shocks and cushion the pressure on the lower back. During running, the load on the lower back increases, which could potentially exacerbate the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. Therefore, it is best to avoid running exercises when sciatic nerve pain is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc.